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Canin barked with laughter and clasped Jeff on the shoulder. You are so right, man. There is a
real curse on the Cubbies. I don't care that reasonable intelligence debunks how and why we've gone
a hundred years without winning the World Series again. Someone cursed our poor logo and didn't
leave an ancestor around to lift it; that's all there is to it.
Did I hear something about the Cubs curse, Jeff? A blond man paused as he walked by the table
where Canin sat with Kasey, Jeff, and Lindsey. Canin sat upright as Kasey squeezed his knee under
the table. Have you found someone else willing to help fund the costs of an honest to goodness
voodoo priestess to come in here and lift the damn thing?
Getting close. Jeff stood and shook hands with the newcomer. Good to see you, Frank. Jeff
shifted, including the group at the table. Let me introduce you to a couple of new members. Canin
and Kasey, meet Frank Kinsey. Frank, this is Canin Johns, and his wife, Kasey Carson-Johns.
Ah Frank extended his hand in greeting so you're the couple I've been hearing whispers
about since I got here. Nice to meet you. Sorry I missed the show. The wife had a work thing we had
to attend earlier in the evening. Frank scanned the room, and then pointed out a stunning, sun-kissed
brunette with close-cropped hair and mile-long legs standing about a half-dozen booths away.
There's my Lora, looking like she's about to make a decision for the evening without me. Excuse me,
will you? Frank shook Jeff's, and then Canin's, hands again. Good to see you again, Jeff. Lindsey,
looking good enough to eat, as always. Canin, Kasey, I look forward to your next show. You all have
a good evening.
After Frank walked away, Jeff shared, Frank and Lora like to pair up and play too. They're good
people.
You've got to be careful with Frank, though, Lindsey said. If he gets a few drinks in him, he can
get loud and a little pushy. Lora keeps him in check most of the time, and she's such a lovely woman
everyone tends to forgive Frank's occasional social blunders, for her sake.
She's stunning, Canin said, and then could have kicked himself in the ass. Sorry, honey. He slid
his hand over Kasey's thigh and rubbed the inner slope. Damn, his palm was tailor-fit for her sweet
curves. Not nearly as beautiful as you.
Oh, please. Kasey rolled her eyes. She's gorgeous. Did you think I wouldn't expect you to
notice?
She used to be a professional model, Lindsey explained. Damned thing is, though, she's as
pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. Putting her chin in her hand, Lindsey scrunched up her
face. Don't you just hate that?
Hate that you can't hate her? Kasey gave Lindsey a conspiratorial little half smile that warmed
Canin's heart, and then skittered it with concern. He didn't want her to like this woman, and then find
out she was half of their stalking duo. Yeah, I know what you mean, Kasey said. Kasey's attention
strayed to Frank and Lora and lingered. Why does he look like I know him? Puzzlement laced her
voice, and her brow furrowed.
Canin just barely reined in shooting Kasey a what the hell are you saying? stare. Of course Frank
looked familiar to her. She'd seen his face on their computer screen just yesterday afternoon.
It's the cheekbones and the crazy perfect nose, Lindsey answered. Looks just like his brother,
even though Brett is taller and his hair is lighter blond. That's the guy who left with Jonathan and his
wife a while ago.
That's it. Kasey nodded. She finally pulled her gaze off Frank and put it back on Lindsey. The
sense that these two women had been friends forever washed over Canin again, and he said a quick
prayer that this couple was not their attackers. He also vowed to have an uncomfortable talk with
Kasey and remind her about not becoming vulnerable with a suspect. I felt like I had seen him
tonight, but he said he'd just shown up. It would have driven me nuts if you hadn't said something.
Thanks.
No problem. Lindsey lifted her hand to her mouth as her jaw stretched wide open, and a soft
little yawning sound escaped her lips. Oh, I apologize. Her eyes widened, and she put both hands to
her cheeks. It's not the company, believe me. I was up very early this morning and have to do it again
tomorrow. We debated even coming out tonight, but I'm glad we did. We've had a great time hanging
out with both of you, but if I stay five more minutes, I'm going to slide right to the floor.
Right. Of course. Canin immediately stood when Lindsey and Jeff did. Kasey got to her feet too,
and Canin stuck his hand out to Jeff. We'll have to do this again.
Absolutely. Jeff gave Canin a brisk handshake, and then pecked a light, very respectful kiss high
on Kasey's cheek. Canin did the same to Lindsey, and reminded himself to stay detached. We'd love
to have you over for dinner one night, Jeff said. He produced a card from his jacket and handed it to
Canin. I'm not professionally trained or anything, but I love to cook.
He's being modest. Lindsey slid her arm around Jeff's waist and gave her husband a fast hug.
He's damned good. In fact, we're thinking about opening a restaurant sometime in the next two years.
I can tell you right now that he's already going through his recipe book in his mind, thinking about
what would be best to cook for the two of you. Don't leave him hanging. He's probably considering
side dishes and desserts too.
That sounds awesome. Kasey plucked Jeff's card right out of Canin's hand and slipped it in the
inner pocket of her jacket. Canin wondered what in the hell Kasey was doing. I guess you can
tell she rubbed her tummy that I love to eat.
That ain't fat, honey, Jeff answered. That's all mouthwatering, womanly curves. The man
immediately jerked back and locked his eyes on Canin's. Sorry, man. That was a sincere
compliment. I wasn't trying to put the moves on your woman or hint at the swinging offer again.
Relax. Canin thwacked Jeff on the shoulder without pausing to think, his only instinct to settle the
look of horror in the other man's eyes. I didn't think you were trying anything. I like a man who is
smart enough to see how sexy Kasey is, even if I don't want him to touch her. If I ever think you cross
the line, believe me, you won't wonder if that's the thought in my head. You'll be too busy dislodging
my fist from your face.
Jeff chuckled. Fair enough, man. Fair enough.
Lindsey snorted, and turned a twinkling gaze on Kasey. What do you think? she asked. Should
we just hand them the end of our hair and let them drag us back to their caves?
Don't know. Can't think for myself. Didn't realize I was allowed to. Kasey latched on to Canin's
arm and turned big, blinking eyes up to him. My Lord, might I be allowed to have a thought of my
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