Free Driven to Date by Susan Hatler Page B

distance between us and press my mouth to his. I mean, would that be so bad? Maybe Madison would see, and want to hand me that promotion tonight.
    As I started to lean forward, someone’s hip bounced into mine, and I turned. It was Ginger and her dance partner. I felt both relieved and frustrated by her timing, but I managed a smile for her. She seemed to be having a great time, and this new guy seemed to be enjoying himself as well.
    After several more songs, I figured we should take a breather to regroup. I fanned my face, then leaned toward Ryan. “Let’s take a break.”
    He nodded, slipped his arm around me, and guided me through the sea of bodies. “Would you like something to drink?”
    I scanned the table for my Mojito, but it seemed to have disappeared. Just as well, anyway. Sarah was nowhere in sight, and I wouldn’t want to risk that someone had slipped something into my drink while I’d abandoned it. “What do you want? I’m buying, remember?”
    He winked at me. “I’ll get this one. What were you drinking earlier? Mojito?”
    I nodded.
    “I’ll be right back.” He dropped his palm from my back, and I missed the warm feeling of his hand against me.
    Ignoring that crazy thought, I scanned the area for Sarah, wondering where she’d disappeared to. No luck. I pulled my cell out of my pocket to see if she’d texted me. No incoming texts, but I did have a voicemail. I squeezed my way around the crowd to the ladies room, where the music was infinitely quieter. I dialed voicemail, typed in my password, then brought my phone to my ear.
    Hi, Jill. It’s Madison. Dan and I were all dressed to go out when an unbelievable fatigue settled over me. Must be the baby wanting me to rest. So, I’m sorry to say we won’t be able to meet you tonight. I look forward to seeing you Friday at three, though. My partners are excited to meet you as well. Give my best to Ryan. Have a good night.
    Disappointment made me close my eyes and lean against the wall. But then I reminded myself that she’d said the partners were looking forward to meeting me, and that sounded promising. I clicked to the sink in my heels, jerked a paper towel from its rack and ran it under the faucet. What would I do with Ryan now? It would be rude to desert him after he’d come out tonight just for me.
    Although, maybe he’d just come out because he felt sorry for me since he’d gotten the job I wanted. I had made a pretty big stink about it and, despite his affinity for hopping from woman to woman, he did seem like a really nice guy.
    My stomach knotted, thinking he’d only come out of pity. I dabbed the cool paper on my forehead and temples, and told myself to chill out. He seemed to be having a good time. I eyed myself in the mirror, remembering him saying I looked amazing. My cheeks turned pink, but that was probably from a mixture of exercise, heat, and liquor. I ran a hand through my gold streaked hair, letting it fall back into place.
    I needed to get a grip. I’d just tell Ryan that Madison had canceled, then he could decide if he wanted to stay or not. Taking a deep breath, I pushed out the restroom door into the crowd, and headed for the bar. One look at the blonde sidling up to Ryan and all thoughts of getting a grip were gone.
    Irritation snaked down my spine as I strode toward Ryan, who had his drink in one hand and my Mojito in the other. His head was leaning toward the blonde, listening to what was most likely her best pick up line. The blonde was tall, sexy, and wearing a black dress that, in my opinion, was cut a little too low in the front. But, whatever.
    “Thanks for getting my drink, snookie.” I narrowed my eyes at Ryan. It’s not that I was jealous, per se, but the blonde didn’t seem like his type.
    The corners of Ryan’s mouth turned up. “Kim, this is my girlfriend, who I was telling you about.”
    The blonde pursed her lips. “She really does scowl at you a lot.”
    Ryan chuckled, then squeezed me against him.