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an excellent dancer. She wasn’t even tempted to lead—not that he would have allowed her to anyway.
    “We’ll talk later.” His jaw was clenched tight, leaving little room for interpretation.
    What could he do, fire her over some music in between sets? That would be absurd.
    She glanced around and, to her surprise, several other couples were on the dance floor. Funny, but while they were dancing, she hadn’t noticed.
    * * *
     
    She didn’t have to encourage people to come onto the dance floor in between the next few sets. Which made her feel good. Despite Shane’s wishes, people were having fun.
    Afraid to go into the dressing room lest he have the opportunity to corner her, she circulated among the crowd. “Thanks for the dance earlier. I needed to get the audience up and out of their seats.”
    The blond nodded. Glancing toward the bar, he held up his drink. “It doesn’t seem like the bartender is too happy.”
    “Pay him no mind. He was born cranky.” She couldn’t help noticing that Shane appeared more bothered than usual. Which was interesting since prior to this moment, she wouldn’t have believed it was possible.
    “Since we’ve already had our first dance, I’d better introduce myself.” He pointed to his chest. “I’m Patrick. And this is Nick. We’re Chicago cops.” Easing into a smile, he brought his hands around his mug of beer and smiled. “You’re a great singer.”
    “Thanks, I’m glad you stopped in.”
    While he seemed nice, he also seemed oddly uncomfortable. She couldn’t tell if it was one of those cop things, or it was just him.
    He glanced around the room. “But your talent is wasted at a dump like this. I could probably get you hooked up at one of the other places in town. If you’re lucky, maybe Legends.”
    She blinked. Only the crème de la crème sang at Buddy Guy’s Legends. Either this guy was blowing smoke or he really was connected. He pulled out his card and stuffed it into the palm of her hand. “Give me a call. Maybe we could go out some time and talk about it.” With that he left. Shane’s death stare followed him out the door.
    * * *
     
    Gabriella was with Donna in their dressing room, gathering their things after the last set of the night. “I think the music in between sets was a great idea. It kind of keeps people in the mood.” Donna picked up her keys and purse.
    “I’m not so sure Shane agrees. He seemed especially ticked off tonight.” She was nervous at the thought of being alone with him, especially when he appeared to be breathing fire.
    Donna shrugged. “Don’t let him bother you. It’s pretty obvious he doesn’t like being here. That’s what his grumpiness is about.”
    She wished she could believe that, but somehow it felt much more personal. “I don’t think he likes me.” Chewing on her lip, she contemplated the idea of asking Donna for a ride home, even though, if she understood the geography of the area, it was way out of her way. The last thing she wanted to do was be in a car with Shane right now.
    Donna was thoughtful for a few seconds while she retrieved a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from her purse. “Actually, I think it’s the opposite. I suspect it’s the reason he hangs around so much now. He’s attracted to you, and it ticks him off. In case you haven’t noticed, the man thrives on being in control.”
    “And being attracted to me makes him feel out of control?” she squeaked. This was something she hadn’t contemplated. Sure, she was doing her flirtatious thing, but to her knowledge, he hadn’t responded. Not that she would know what to do if he did since he scared the crap out of her most of the time.
    “Absolutely. I would venture to say it freaks him out.”
    They walked together out of the room, her mind still reeling with what Donna had said. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but in some way she didn’t want to think about, she was willing to entertain the possibility.
    Shane was wiping