Free Saving Face (Mount Faith Series: Book 1) by Brenda Barrett

faltered. "Okay then."
    "But Harriet already told you that on the phone." He walked beside her up the walkway. "Are you going to give me a dose of my own medicine and answer me like a self-assured arrogant pig if I ask you if you are seeing anyone?"
    Natasha grinned. "It's tempting, but no I am not seeing anyone. I haven't been in a relationship since," she stopped under a street lamp and screwed up her face, "five years ago. I dated a very clever con artist for a while…even lived with him. I should have listened to my mother and not live in sin. Turns out I was not only living in sin. I was also sleeping with sin."
    Taj laughed. "That's a novel way to put it…sleeping in sin."
    Natasha shrugged. "Never again."
    Taj nodded. "Is this a vague way of telling me that since I am so obviously interested in you that I must be above board or you will hurt me?"
    Natasha rolled her eyes and then started walking again. When they approached the mini plaza she said, "I am going to the supermarket."
    Taj followed behind her. "Just out of curiosity, how badly can you hurt me physically?"
    "I teach kickboxing to my fellow officers in the summers, when I am not under cover," Natasha said smirking. "I am also quite good at Aikido."
    "Never heard of that," Taj said shuddering. "It sounds really dangerous."
    "Have you ever watched a Steven Seagal movie?"
    "Yes, I am ashamed to admit it. I've watched all his movies," Taj said, "and I enjoy it."
    Natasha giggled. "You see his signature moves?"
    "The arm twisting stuff?" Taj asked. They were nearing the supermarket.
    Natasha nodded. "Yup. The defender does not try to stop the attacker, but uses his momentum against him. It is pretty easy, once you get the hang of it."
    Taj looked unsure. "I am taking your word for it. Want to have a drink when you are done shopping. I promised Micah I would have a chat with him. Might as well check him now since I am here."
    Natasha's eyes lit up. "Sure."
    Taj grinned, "I wish you were getting excited to be having a drink with me, but I figure it's Micah that has you excited. You will have an opportunity to pick his mind."
    Natasha laughed. "I like you."
    Taj placed his hand on his heart comically. "Thank God, because I like you too."
     
     
    Natasha was still smiling when she entered the student lounge. There were several sitting areas and rooms where students were playing pool and dominoes. She headed toward where Taj was sitting around a circular table with Micah. They had a several bottles of drinks on a tray between them.
    They both had a faint resemblance when she catalogued their features. She glanced from one to the other. It was faint but the resemblance was there, around the eyes. Micah had almost waist length neatly groomed dread locks. His eyes were deep set and he was whipcord lean—he looked like he had a long distance runner's body. He had a chain around his neck with a small blue whale in the middle.
    "Hey, Taj's girlfriend, have a seat," he said waving to her. He had a slightly husky voice and Natasha smiled. He made a very nice package. If she hadn't seen Taj first, she might have been interested in him.
    "Is that what he told you?" She sat down and put down her bag between her and Taj.
    "No," Micah said, "I saw you two flirting and grinning from the edge of the driveway and came to my own conclusions."
    Natasha nodded. "Were you expecting Taj?"
    "Not really," Micah said, "I was expecting my fiancée." He looked down in his drink sheepishly.
    "Long story. My father is forcing me to marry her. She's the only daughter of a very generous benefactor of this college." He sighed, a look of pain flashing across his eyes. She's a past beauty queen—spoiled, immature, and young but my father requested it. In the past I would jump through his hoops, but not this time."
    Natasha made a moue sound. "Hush, there are worst things than being forced to marry a pretty, rich girl."
    "I am not going to marry her." Micah sighed. "I am not going to be working