Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) Read Free Page A

must be damn special.”
    “What? Why?”
    “No reason.” He paused. “Been trying to express my thanks to McKade for his help in a family matter for ’bout a year now. He said he’d give me a shout when he needed something but you call instead. And now you say you’re paying.”
    “I have to. They’re a present for my cousin.” Why was she telling a perfect stranger something so stupid? “If you won’t let me pay, then I’m not going to need the tickets after all.”
    “Hold on, cupcake.” Brett was having trouble maintaining the voice he was using while he fought to contain his laughter. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. We’ll compromise. You pay me for your cousin’s ticket and I give you yours.”
    “Um…”
    “Hey now, come on. I’m willing to give McKade a hell of a lot more than your one ticket but it’s up to you. You can take it or leave it but I tell ya you’d be doing me a big favor if you do it even though it rubs me the wrong way to take a cent from you.”
    “Well, okay, um, thanks,” Kiley accepted as she wondered about the family matter he mentioned.
    “Good. Someone’ll be there soon.” Brett was gruff again.” McKade’s a good one, cupcake. Make sure you don’t forget it.”
    The line clicked before she could respond.
    * * * * *
     
    Dee snagged Kiley after she seated an elderly couple. “I know you’re pleased with yourself today and I’m sure you’re looking forward to chatting with Jordan tonight but Kiley, honey you have got to tone down that smile. It’s causing lots of speculation and there’ll be too many questions if you don’t.”
    Kiley impulsively hugged her. “I can’t help it, Dee.” She knew she had had a dreamy look on her face all afternoon. “You must think I’m such a ninny. I know I’m acting like a schoolgirl with a crush on the class hottie. I know Jordan only asked me to call to make sure I got the tickets…”
    “No, Kiley,” Dee said firmly. “Jordan used those tickets as an excuse. I was there, remember? I saw the way he managed to hold your hand and the way he was looking at you. I heard him say he was attracted to you. He’s eaten here every day for months. The food’s good but we both know it’s not that good. Face it. That man keeps coming in here for you and you alone. I heard Will and Brett talking Saturday. He said that before they used to get together for lunch once or twice a week. And they took turns picking the restaurant and had the deal that whoever chose, paid.”
    “Dee! Brett must be so sick of coming here.”
    “No, I think he’s so entertained that he doesn’t mind,” Dee paused, deciding how much of Brett’s conversation to repeat. “As we suspected, Brett is a bit of a playboy. For ages, he’s the one who nagged Jordan into going out on the town. He told Will that Jordan has gotten a bit reclusive over the years. That, since he went out on his own, he’s become very involved with his work and that he’d be content never leaving his office. Meeting you has actually helped. According to Brett, you give Jordan something else to concentrate on.
    “But that’s not the point I’m trying to make. What I was going to say is that when Brett and Jordan went out they were never at a loss for female companionship but Jordan wasn’t ever overly interested in any one in particular. Brett said he’s usually bored a few hours into an evening and rarely sees the same woman more than a handful of times. Now that Jordan’s met you, Brett can’t get him to go out at all anymore except for lunch here. Kiley, that gorgeous man with the incredibly yummy voice obviously wants you. And, from the way you act around him, I’m thinking the feeling’s mutual. So tonight when you’re talking to him, keep that in mind and don’t be in a rush to hang up. You maybe should take him out for a thank you drink since he saved you so much on the tickets.”
    Kiley sighed. “How I wish I could. I can feel my face getting red