Free Whisper's Edge by Luann McLane

sugar, don’t leave us hanging,” Kate pleaded.
    “I tugged a towel off him while I was drying his clothes.”
    “Well, now.” Kate wiggled her eyebrows.
    “It was because he had a handful of my panties.”
    “That explains a lot.” Kate rubbed her hands together and shot Tristan a look. “This is gettin’ good.”
    “Un, maybe we shouldn’t be discussing this,” Ben said slowly but Kate shushed him.
    “No, wait…I wasn’t
wearing
them,” Savannah explained.
    “Like I said,” Ben tried again.
    “You sly dog.” Kate turned and raised a palm at Savannah. “No wonder you yanked his towel off. High five.”
    Savannah automatically started to high-five Kate but then drew her hand back. “It was an ac-ci-
dent
.” She looked imploringly at Tristan.
    “It was,” he admitted.
    “Ohh, Tristan, have a heart and tell them what happened!” Savannah pleaded.
    “Okaaay.” Tristan chuckled and then briefly explained what really transpired. “Totally embarrassing, but innocent,” he finished.
    “Thank you!” Savannah said with a sigh.
    “I’m just messing with ya,” Tristan promised in a big-brother tone, but the sight of her amazing breasts peeking out over the silky fabric had him feeling anything but brotherly. He wasn’t the teasing type but Savannah had a knack for bringing out a playful side in him that he hadn’t known was there until now. His mother would be stunned. His mother would also adore Savannah.
    Stop!
This line of thinking was getting him into the dangerous territory that he wanted to avoid. He was in Cricket Creek to prove himself as a businessman, not for romance or making friends.
    “Why does everybody like to see me get worked up?” Savannah raised her hands upward.
    “Because it’s so easy and so much fun,” Kate replied, drawing laughs from them all. “I knew the story was going to be something like it turned out to be or I wouldn’t have egged you on. Sugar, I know you better than that.” She looked atTristan. “And I really shouldn’t be going on like that with my boss.” She held up her bottle. “Blame it on the beer.”
    “We’re all off the clock,” Tristan assured them. “And trust me, I could use a fun night out.”
    “Oh boy.” Savannah shook her head. “Tristan, you’re being an enabler. Kate will be unstoppable.”
    “You’re in for it now.” Kate laughed. “But listen, we really should head up to Wine and Diner. Fridays can get busy in Cricket Creek, especially on a gorgeous night like this. Let’s finish our drinks and head on up the road,” Kate suggested.
    Tristan nodded but thought maybe he should think of an excuse to bow out. He shouldn’t have agreed to come with them, but after sitting all day, he’d needed fresh air and wanted some company. Friday nights back in Cincinnati meant happy hour and laughter, and he just didn’t feel like sitting alone one more night. He’d used the excuse of bringing paperwork to Kate to get him out the door. If he was being honest he had been hoping to run into Savannah, and the unexpected invitation to join them was too hard to resist.
    Still, he was already enjoying himself way too much. He felt more at ease and relaxed than he’d been in a long time…not good when he needed to make some serious business decisions in the very near future. Becoming close to these people, or romantically involved with Savannah, could potentially cloud his clear thinking.
    As they walked out the door he told himself to simply enjoy the warm summer evening, but after tonight he vowed to find entertainment in Cricket Creek that was not connected to Whisper’s Edge.
    “I just love late spring when everything is in full bloom,” Savannah said as they strolled through the community.
    “Yeah, I enjoy it too. I always wanted to have a few tomato plants on my terrace but never seemed to find the time.”
    “Really? I started a garden club and give awards for the best something or other every week.” She chuckled.