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herself. “Better?”
    “Perfect.”
    “So…do you ever see any of your old friends?” Anyone from your harem?
    “Not really. I ran into Matt Duffy at the Ace Hardware on Hamilton a couple of weeks ago, but it was awkward.” Wes grinned. “His toddler was out of control, and Matt was running interference but the kid was faster. He knocked over a display of wiper fluid just as I was leaving. I kept right on walking.” He laughed.
    “Oh my gosh!”
    Wes gave her a mysterious smile. “Can I have a taste?”
    “What?” she chirped in surprise.
    The corner of his mouth rose. “Of your coffee, Lauren.”
    “Oh, right.” Lauren laughed, feeling incredibly stupid.
    They swapped cups and their eyes locked over the rims as they sipped. It was a strangely intimate moment.
    “Mmm.” His sigh came out as a low rumble and it penetrated every cell in her body like an exquisite vibration. Lauren’s blush was back with bells on and he appeared to be enjoying it. “Is it good for you?” he asked, the question loaded with suggestion.
    Lauren had no idea why Wes was toying with her like this, but it was unraveling her. She slid his cup back to him as a way of avoiding his eyes. “Yes, the caramel is very tasty.” So are you.
    Lauren spun the handle of her cup around and looked up as the server stopped back to ask if they wanted to order anything else.
    “Are you hungry?” Wes asked. “We could order something to eat.”
    Could she even eat? Not likely. Her stomach was already doing cartwheels just looking at the guy. Putting food into it would be downright reckless, not to mention cruel.
    “I’m fine.”
    “Guess not,” he told the server with a little shrug.
    “Thank you.” She set their bill on the table and left.
    Wes made a grab for it. “So I guess the Tuesday night slot at the gym is mine. You should join us.” He pulled out his wallet and dropped a five on the table.
    “I’ve already taken self-defense,” said Lauren.
    “When?”
    “I don’t know, a few years ago.”
    * * * *
    “Come on. It never hurts to bone up on the skills.” Bone up? What the hell was wrong with him?
    “I’ll think about it.”
    “Well, I’m going to ride you on this.” Oh God, he wanted to punch himself now. Did he really just say that? Wes was wincing on the inside. Where was all this unconscious innuendo coming from? It was getting downright disturbing.
    “Are you ready to go?” Lauren asked, reaching for her purse.
    “Yes,” he said with relief. Wes bolted out of his chair, carefully keeping his mouth shut so he didn’t inadvertently say something else to completely blow it with this woman. It was bad enough he’d obviously embarrassed the hell out of her.
    It was a silent ride back to Lauren’s car. Wes pulled in behind her bumper and got out with her. She tried to discourage him but he insisted, though he didn’t know why exactly. All he ended up doing was standing there awkwardly while she unlocked her door and got in. He warred with himself about touching her, maybe even kissing her, but in the end he shut her door and stepped back, leaving her unmolested.
    “Thanks for the coffee,” she said, rolling down her window.
    “You’re welcome. Let’s do it again sometime.”
    She smiled, her head shaking ever so slightly. “We’ll see.”
    “Tuesdays,” Wes reminded her.
    “I’ll think about it.” She flashed a smile. “Good night, Wes.”
    Then she was gone, but at least Wes had the wherewithal to focus on her license plate before she disappeared. He’d already discovered she wasn’t listed in the telephone book. Wes jumped into his car and jotted it down.
    * * * *
    Wes opened his refrigerator and took out the milk. Popping the top, he tipped it back and took a good long swig right from the carton. He came up for air with a sigh and snapped the cap back on, returning the container to the shelf.
    Combing back his damp hair, he slammed the door, harder than intended. Brilliant! Taking out his