As Fate Would Have It Read Free Page B

whispered, "This one would have livened up the neighborhood, dearie."
    Uh huh . Brie managed a lukewarm smile. Her older, widowed neighbors were forever trying to play matchmaker. The last time she went out on a date with someone Thelma suggested, it proved to be a disaster.
    Rye grinned, obviously enjoying her embarrassment. "Well, Thelma, it was certainly good meeting you. We best get on with our walk. I trust we'll see you again soon?"
    Grinning from ear to ear, Thelma nodded. "Most definitely." Giving a little wave, she watched them move past, her eyes checking out his backside.
    They hadn't taken more than a dozen steps when a loud female voice hollered out, "Thelma! Thelma! Are they hot and heavy in the sack?"
    Not for the first time, Brie wished a sudden wormhole would open up and allow her to just drop to the other side of the earth. A quick peek found Rye's lips twitching as he fought back laughter. Just great! He finds this amusing? "Ummm… that was Jane. She lives on the other side of Thelma in that blue house we just passed."
    Thelma yelled back, "No! This one is family."
    They heard a distinct snort, quickly followed by, "I swear! All the nice looking ones are gay, taken, or family. What's this world coming to?"
    Brie sputtered, breaking into a giggle. Nosy neighbors, yes, but they were sweet and funny. All in all, they made the neighborhood a better place to live.
    Rye simply rolled his eyes, his steps never slowing.
    The cranking of springs from a garage door opening caught their attention. A tall blonde stepped out, unlocking the car door in the process.
    Rye's head swiveled toward the noise. "Damn."
    Brie stopped and turned to see what had captured her roommate's attention. One glance said it all. Long blonde waves fell to Bunny's waist, while a mini-skirt barely covered a rounded rear. If she bent over, everyone could tell for sure if she had panties under or not. A narrow waist led to a bust that fell short of popping out of her shirt.
    Bunny emerged from the garage to the car waiting in the driveway and Rye became immediately ensnared. It was remarkable that his tongue didn't hang out as he focused on Bunny and her attributes. He licked his lips more than once, like a starving man eyeing a juicy treat.
    Brie crossed her arms and waited, watching his expression with a sigh of disgust. Men and their obsession with boobs. The bigger the better, even store bought made the grade.
    "Who is that?" His voice sounded a little more ragged than she recalled.
    "Bunny."
    "Bunny? That's her name?" He continued to stare. As she slipped into the passenger's seat, he bent and turned his head, checking for one final glimpse.
    A Hispanic appearing man strode quickly from the darkened garage, heading directly for the car. The shorter, dark haired man with the sunglasses spoke to her, then climbed into the driver's seat. In a moment, the car rolled from the drive into the street.
    Watching the Porsche pass, Brie answered, "We don't know her name. That's just what the neighborhood calls her. Probably more like her occupation than her name would be my bet." She couldn't keep the boredom out of her voice.
    If she were completely truthful, she would recognize a tug of jealousy seeing Rye so actively interested in her neighbor. So, Bunny was a knockout. His eyes didn't have to bug out of his head at the sight . For a split second, she wanted, needed him to look at her like that, like the sun rose and set on her. She consoled herself with the knowledge she had one positive trait Bunny didn't… brains. Of course, she didn't know that for sure, but it just seemed reasonable that the potential Playboy cover carried fluff between her ears.
    Nodding, Rye followed the car until it moved out of sight. His attention returned to Brie. "What does he do?"
    Shrugging, Brie started walking again, checking both ways before crossing the street. "No one knows. Mr Gomez is very quiet, always in a hurry. Dresses to the max with a fancy car. I would