Rain met them at the door, her hair tied up with a red scarf, a bright smile on her face. “Hey, Bear! I’ve got your favorite table set aside. Come on over.”
Winona grabbed a menu for Jason. “It’s on me tonight, Rain. Thanks. Enjoy your supper, Bear.”
Rain winked. “Thanks, Win.”
A cheer came from the back corner.
“Sounds like at least some of the Team are here tonight.” Winona led Jason back to the Team table, where Bahir, Megs, and Ahearn were beaming at Sasha, who was on her way down from a new route on the wall, with Nicole on belay.
Megs glanced over, saw them, and filled them in. “Hey! Have a seat. Sasha just sent a five-thirteen on the first try—nailed it.”
“I’m sorry we missed it.” Winona sat beside Jason, handed him his menu. “Watching Sasha climb is watching an artist in action.”
“Sounds impressive.” Clearly, none of this made sense to Jason.
Megs must have realized that, too, because she started explaining the rating system and how the route-setter changed the routes on the wall regularly to keep them challenging. By the time they’d finished their meals—Jason a steak and Winona a roast chicken breast—Jason understood some of the terminology.
“Come climb with me. I’ll show you how to belay.” Bahir got to his feet.
But the Timberline Mudbugs had hit the stage.
“He can’t be your belay slave, Bahir, because he’s dancing with me—or do Desert People not know how to do the two-step?”
Jason stood, his lips slowly curving into a grin that made her belly flutter. “Oh, angel, I invented it. You come along now—and try to keep up.”
They made their way to the dance floor, where Jason took the lead. She couldn’t take her gaze off his face as they promenaded around the dance floor. Just like in the bedroom, he knew all the moves, and she realized at some point that people were watching. No, not people. All thewomenwere watching.
Sorry, but he’s mine.
That song ended, Jason and Winona applauding along with everyone else. The next song was a slow number.
Jason drew Winona close. “I think I like this better.”
Buzz-buzz. Buzz-buzz.
She stopped. “My pager.”
She drew it out, scrolled through the message. “I’m sorry, Jason. The Team just got toned out. I need to go. You can stay if you want. I can give you my key.”
She hurried back to the table, where Megs and the others were gathering their jackets and bags.
Megs dropped a twenty on the table. “Looks like we’ve got someone running the Scarlet Midnight Triathlon. Let’s move, people!”
Rain hurried over. She’d seen that they were leaving and understood. “Don’t worry about your checks. We’ll settle up next time. I’ve got Bear, Win. Stay safe.”
“Thanks, Rain.” Winona got to her feet.
Megs turned to Winona. “Chiago might be able to help us on this one. Can you track in the dark?”
Jason looked at Megs as if she were crazy. “Of course.”
“Then I would be delighted to have you join us. Just do what you’re told, and don’t get in anyone’s way.”
Jason met Winona’s gaze, a humorous glint in his eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”
* * *
Jason satin the passenger seat of Winona’s SUV, wearing a reflective vest over his jacket, a yellow Team T-shirt beneath. They’d left Scarlet behind and were headed downhill through a narrow canyon. He had to ask. “What exactly is the Scarlet Midnight Triathlon? Do people race at night around here?”