“Taking a breather?”
The scent of sandalwood and leather curled around her.Crow.
“It’s too hot and crowded.”
A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, and he shook his head. “Elmer turns the AC temperature up so people will drink more.”
“I think a lot of clubs do that.”
“Are you going to keep staring at your drink, or are you gonna look at me?”
Angie lifted her chin but kept her gaze fixed downward. “Shouldn’t you be getting back to your girlfriend?”
“What the fuck? I don’t have a woman.”
She glanced sideways at him. “I don’t think Coco would be too happy to hear you say that.”
Crow jerked his head back and laughed out loud. “Coco?”
Holding her glass tighter, she said, “She seems to think you’re her man.”
“She thinks every dude’s ‘her man.’” He laughed again. “I can’t believe you’re bothered by that.”
A tic of irritation niggled at her. “I’m not ‘bothered’ by it,” she said, meeting his gaze. “I just came out here for a bit of quiet.”
“Seems like you took off after seeing us on the dance floor.” Before she could protest, he asked, “Who’s the dude with you?”
Taken aback by the question, she answered, “Joey—but,” she added quickly, “he’s not my boyfriend.”
“I didn’t ask, but that’s good to know.”
Feeling her face flush, Angie took a few steps away from the glow of the streetlights.
“I meant that we work together, is all,” she mumbled.
“Are you two investigators planning a big sting operation?” A smirk danced across his face, and she fought the urge to smack it away.
“Never on Saturday nights.”
Chuckling, he said, “I’m pissing you off.”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t say that. I’d say you’re annoying me like one of those pesky gnats that never go away.”
Crow cocked his head and gave her body a slow raking gaze before capturing her eyes with his. “I like your style, Angela.”
A small shiver ran through her at the sound of her name on his lips. “Angie,” she said softly. “Only my aunt calls me Angela.”
“Angie.” He gave her a slow, sexy smile that made her breath catch and pulse race. “I like it.”
Dragging her eyes from his, she looked at a trio of women crossing the street, their voices high-pitched with excitement and laughter.
“And your name’s Crow.”
He edged closer to her—so close she could feel the heat emanating from his body. “That’s right.”
Stepping back, she slid him a sideways look, taking in his well-defined broad chest under a snug-fitting black T-shirt.
“Is Crow a nickname?”