Caught in the Flames Read Online Free Page B

the table and squeezes my hand. “Nice work!”
    “Uh—” Jill purses her lips and licks them. “Not to be a downer and don’t look, but two tables over, there’s a woman shooting daggers at our Callie.”
    “What!” Alicia looks around anyway.
    “Alicia!” I hiss, bringing her attention back to our table. “Don’t make a scene. She’s probably just jealous.”
    “Yeah, she probably is, but if anyone tries to mess with you, I’ve got your back.” She goes back to nibbling her food. My nerves have stolen my appetite and I push my plate back.
    “Yeah. I’m sure that’s it,” Jill says. But it’s the way she says it that plants a little seed of curiosity. I reach for my cup and suck down the rest.
    “I’m gonna get a refill.” I stride over to the drink station and leave Jill and Alicia to debate who’s sexier, a lumberjack or a mechanic. Two giant orange sports coolers, the kind I remember from high school track practice, hold the beverage options. I pick the one with water and fill my cup. Before I walk to my girls I turn and scan the faces at neighboring tables while I sip from my cup.
    Harsh green eyes narrow, brows knit, and it’s easy to spot who Jill was speaking about. The woman is older than I am, maybe mid-thirties, and she’s noticeably glaring my way. If Jill hadn’t warned me I’d be looking over my shoulder trying to spot who she’s attempting to poison with her retinas. She’s pretty, her dirty blonde hair hangs in long soft curls and her makeup is impeccable.
    Angry Beauty stands, grabs a cup off her table and marches my way. Oh, shit . She approaches like a predator, intent and ready to attack. Her sundress swishes with each step of her toned and tan body. I straighten my spine and push my shoulders back to prepare—for what I don’t know—and will myself not to fidget.
    She walks straight at me. I think she’s about to run into me. Crap. Can she knock me over? She wouldn’t. I don’t think. Two steps closer and she veers to the left. Oh, thank God. I’m a lover not a fighter.
    Uff! Did she just—?
    “Excuse me,” she sneers after checking me with her shoulder. “You better watch where you’re going. Wouldn’t want you to get hurt.” With that she drops her cup in a nearby trash can and struts toward the cars parked at the street.
    What the fuck was that? I stumble back to the table.
    Alicia and Jill hunch forward over the table. “Callie, what did she say to you?” Alicia hisses.
    “You saw that, right? I didn’t imagine it?”
    “She totally Ovechkin’ed you!” Jill whisper shouts. Alicia and I frown.
    “Whata?” I ask.
    “Hockey.” Jill’s mouth opens wide and she waves her hands. “She totally shoved you. Never mind.”
    “What am I supposed to do? I think she threatened me, too!”
    “Maybe Chase has a psycho stalker. You better be careful. Keep an eye out,” Jill adds, glancing around.
    “You guys don’t think . . . Do you think maybe that’s like his ex or something?” That would explain it. And if things ended badly? She was really pretty, but maybe a little old. Well, not old-old, but much older than me. Crap. Maybe he’s really old. We didn’t exchange much information.
    “You need to ask him about her. Find out what you’re dealing with here,” Alicia says matter-of-factly. I nod my agreement.
    “Yes. This will be good, right? I need to find out more about him. And a first date’s the perfect opportunity to do that.”
    “Exactly.” Alicia nods with a confident smile. Jill still looks wary.
    Perfect .

I hate first dates.
    There’s too much pressure. Look beautiful. Be charming, funny, and desirable. Hide the nerves, awkwardness, and past baggage. I wish I could redefine the first date. Accomplish all its goals in one simple conversation. “Hey, you look nice and attractive, if you feel the same about me let’s share food and deep meaningful conversation, and later we can snuggle. After we fuck each other silly.” Yeah, if