Blame It on the Blackout by Heidi Betts Page A

you were afraid she’d misinterpret what happened between you and expect more of a relationship than you’re ready for, but she didn’t. And now you’re making her go with you to New York on a so-called business trip with the flimsy excuse that you might need her to take notes, so I have to baby-sit her cat. ”
    â€œIt’s a legitimate business trip,” Peter said, doing his best to ignore Ethan’s deep, animated scowl from the passenger seat of his sleek silver Infiniti.
    â€œI think you’re missing the point,” his friend argued. “I’ve been relegated to a damn cat-sitter.”
    â€œWhat’s the big deal? You like animals. And you do owe me for setting up the club’s computer system and teaching your employees how to work the software.”
    A growl worked its way up from Ethan’s throat. “I knew you’d make me pay for that, even though at the time, you claimed it was nothing. ‘Just a friend helping a friend,’” he mimicked.
    â€œThat’s right, and now I’m the friend who needs help.”
    Peter sighed, his fingers tapping nervously against the steering wheel as he drove in the direction of Lucy’s apartment from The Hot Spot, where he’d picked up Ethan.
    â€œLook, all you have to do is check in on Cocoa a couple of times a day, stick around for an hour or so to keep her company, if you can. You said yourself it wouldn’t be a problem, and that you could get someone to cover for you at the club, if you needed. Lucy would really appreciate it, and I’ll owe you one.”
    Ethan slouched down in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’ll owe me more than one if the thing scratches or pees on me.”
    â€œIt’s a cat, Eth, not a rabid toddler. And you’d better not let Lucy hear you talking like that or make faces in front of her, or she’ll call off the whole thing.”
    â€œYou’re that desperate to get into her pants again, huh?”
    It was Peter’s turn to glower. “I told you to not talk about her like that. I’m just looking for someoneresponsible and reliable to watch her cat while we’re away.”
    â€œJust what I’ve always wanted to be—responsible and reliable.” Ethan pouted.
    â€œOh, come on, you’re a decent guy when you’re not trying to charm some sweet young thing out of her thong panties.”
    Ethan grinned, flashing a row of sparkling white teeth. “Can I help it women find me irresistible?”
    Peter rolled his eyes, but refrained from commenting, considering he needed Ethan in a good mood so he would do this favor for him. “Remember that when it comes to convincing Lucy you’re head over heels about watching her cat, okay?”
    â€œHey, by the time I’m finished, she’ll be asking you to watch the cat and me to whisk her away for a weekend of sweaty monkey sex.”
    The thought of the two of them together was so ridiculous, Peter nearly laughed out loud. But if there’d been a chance Ethan actually had a shot with Lucy, he’d be smiling around Peter’s fist right this second.
    He found a spot not far from Lucy’s building and parked, then checked his watch. They had plenty of time for Ethan and Cocoa to get acquainted, Lucy to feel comfortable with the arrangements he’d made, and still get to the airport for their scheduled flight.
    Lucy answered the door looking slightly flustered. “I’m almost ready,” she said, waving them inside.
    â€œTake your time,” Peter offered.
    She slipped back into the bedroom to finish packing, reappearing several minutes later.
    With her bags by the door, she finally stopped moving long enough to take a breath and relax. “Thank you so much for doing this, Ethan. I know it can’t be your first choice of ways to spend the better part of the week.”
    â€œNonsense,” he replied with his