Read Online Boots and Lace by Myla Jackson - Free Book Online Page B

electricity ignited between them.
    Lacey flinched, her gaze shooting up to capture Nick’s. Had he felt it too?
    His dark brows drew together, forming a deep V. “Thank you.” He lifted the glass and downed it in one swallow.
    “Want another?”
    “No, I have to drive home.”
    “If you’ll excuse me, I see Mona,” Cory said. “I wanted to ask her about the plans for the Sadie Hawkins dance and fundraiser. I promised I’d put together a kissing booth with some of my buddies from college.”
    Lacey heard Cory’s words, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Nick. “That should make a pile of money. What charity will the money go to?”
    “Temptations safe house for homeless clowns.” Cory grinned.
    Lacey blinked and shook her head and turned to Cory. “Homeless clowns? What are you talking about?”
    “Got your attention, didn’t I?” The younger McBride grinned. “It’s for the children’s hospital.” He slapped his brother’s back. “See ya later, bro.”
     
    Nick muttered, “Right. Later.” Then as if surfacing from a trance, he shot a look in his brother’s direction. “Let me know if you need a designated driver to get you home tonight.”
    “I’m not drinking.” Cory patted his flat stomach. “Gotta keep up my girlish figure for the kissing booth.” He winked at Lacey. “Maybe we’ll see you tonight after work?”
    Images of Lacey naked and Cory fucking her from behind flashed through Nick’s head. He glared at Cory. “I’m sure she’ll be exhausted by then.”
    Lacey’s brows rose. “I tend to be a night owl. But I’ll bet Nick has an early morning at the shop, so I won’t trouble you two. I’ll leave my door unlocked if you want to come up and talk or…whatever.”
    Cory shrugged. “I might take you up on that. That way old Nick can get some sleep.”
    Nick fought back a growl. “Don’t you have classes tomorrow?”
    Cory grinned. “Not until noon. See ya later, Lacey.” He waved and took off toward Mona.
    “I don’t know how he keeps up his grades staying up all hours,” Nick muttered.
    Lacey’s gaze followed Cory, a smile curling her lips.
    Nick’s chest tightened. He didn’t own Lacey. He had no say over her influence on his little brother. But damn it, she was older and more experienced. What if Cory fancied himself in love with the gorgeous brunette? She’d already told them she wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship. Cory was young enough to still believe love conquered all. “He’s going to make a good doctor some day,” Nick blurted.
    Her brown-eyed gaze swung toward him and away from Cory. “Yes, I believe he will.”
    “He has another four or more years of school after he finishes his undergrad degree.”
    “That’s a big commitment.”
    “Yeah, I hope he stays the course.” Nick’s gaze captured hers. “I wouldn’t want anything to distract him from his studies.”
    Lacey planted her fists on her hips. “Are you warning me away from your little brother?”
    Nick’s cheeks heated. “No, of course not, I’m just…”
    “You don’t want me to hit on Cory, do you?”
    “He’s got a lot of school… He needs his sleep…he’s got to focus.” Oh hell. Nick realized he should have kept his mouth shut. Now he’d dug a hole the size of Texas and he couldn’t get out of it without some help.
    “Nick, honey, so glad to see you. It’s been a while.” Audrey draped an arm over his shoulders and smiled. “That garage of yours keeping you busy?”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Nick turned away from Lacey’s glare.
    “I heard about your divorce.” She hugged him. “Nasty bit of business having to sell your spread and split the proceeds.”
    “I’m doin’ all right.” His fist closed around the empty shot glass. “Still have the shop.”
    “I hear you’re workin’ it.” Audrey clapped a hand to his back. “Care to take this ol’ girl around the dance floor one time?”
    “I don’t know. I tend to be all left