Free Playing For Keeps by Deborah Fletcher Mello Page A

another?”
    Bianca’s eyes widened. “I usually stick to a two-drink maximum but since the boss is insisting, I don’t want to be rude. I think one more wouldn’t hurt. I don’t think it’ll hurt at all.”
    Odetta laughed again. “And by the way, the brother in the pinstriped suit at the bar has been eyeing you all night but between us, I hear he’s lacking in the meat department, if you get my drift.”
    Bianca turned to give the man a stare. He lifted his head, nodding in her direction. “That’s a damn shame,” Bianca said, blowing a heavy gust of air past her lips. “’Cause he’s not bad on the eyes. Not bad at all!”
    Odetta nodded in agreement. “Yeah, girl! But you and I both know a few extra inches on the end of a shovel when you’re digging for gold sure does help!”
    Bianca laughed heartily. “Well, I’m really not looking. I’m off the market myself,” she said, waving her ring finger in the air. “Got me a man already.”
    Odetta laughed. “Girl, just because you on a diet, don’t mean you can’t look at the menu!”
    Bianca grinned. “I like that! I like that a lot.”
    Odetta winked her eye. “And a little taste every now and then won’t hurt you either!”
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    When Michael Bublé began his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s 1972 hit “You and I,” Malcolm was still holding on to Cilla, unwilling to let her go. She felt good in his arms, like that was where she belonged. Every square inch of her body fit nicely against his. He had to admit that he liked having her there.
    The music seemed to billow around them, pulling them to a place that was going to be difficult to come back from. Malcolm knew the playlist had undergone a change or two, someone spinning one love song after another but he didn’t mind, knowing that eventually it would have to end way too soon. He blew a heavy sigh.
    Cilla lifted her chin to stare up at him. Her smile was sugary sweet and sheer happiness gleamed from her dark eyes.
    His mouth lifted, an even sweeter bend to his lips as he smiled back. “I apologize for my friends,” he said softly.
    She shook her head. “No apology necessary. They care about you. That’s what family does.”
    He nodded. “They are my family. We look out for each other. I know that Romeo and the girls have my back if I ever need them.”
    â€œTrust me, Bianca’s not much better! I’m going to hate it for you when she gets the opportunity to corner you alone!”
    â€œNow I’m scared,” Malcolm said, a deep laugh blowing past his full lips.
    â€œI’m sure we’re all going to get along just fine,” Cilla said. She brushed the tips of her fingers against the back of his neck, teasing his hairline.
    â€œI hope so. I’d hate for them not to like you. That would make it hard for me to be your boyfriend.”
    Cilla laughed, tossing her head back against her neck. “Who says you’re my boyfriend?”
    â€œYou did.”
    â€œI did not!”
    â€œYes, you did. Your girl said she was trying to get to know your boyfriend and you said she didn’t need to. You said it just before you pulled me onto the dance floor to seduce me.”
    â€œSo now I’m seducing you, too?”
    â€œHell, yeah! Don’t you know that at this very moment you could take full advantage of me and I’d be putty in your hands?”
    Cilla giggled. “I think a lack of oxygen is beginning to go to your head.”
    He grinned. “Might be but that’s what happens when you take a man’s breath away!” He pressed a kiss to her forehead and hugged her warmly.
    Closing her eyes Cilla savored the moment, enjoying the embrace. Leaning on him was easy and comfortable and she knew that it would take very little for her to get used to such a thing. She felt him press his cheek to