Chaos by Barbara Huffert

his hand under her shirt. His
movements were hidden by the oversized coat of his that she was wearing since
the night before all she’d had on was his tuxedo jacket. “Foreplay,” he
whispered as her tweaked her nipple.
    “Isn’t this illegal?” she asked as she leaned into his hand.
    “Only if someone else sees us. Don’t worry Pixie Queen. I
have no intention of baring these luscious breasts. They are currently for my
private consumption and I don’t share.”
    What was that supposed to mean? Alyssa tried to see his face
but he was back to choosing their dinner. He’d said he wasn’t making a
commitment but wasn’t seeing one person exclusively just that? Maybe he only
meant that he wasn’t into group things, thank goodness. He was probably just
being more careful to keep either of them from being exposed after the way they
went at it in his truck the night before. The combined memory of that event and
Shane’s roaming hand were exciting her beyond belief. Who would ever have
thought that the man who never failed to aggravate her would also never fail to
make her wet? Certainly not her! “McKade, we really need to get out of here.
Now. I’m not kidding.”
    “Patience Pixie Queen. Anticipation is good for you. It
heightens the sensations.”
    “If my sensations get any more heightened, stud, you’re
going to have to arrest me for coming in public. You want everyone in this
store to share in your gift?”
    “Not in this lifetime. Let’s go,” he said, dragging her
toward to checkout.

Chapter Seven
     
    “Three weeks in a row?” Brett grinned as he slid into a
chair at the table with Shane and Alyssa. “Anything I should know?”
    “You already know everything,” Shane told him levelly.
“We’re having some fun.”
    “Right, fun.” Brett gave Shane a look that said he thought
it was more than that. “You okay, Shane? You look a little tense. If this is a
private discussion, I can wait for Jesse at the bar.”
    “You don’t have to go,” Shane sighed tiredly. “It’s just
been a long week.”
    Alyssa looked between them. “Maybe, I should…”
    Shane cut her off, knowing she was about to suggest she
leave them alone in case he wanted to talk and would feel more comfortable with
Brett alone. “No. Stay. Please.”
    He looked so vulnerable that she reached out and clasped his
hand without thinking. “Okay.”
    “Damn. I’m sorry. Just ignore me a little while and I’ll
shake this off.” Shane’s eyes almost pleaded with them.
    “Hey,” Jesse joined them, his ready smile fading as he
looked around the table. “Oh no, what happened? Is it Max?”
    “No! God, no! I’m just kind of out of it and bringing
everyone else down with me. Jesus, don’t even think that today.” Shane had
thought he couldn’t feel any bleaker than he had earlier.
    “Christ, that was stupid of me.” Jesse seemed to understand.
“You can shoot me if it’ll make you feel better.”
    Shane met his gaze for an extended moment. Suddenly, he
began to laugh. “Thanks but it’s not quite that bad.” Shane sensed that Jesse
knew exactly what he was feeling. He was extremely grateful that his brother’s
mysterious friend was there.
    “Lyssa, I think we missed something.” Brett fought to sound
upbeat.
    “Yeah, we’re obviously not part of the Secret Squirrel
Society like these two are.” She copied his tone.
    “And you’re truly better off,” Jesse commented. “Still on
duty?” He indicated Shane’s soda.
    Shane shrugged. “Maybe.”
    “McKade?” Alyssa hadn’t even noticed.
    Before he could respond, his cell phone vibrated in his
pocket. “Excuse me.” He stepped away from the table as he answered. “I’m sorry
but I have to go. Will you guys take her home?”
    As they agreed, Alyssa grabbed his arm. “Just one second,
McKade. What is going on? You can’t say practically nothing and disappear. And
I don’t need an escort!”
    Instead of replying, Shane pulled her against him and