Page 25 of Army
Mia’s amber eyes glanced up, and as they connected, the heated stare from Army’s blue ones made her squirm. “This is my first time here.”
“It’s too expensive for our … or at leastmybudget,” Peyton said breathlessly.
Poor Peyton was a basket case, but if Army kept looking at her that way, she’d be joining her.Crap!The toe of Army’s boot was running up and down her calf, leaving a trail of electric sparks in its wake while it dampened her lace panties.It’s just a physical reaction. It doesn’t mean anything.She pulled her legs in and wrapped them around the bottom of the chair.
“I thought you’d been here,” Taylor said.
Mia smiled softly. “After buying my townhouse, I’m on a pretty strict budget, but I’ve been wanting to try it out. Good choice.” She lightly touched his hand and thought she heard Army growl low and deep from his chest. When she glanced over at him, his gaze was hard, like glacial ice, and she met it, challenging him with the tilt of her chin.
“What’re you going to have?” Taylor asked Army.
“I’d like something raw and tender,” Army said, staring at Mia.
And he didn’t stop. He just kept it up—blatantly eye-fucking her in front of Taylor and Peyton. From her peripheral vision, she saw Peyton’s smile frozen on her taut face.
Leaning forward, Mia cocked her head to the side. “Then order the steak tartare. It should satisfy your carnal, caveman-like appetite.”
“Shit,” Peyton whispered at the same time Taylor said, “Where the hell is the waiter?”
Army jerked his head back and flashed Mia a wicked grin. “Youdoknow me,Stiletto. I’m fuckin’ touched.”
A collective sigh of relief escaped Taylor’s and Peyton’s parted lips when the waiter came over to the table to take their order, and Army chuckled, his damn boot finding her calf again. Mia focused on her order and tried to ignore the sizzling undercurrent of desire connecting them, mad as hell that she was feelinganythingmore than annoyance for this man. Sneaking a quick peek, she was met by his now familiar smug look, and she couldn’t think of anything more tempting and appealing at that moment than knocking it off his face for good.
This is going to be a very long night.
* * *
“Army’s not intome,” Peyton said as she combed her hair in the ladies’ room at Sound Nightclub.
“I don’t think he’s the type to gush over any woman,” Mia replied.
Peyton caught her gaze in the mirror. “Are you kidding me? He’s totally into you.”
Damn you, Army.“I don’t think I’d say that. He just feels more comfortable with me because I’m friends with Taylor.”That doesn’t even make any fucking sense.
Peyton stopped combing her hair and turned around. “It’s okay. Really. I think myideaof going out with a bad boy is more fun than actuallybeingwith one. Taylor’s nice and cute, though.”
“He’s a sweetheart. Totally not like his jerk brother.”
“I think you keep badmouthing Army so you can convince yourself that you aren’t interested.”
“I’m not interested,” Mia replied.
“I should’ve taken a video of the way you two were checking each other out during dinner. I don’t know why you’re fighting it. You haven’t had a date since you broke up with Jorge, and that was over five months ago.”
“When’s the last timeyouhad a date?”
Peyton smiled. “Last night with the guy who works at the smoothie place next door to the nail salon. We’ve been sort of flirting with each other on and off for the last six months. I never thought of going out with him, but I actually had a really good time. I guess that’s why I kind of freaked out about meeting Army tonight. Will is just a plain ol’ guy. Average looks, body, and height, but he has a real good sense of humor and we had a fun time. After last night, I didn’t think I could hold my own with Army. He’s intimidating and definitely not average.”
“Are you going to see Will again?” Mia asked.
Peyton shrugged then turned back to the mirror. “I don’t know. He’s nice, but I think he’s more in the ‘friends’ category. I’d give my number to Taylor if he asked me.”
“I hope he does, but if he doesn’t, it’s because he’s totally focused on going pro. I’m surprised he skipped training to make tonight happen.”
“I’m glad he did. I’m having a good time, and I like getting to know Taylor. He said we’d dance when I get back from the bathroom.” She put away her comb and smiled. “Let’s get back to our table.”
Mia sat stiffly while she watched Taylor and Peyton on the dance floor. Army stood up and held out his hand. “Let’s dance,” he yelled.
