Read Stoking the Embers (New Adult Romantic Suspense): The Complete Series for Free Online

Danielle or Misty? Hell, Jade or Michelle. I have a string of them. This girl pulling away from the station in her little Mazda shouldn’t matter at all.

    How bout 6 at City Pub on Pecos?
    I stare at the text message from Stephanie and feel a mixture of excitement and disgust. I thought she was different—wanted her to be different—from all the rest, but I guess not. Most girls play the ‘make him want me’ game, teasing and testing, doing shit like this. I can’t believe she waited until five o’clock to text me. Either she’s playing the game, or really just wants a free meal. Guess I’ll find out.
    Ok, see u there.

    City Pub is a cool little local chain and features some local microbrews, but I’ve never been to this location. The paintings of old cars and planes on the wall and the suede leather booths give it kind of an old-school vibe, but in a hip way. It’s almost like an art gallery, although a cold one. Why do they always keep the air conditioning so cold in these Vegas dives?
    Turning to my right when I hear the server greeting me from ten feet away, I’m surprised to see one of the thirty-somethings that works at the SaveAll. Tall and blonde, she was probably a highly sought after date when she was younger. She still looks way better than average for her age.
    “I know you.” Her friendliness bubbles over and I expect her to begin chewing gum at any moment. Maybe blow a bubble. I know this type, the ones desperately hanging onto youth. I can almost feel her silent begging for attention. Sad.
    “And I know you.” I toss her a bone and feel a little guilty when her eyes light up. “SaveAll, right? I didn’t know you worked here too.”
    “Yeah, Vegas is an expensive city. If you don’t hook or strip, the opportunities for single mothers can be pretty limited.”
    That’s the truth. I often wonder why ‘normal’ people live in this city. It’s expensive and crowded, but also addicting in the energy that’s alive 24-7. Hell, I love it even in the moments I hate it. I get why she stays.
    “Well, nice to see you again. I’m waiting on someone, but I can grab a table if one’s empty.”
    “You’re here to meet Steph, right? I heard you guys were meeting for dinner. Be careful with that one.”
    Taken slightly aback, I respond, “Wow, word travels fast around here.”
    “You know us girls. But seriously, Steph’s a nice girl, and I don’t want to see her get hurt again.”
    Awkwardly I respond, “We’re not really on a date, so don’t worry too much. I’m a nice guy, remember, I rescue people, save cats, leap burning buildings.” Damn, that was lame.
    “Uh huh.” She’s not impressed. Walking me to a quiet booth in the back, she asks, “Would you like something to drink before your non-date gets here?” The sarcasm gets lost in the bright smile she’s giving me.
    Since it’s a night of firsts, I guess I’ll have a brew I’ve never tried before. “Sure, let me try the summer seasonal. It isn’t too bitter, is it?”
    “No, it is very light and refreshing. I like it, so I guess that makes it a chick beer.” She laughs, finding her own humor hilarious.
    “Chick beer it is then.”
    As she turns and walks away, I notice Stephanie walk through the door. She gives the hostess a big hug and is pointed in my direction. I notice Stephanie shooing her away, looking slightly uncomfortable as the hostess tries to hover. Oh well, I guess that’s the life of a single person. Always being teased and cajoled into meeting people.
    Who is this girl? I can’t help wondering as she walks my way. One part shy, and then she shows up at our non-date looking hot as hell. She’s in a strapless sundress, one of those multi-color things that cling to her breasts and then drops to her knees, the skirt presses between her thighs as she walks. Damn, her tits bounce, they’re the perfect size. And natural. Unusual in this city of plastic. I can almost see them rocking on her chest as I rock