Chirp(46)

“I don’t understand.”

“That’s because you don’t know how to play the game. But I do, and I’ll help. Nothing gets a guy more interested than thinking you’re not interested in him. So tonight, give all your attention to Seth.”

“Why?”

“To make Fancy-Rancy jealous.”

“But Seth is engaged. Rance knows he’s not attracted to me.”

“Doesn’t matter. What does is ignoring Rance Man. Don’t even look at him, and see what happens. If you’re right, you’ll be able to tell. But if I’m right, and I know I am, he’ll make a move.”

A spaghetti strap on Tiffany’s pink sundress slipped off her shoulder. She put it back in place and raked her fingers through her long blonde curls. No doubt Nick would be attracted to her. Rance too.

As Blaze slipped the white shirt over her head, she considered Tiffany’s plan and wasn’t sure she agreed. But her friend had more experience with romance, so Blaze figured she might as well try it. She smoothed the hem of the blouse over the full skirt and added a chain belt. Since she had no cleavage, the off-shoulder eyelet ruffle drew attention from that department. Tiffany hadn’t missed a detail, from the chandelier earrings to the beaded sandals. Blaze moved to the mirror and cast one last look at the shocking transformation from Goth to bohemian Cinderella.

In town, she trailed behind her friend as Tiffany shoved open the door to The Roost. The perky blonde sashayed through the crowd like she owned the place. Impressive for a preacher’s daughter. But she could fit in anywhere. Not Blaze. She had never even been inside a bar. Sure, she’d been to the country club with her dad when she was a child, but that was different. Every person in the place knew him and his daughter. Here, she wasn’t the steel king’s peculiar kid, she was just odd.

Dread pooled in Blaze’s stomach as soon as she spotted Rance. She quickly moved her gaze to Seth. He rose and came to meet them.

“Hey, glad you made it,” Seth said.

His warm smile and greeting relaxed Blaze a little, but she could feel Rance’s eyes on her. “This is my friend Tiffany,” Blaze said.

Tiffany flashed her trademark full wattage. The expression that rendered men speechless and strained their zippers. Seth shook her hand and motioned for them to follow. Blaze hated the heady rush she got as Rance rose from his seat.

The two empty shot glasses in front of him told her he hadn’t been there long enough to get drunk. She tore her eyes away and focused on Nick, who wore a T-shirt that read Free Breast Exams.

After introductions, Seth pulled out a chair for Blaze, and Nick did the same for Tiffany. Rance plopped back onto his and glared at Blaze.

“Chirp, surprised to see you,” Rance said.

Tiffany bumped Blaze’s knee under the table as if to remind her of the scheme. “Seth convinced me to come.”

Tiffany patted Blaze’s leg in approval.

“What do you girls want to drink?” Seth asked.

“Frozen margarita for me,” Tiffany said.

Blaze wasn’t up for this. She’d been crazy to think she could pull it off. Tiffany nudged her again. “Oh, I can have a soda.”

Tiffany glared at Rance but spoke to Blaze. “Don’t be ridiculous. Have something virgin.”

“Oh, okay. A peach Bellini.”

“Coming right up.” Seth walked away.

Tiffany gawked at Nick’s shirt.

He leaned closer. “You’re not going to slap me, are you?”

“Why would I do that?” Tiffany asked.

“Seth said I was asking for trouble by wearing this.”

She traced her finger over the word free. “Actually, I’d like to make an appointment.”

He laughed. “Anytime.”

Sweat beaded on Blaze’s forehead. Rance’s eyes bore into her with such fire, she wanted to run. Afraid to move, she sat ruler straight. Why couldn’t she be like Tiffany and say clever things and flirt instead of being awkward? Thankfully Seth returned with the drinks, and that gave her something to do with her hands.

Rance knocked back another shot, then leaned closer and whispered to Blaze, “You look beautiful.”

Her heart jumped into her throat. Why’d he say that? She couldn’t look at him. If she did she’d fall into his arms and beg him to love her, if only for a little while. She leaned close enough for him to hear her, but averted her eyes. “Thank you.”

Seth must have noticed her discomfort, because he came to his feet and held out his hand. “Come on, Blaze. Let’s dance.”

As nervous as she was to get on the dance floor, it was safer than sitting next to Rance.

Seth tugged her out of her seat and into his arms. “This is awkward,” he said.

“I told you I don’t dance.”

“Not the dancing. You. And Rance. What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh hell. You’ve fallen for him, haven’t you?”

“No.” The lie didn’t sound convincing, even to her. Considering everything about her was a lie, she should be better at it.

“Yeah, you have, and as much as I love my brother, he should come with a warning label. He can be pig-headed.”

At least Seth didn’t seem to know about the bungled sex. That was a relief. “We had an argument,” Blaze explained. “That’s all. I shouldn’t have come. I didn’t want to, but Tiffany wanted to meet Nick. I need to leave. Can you take me?”