Free No Breaking My Heart by Kate Angell Page A

Redheads in skimpy sundresses and stiletto sandals. They were all legs. Swaying hips. And would double Zoo’s pleasure, Landon thought.
    Will cleared his throat, and Zoo returned his attention to the pitcher. “My sister-in-law used the Roadside America app when she traveled with her children from Texas to Maine to visit their grandparents. The stops broke up the monotony. I swear Halo is using the same app.”
    â€œBut why?” Landon questioned. “I’ve never known him to play tourist. Not ever. He’s fast-track. Getting to his destination as quickly as possible.”
    Zoo tapped the edge of Landon’s smartphone with his finger. “Last night he slept in the Live Oak Villa Treehouse on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. This morning he crossed into Florida, making stops at Sarasota’s Jungle Garden and Big Daddy Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala.”
    Landon’s jaw worked. The museum might interest his friend, but he couldn’t picture Halo sitting through a bird show with a bike-riding parrot. He sent one final text to his buddy. “ Get your ass here.”
    He was about to pocket his phone when Halo answered. “ My ass arrives in two hours. Barefoot Inn.”
    â€œBarefoot Inn?” Land puzzled. “The bed-and-breakfast reserved for the winners of the spring training contest.”
    â€œStill makes no sense,” said Will. “Unless the person joining Halo planned to check in early. Jillian sent out itineraries. We’re to meet our guests at the airport on Sunday. There’s a welcome bonfire at twilight near the pier.”
    Zoo shrugged. “Whatever. He’s a big boy. He’ll get here.”
    A nudge on Landon’s right, and a curvy brunette slipped between him and Will, and faced Zoo. An asymmetrical haircut flirted with her exotic features. She wore a belly shirt tucked beneath her boobs. Her wraparound skirt was slit over one thigh. Lady was bold in her attention. She traced a navy fingernail over Top or Bottom? on his T-shirt. Then licked her lips, and landed him with, “Both of us facing the TV.”
    Zoo threw back his head and laughed. He took her hand in his, said, “I’m Zoo.”
    â€œI know. I’m Nikki.”
    â€œWhere to, sweetheart?”
    â€œWherever you’re going.”
    â€œI have no immediate plans.”
    She hooked her arm through his. “I was headed to Goody Gumdrops, the penny candy store.” She dipped two fingers in her cleavage. Produced a dollar. “I need some sugar. Root beer barrels, snow caps, and blow pops.”
    Blow pops made Zoo grin. Will, too. Their thoughts were on sex. Swirling tongues and sucking. Zoo jingled the change in his pants pocket. “I like pop rocks.”
    Her eyes shone. “I bet you do.”
    â€œWe’re gone.” Zoo gave Landon and Will his back.
    â€œThat’s the last we’ll see of him tonight,” said Will.
    â€œMaybe, maybe not.” Landon turned off his smartphone, pocketed it. “Guys’ night out before spring training is tradition. Zoo may tap her early, but he’ll catch up with us later.”
    â€œTwenty bucks says he’s more into blow pops than his bros.”
    â€œYou’re on. But make it fifty. I’m sure he’ll show.”
    â€œI’ll take that bet, and raise you another fifty,” Will said. “Bar where Zoo will walk through the door?”
    â€œLusty Oyster.”
    â€œA final hundred on what time.”
    Landon gave it some thought. “Around eleven. Give or take a few minutes.”
    â€œI’ll give him until midnight, but it won’t matter. We won’t see Zoo again until the bonfire. He’d get fined if he doesn’t make an appearance with his contest winner. It’s a team event.”
    â€œWho did Zoo choose?” Land wondered.
    Will told him. “Coach Holloway, as the man prefers to be called. He’s a retired