Free Set On Fire by Yezall Strongheart Page A

blouse.  At the last minute, she chose to wear boots with heels in anticipation of wearing heels on the weekend. She felt she needed the practice it had been awhile.
    As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she heard Clair’s car horn.  Grabbing her purse, she locked the door behind her and walked to the passenger side of her car. 
    “Hurry up!” Clair called to her, “Get in!”
    Faye opened the door and slid into the seat.  “Where are we going?”
    “Just Anton’s , a couple of the guys I know are meeting us there.”
    “What?”
    “Don’t worry, this way you will know someone besides me this weekend.”
    Faye was nervous at the thought of meeting Clair’s friends.  Taking a deep breath, she tried to relax.  Feeling silly, she smiled as she turned away from Clair, convincing herself she shouldn’t worry.
    “All I ask is that you don’t act like a virgin.”
    “Well that’s a silly thing to say.”
    “What I’m saying is, loosen up… don’t be offended if these guys move a little faster than what you’re used to.  They are hot guys who have great jobs, who knows where this might lead?  Oh and by the way, the blond in mine, his name is Garrett; your guy’s name is Brody.”
    “My guy ...”
    “Well, the one you’ll be with tonight anyway.” Clair laughed.
    Anton’s was an upscale bar, and the valet took their car as they walked to the entrance. 
    Clair paused as they passed through the doorway, “Relax.”
    Faye had never been to Anton’s and was quite impressed as she scanned the room. Low lights, subtle music, and the lobby was full of luscious plants and heavy wooden chairs.  As they approached the hostess, Clair told her they were meeting someone.  The woman glanced in the direction of the two men she had seated earlier who had told her they were expecting guests.  She asked them to follow her, and as they reached the table the men rose, one stepping forward.
    “Clair! So glad you could make it.” Garrett held out his arm and Clair smiled as he slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her to his side.
    “I missed you!” She giggled.
    Brody and Faye looked at each other and smiled. 
    “Oh I’m sorry.  This is my friend Faye.  Faye, this is Garrett and this is Brody.”
    Faye extended her hand and Brody held it, bending down he kissed the back of her hand, “My pleasure.”  He said in a deep voice.
    All Faye could do was smile as her heart beat a little faster. He was quite possibly the sexiest man she had ever laid eyes on. His dark wavy hair was groomed perfectly; his matching dark eyes drew her into their depths.  His lip were full, she immediately wanted to kiss him.  He was dressed in an expensive looking suit and he stood a good foot above her.
    Garrett suggested they all be seated and he ordered drinks for them.  They engaged in small talk, which revealed Garrett was a Vice President of a large company downtown and Brody owned an accounting firm. Clair knew them from the group she belonged to and they all expressed pleasure knowing Faye would be joining them on the weekend. 
    After several glasses of moscato wine, Faye was more relaxed.  When Brody would lean in and say something to her, pretending to be keeping a secret from Clair and Garrett, she could feel warmth spread through her abdomen.  When Garrett took Clair’s hand and asked her to join him on the small dance floor, Faye felt a twinge of panic to be left alone with Brody.  Faye watched them leave the secluded booth they all sat in and walk towards the dance floor.
    Brody placed a hand under her chin and gently tugged it his direction, “I thought they’d never leave.” 
    Her eyes found his and she was able to get a good look at his features.  His dark brown hair was full and, although not long, it fell slightly over his ears.  Dark brown eyes looked back at her with playfulness, accentuated by mild crow’s feet, high cheekbones, and a full-lipped smile.  She liked what she saw.
    His