“A shame, sweetheart. You could use a buzz.”
“You should get your head out . . . out—”
“—from between a woman’s thighs,” he said around her stammer.
“There’s more to life than chocolate thongs and flavored lubricant.”
“Maybe so, but both make life sweet.”
She shook her head, her cheeks now as red from embarrassment as they were from anger.
He hadn’t meant to make her uncomfortable, only to tease her. Somehow he’d crossed the line. Her narrowed stare made him feel shallow and small. He didn’t like the feeling.
In his mind, sex toys were to foreplay as warm-up pitches were to baseball. Both left the body well oiled and fluid and ready for action.
Yet the buzz of a vibrator would probably send Eve screaming from the bedroom. She’d never crack the spine on an erotic novel. Never get tangerine tingly.
He jammed his hands into his jeans pockets. He didn’t want Eve totally ticked for the remainder of the party. He gave an inch. “Addie’s your grandmother. You’ve thrown her a great party. If you want me to leave, I’m gone.”
Eve blinked, blew out a breath that fluffed her bangs, and sighed heavily. Her mental debate lasted longer than he liked.
“Steak and cake,” she finally said, “but be gone by the Bunny Hop.”
“You hop?” It was hard to imagine her having fun.
“I’m the lead bunny.”
Sloan couldn’t help himself; he threw back his head and laughed out loud.
Eve fought her smile and lost. Her braces and one deep dimple flashed for two whole seconds, then were gone.
“Truce?” he asked.
“We’ll never come to terms, McCaffrey,” she said with conviction. “It is, however, Addie’s day. She’s all that matters.” A short pause. “Go flirt with Taylor.”
“That I can do.”
Addie had opened her last gift and announced that it was dinnertime. Sloan got in line behind the seniors as they filed by Risk Kincaid at the grill and selected a steak. His wife, Jacy, stood by his side—a gorgeous woman, even in her quirky clothes.
“Which sister are you hitting on?” asked Risk as he dropped a T-bone onto Sloan’s plate.
“The sweet one.”
“Eve?”
Sloan frowned. “How can you call her sweet?”
“Eve’s known as sweet, Taylor as sexy,” Risk informed him.
“Eve invited me, but I’m interested in Taylor.”
Risk looked at Jacy. “We heard you invited yourself.”
Damn, did the whole world know he’d party-crashed? “I was at Thrill Seekers a few nights ago booking a trip when I overheard the ladies discussing the party and Addie’s transportation problem. I knew I could fix it.”
“You fixed it just fine,” Risk said. “Taylor and Eve have full lives. Addie will soon have you on speed dial.” He served up two thick tenderloins to an elderly man and woman, then asked, “You have a decent vehicle?”
“I’m looking at vans tomorrow.”
“I’ll go halves with you.”
Sloan looked at the big man who played center field. Risk Kincaid was relaxed in social situations, yet came on hard on game day. He was known for his community involvement and accessibility to those in need. “I can afford the van,” Sloan stated.
Risk cut a glance to Jacy. “It would please my wife greatly if I participated in transporting the elderly.”
“If I’m happy, Risk will be grinning like a fool.” Jacy slid one arm about her husband’s waist and squeezed him tightly. Risk responded by dropping a light kiss on top of her red head. They were an openly affectionate couple, comfortable in each other’s company.
Sloan admired what they had. On dates, he had women bumping and grinding and climbing his body. But he’d never stuck with one woman for more than three dates. Commitment and permanence were lost on him.
“Nice going, Sloan,” Jacy complimented him. “Addie’s in good shape and financially secure, but most of her friends are legally blind and on fixed incomes. Many haven’t driven in years. Taylor told me that Addie has a trick right knee and that it locks on occasion. She refuses to drive for that reason. Your van will give the seniors lots of freedom.”
“I’m certain several of the other Rogues would give one night a week to help out too,” Risk said.
“I want Addie’s gift free and clear of community-service hours,” Sloan said firmly. “Anyone who transports, drives on his own time, not team time.”
Risk nodded. “Agreed. I have a friend at the Dodge dealership. After practice tomorrow, we’ll check out the Sprinter. It’s durable, and with custom bench seats you could fit twelve.”
“Let’s get it done,” Sloan agreed.
“You’re a good man.” Jacy smiled at him.
Tell that to Eve, he wanted to say, but let it pass.
“Go eat your steak before it gets cold.” Jacy nudged him on. “There’s a buffet laid out beneath the tent.”
Sloan went to the buffet. He was one hungry man. He took heaping helpings of pasta salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. When he couldn’t decide between a sweet or a baked potato, he took both, and piled on the sour cream.
He checked the tables for Eve and noted that she’d slid in between Addie and her horseshoe partner, a tight fit. No room for him there. He carried his plate back to the bar, where Taylor continued mixing drinks.
“Share my steak?” he offered.
“M-mm, maybe a bite. I’m not too hungry.”
“Your leg’s hurting you,” he guessed.
She wasn’t the type of woman to complain. “I ignore pain.”
“You shouldn’t be standing.”
“I’ll be off my feet shortly. Once the coffee is—”
Is what? Sloan took a bite of steak, waiting for her to finish her sentence. She never did. Taylor’s gaze was fixed on the patio doors, and she’d gone pale.
He chewed and swallowed, then scanned the five new arrivals. He recognized Mayor Talbott from his picture in the paper, as well as Stuart Tate, his campaign manager. Then there was Brek Stryker and a pretty brunette, whom Sloan assumed was his fiancée, Hilary Talbott. As well as a photographer.
He saw Addie set aside her plate and rise to greet the mayor, manager, and brunette with a handshake and a smile. She next embraced Brek Stryker with a welcoming hug, as if he were family. Addie pointed to the bar, offering drinks.