Carrie Weaver - Once A Ranger

“Darlin’,” he drawled, “you’re mistaken about one thing. I’ll admit to my share of bad moments. But I haven’t been considered a boy by a beautiful woman since I reached puberty. I’m one hundred percent man.”

If it was coming from another guy, Kat might have challenged this cocky statement. But she had no doubt Tony could live up to his self-anointed title given half a chance.

She resisted the urge to fan herself with her napkin and gulp her ice water. The room temperature had to have ratcheted up at least twenty degrees.

Tony leaned back in his chair and sipped his wine, all confident male.

Raising an eyebrow, she said, “While bad boys have a certain amount of charm, bad men are downright creepy. If they’re not in jail, that is. Then they’re wards of the state. And if they’re bad old men, they’re just pathetic.”

He laughed, showing straight white teeth and a dimple. His brown eyes sparkled.

Kat caught her breath, surprised by the intensity of the connection she felt with him. It was almost tangible, and transcended the fact that she couldn’t stand him.

A high-pitched laugh from the other side of the table reminded her they weren’t alone.

“Aren’t you two just the cutest thing,” Lola said, still laughing. She reached across Will to jostle her sister’s arm. “They remind me of that bartender, Sam, and the cocktail waitress, Diane. All that frustrated banter when you know they just want to tear each other’s clothes off.”

Lorraine reluctantly turned from Howard. “Who? Sam and Diane from Cheers?”

“We have our own Sam and Diane—Tony and Kat. Isn’t it fun?”

Kat felt her cheeks warm and wished the ground would swallow her up. She’d found Lola’s almost childlike views charming until this moment. It made her wonder if Lorraine was the older twin by seconds, and as such, had always kept an eye out for her younger sibling.

A responsibility Kat had been spared when her baby sister, Nicole, had gone to live with their mom after the divorce. They might have had a stronger bond if they’d at least lived in the same household.

Tony, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the attention. “Now, Lola, we were only kidding around. You’re going to embarrass Kat. See, she’s blushing.”

The older woman leaned forward, her voice a stage whisper. “That’s because she wants you.”

Just then a commotion at the other side of the table had Will jumping to his feet.

“Oh, my,” Lola said.

“I’m so sorry.” He dabbed ineffectively at her lap. Her wine goblet was overturned on the table in front of her.

“I have to change my skirt and treat this stain before it sets.”

“I’m such a klutz. Let me walk you to your casita, Lola. It’s the least I can do.”

Kat could have kissed him. She suspected he had created the diversion to save her embarrassment.

Lorraine gazed longingly at Howard for a few seconds before she stood. “I’ll walk my sister back to her room.”

“No need to bother yourself. I’m the one who made the spill. I should make it right,” Will stated.

“Really, it’s—”

“I insist. Sit down and enjoy your dinner. I’ll ask the waiter to keep our plates warm in the kitchen.”

Lorraine slowly sat. “I would hate to miss a moment of Howard’s going away dinner. Are you sure you don’t need me, Lola?”

“Positive,” she replied. There was a spring in her step as she left the table with Will, who cupped her elbow.

Kat turned and noticed Tony was watching them, too, his eyes narrowed.

TONY LEANED BACK in his chair as dinner was cleared, trying to appear relaxed when he was itching to find out what Sterling was up to.

Before they could begin to break up, Linda came by their table. “I wanted to invite you all to a special demonstration in the art studio in twenty minutes. In honor of his new great-grandson, Howard has commissioned my husband to create a glass sculpture to present to the proud parents. Garth won’t allow an audience when he’s working on the actual piece, but he’s going to make a special ornament to commemorate the baby’s birth. I’m sure Howard would love it if you would join him. Garth might take some requests from the audience, too, if you have special occasions coming up. Cake and coffee will be served afterward.”

“Oh, dear, Lola wouldn’t want to miss it.” Lorraine’s hand was tucked in Howard’s arm, her dilemma clear.

“How about if you two go ahead,” Tony suggested, “and I stop by your suite to tell her? That way you won’t miss any of the demonstration.”

“Thank you, Tony. We’re in casita number eight.”

“No problem.”

Kat eyed him speculatively. “What, not an art lover? Trying to duck out of the demonstration?”

“On the contrary.” He opened the double door for her. “But Lola’s been gone an awfully long time. I’m kind of worried about her.”

“She’s with Will, so I’m sure she’s fine. But it’s…unexpectedly nice of you. And should set Lorraine’s mind at ease.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Yep, that’s me—nice, pathetic, old bad man.”

“No, you haven’t quite reached the old and pathetic stage. That’s what makes you so dangerous.”

Kat thought he was dangerous? He’d obviously failed in his attempt to seem harmless. Her powers of observation might end up being a problem down the road. He would have to remember not to underestimate her. “That’s a relief. Save me a seat?”

“Maybe.” She rose. “Or maybe not. I’d hate for you to think I was predictable.”

“No worries about that.”

They left the restaurant in a group.

“I’ll go check on Lola,” Tony called to Lorraine as he took the side path that looped around to her unit.

He was halfway there when he saw Lola and Sterling headed in his direction. Covering the ground between them, he said, “There you are. Linda wanted me to tell you that there’s a special demonstration tonight in the art studio, followed by cake for Howard.”

“Thanks for letting us know.” Sterling tucked Lola’s hand in his arm. “You go on ahead. That way you won’t miss the start.”

“I’ll walk with you two. I don’t mind missing a few minutes.” He wanted to see how the con man worked. Maybe Sterling would let something important slip.

“Nonsense, Tony. These old legs of mine move too slowly,” Lola said. “Will promised to be my devoted servant for the rest of the evening.”

A devoted servant with his hand in her pocket.

But Tony didn’t want to raise Sterling’s suspicions by overstaying his welcome. “If you’re sure?”

Will smiled. “Positive. I’ll see that this lady arrives safe and sound.”

“Okay, I’ll tell Lorraine you’re on your way.”

Lola waved him off as she started telling Sterling a story about the time she’d met an Arab prince.

Tony turned and followed the path to the studio, catching up to Kat on the way. She stood in the path, gazing up at the sky.

“What’d I miss?”

“Bats.” Her voice was tinged with awe. “You can see them in the moonlight.”

“What’s so fascinating about bats?”

“We don’t have many in Phoenix. It amazes me that things can change so much only a hundred miles from the city. I saw a red-tailed hawk this afternoon.”

“You need to come to Texas then. We have more hawks and bats than you’d ever believe. You grew up in Phoenix? Let me guess—you were a rebel in high school?”

She shook her head and started to walk down the path again. “No way,” she said over her shoulder. “I was president of the chess club, then did a stint in debate. The science club, too.”

He caught up to her in two strides. “You? A nerd?”