Free Amorous (The Lincoln Series Book 1) by Susan Baer

only night and relax. Maybe I should just go home and let you two catch up.”
    “Don’t worry. I just want you to meet him. He probably won’t hang around long anyway. You know how guys are. Girly talk gives them hives.” Janet grinned from ear to ear. “But seriously, I think you’re gonna like this one.”
    “Jan you don’t understand. I’ve been—”
    “Well, I’d love to hear all about it but now wouldn’t be a good time.” Janet cut her off with a look of disgust and nodded in a direction behind Marie.
    “Dear lord, not tonight. I don’t have the energy for him.” Marie closed her eyes and wished she had just stayed home.
    “Well, hello ladies. Is this seat taken?”
    Jake’s slimy voice sent a cold shiver down her spine. He didn’t wait for an answer but pulled the chair next to her closer and sat down. And as usual, he sat way too close for her comfort.
    She slid her chair away from him. Just breathing the same air was enough to make her nauseous.
    He had been hounding her since their one and only date from hell two years ago. The day after he had walked into Parillo’s with the bimbo crawling all over him, he started making regular stops at her table. He never failed to make her regret her time with him and leave her feeling dirty and used.
    Janet crossed her arms and glared at him. “Actually, Jake, it is taken and he’ll be here any minute so I think it would be best if you just slithered on out of here.”
    He ignored Janet’s comment and gave Marie the once over with his sleazy smile. He always made her feel violated when he did that.
    “Marie, baby. The longer you keep up this game of Hard to Get the more you risk losing my interest. I just might get tired of waiting around.” He leaned over and put his arm across her shoulders, the smell of stale beer and bourbon assaulted her senses.
    She jumped to her feet and stepped back. She glared at him and said, “Look, Jake. I’ve had a hard day and I really don’t want to go through this with you. Just get away from me.” She clenched her fists and waited for him to leave.
    “I know how to make you feel better. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink then we’ll head back to my place for an appetizer.” He leaned back in his chair and flagged a waitress.
    Marie felt something snap. Suddenly her patience with him was gone. “Jake, you’re not stupid! You know I’m never going to have a drink with you or have dinner with you or do anything with you. Ever! So, for once in your pathetic life…Leave! Me! Alone!”
    He sat completely still and the expression on his face turned dark. “Well, I can see I’ve got my work cut out for me tonight. You’re in an extra bitchy mood. I might actually have to use some foreplay this time.”
    She slowly dropped her hands to her side. Jake had never gotten angry with her, just more arrogant. But then again, Marie had never yelled at him in the middle of a crowded bar either. Despite how she felt about him she’d always tried to be polite when she rejected his advances.
    She opened her mouth to speak just as she felt a hand touch the small of her back. Startled, she spun around and barely recognized Dr. Jackson before he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his.
    The kiss was deep and passionate and she felt herself melt against him. Her anger was immediately transformed into a passion she couldn’t control. She slid her hands up his chest and grabbed the lapels of his silk shirt. She rose up on her tip toes and tried to get closer, eager to feel the warmth of his body. She remembered the warmth she felt each time they touched. And just as each time he touched her she couldn’t resist his heat.
     
    ****
     
    Warren walked in to Parillo’s about a quarter after six. The bar was more crowded than he had expected, considering it was still early. He was hoping it wouldn’t take too long to find Janet. He hadn’t seen her since high school but they had kept in touch through Facebook. Janet