“Yes, and I practice reflexology and aromatherapy.”
“I knew it smelled good in here.” His smirk tickled her insides. The sexual energy radiating off this man was palpable. “So ladies, what are we gossiping about?”
“Nothing you’d be interested in, Turko.” Amie stood, staring at him with a less than amused look on her face.
“Oh, really?”
By the look on Aleks’s mischievous face, Martina couldn’t help but wonder if the men had overheard their conversation.
Aleks seemed the more talkative of the two, but Rob communicated with his eyes. They were fixed right on her.
Goose bumps made their way across her skin. His eyes heated up something inside her, something she thought died a long time ago. Good thing she now had a blanket to cover the evidence.
Carrie took a seat on the coffee-colored couch. Aleks was quick to join her. Martina saw the sparks flying between them despite Aleks’s cool-guy demeanor. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his free hand messing up her dark strands.
“Aleks! Stop!”
“What are we drinking? It’s making your lips blue, Care Bear.” He ripped the glass out of her hand and took a long swig. His distaste was evident in the sour
look on his face. “How do you girls drink this stuff? More importantly, how are you drinking this, Care?”
“It’s not that bad, and no one offered you any.” She stole the glass back.
“This is a girls’ night, Aleks. Time to go. You too, Rob. Out!” Amie hauled Aleks off the couch and herded him toward the entryway.
They were all easy and comfortable with each other. Martina had forgotten what it was like to be close to people.
“What do you think, Rob? What kind of secret girly things are they going to be doing?”
“I don’t know, but I’m definitely interested,” Rob replied. His brown eyes locked with hers.
“Out!” Carrie and Amie yelled in unison.
“Don’t worry. We aren’t staying. Aleks has a hot night planned with a lady who is yet to be determined…” Rob explained.
Martina felt the slump of Carrie’s shoulders from five feet away.
“…and I just need to find some of my meds and I’m going home.”
“I think Mom put them in the bathroom cabinet in the basement.”
“You mean you put them in the bathroom downstairs to make more room for yourself.”
“Either way. They’re downstairs.” She waved him off.
He looked a little sick. Martina always felt a connection to sick people.
“Good night, ladies. Martina–” Aleks eyed her from head to toe. “It was a pleasure. I hope we’ll see you again. Feel free to wear that anytime you visit.” Before turning, he took one last look at Carrie. “Nice work, Care Bear.”
Martina watched Carrie on the couch. Aleks’s interest in her seemed to hurt Carrie deeply. She felt guilty about drawing attention to herself.
Martina had never been the center of attention before, so she was a little taken aback by the obvious stares.
“Now. Where were we?” Amie picked up the various liquor bottles and made a new batch of blue drinks.
“I think I’ve had enough, Amie.” Martina swayed on her feet and after the gut reaction she just had to a stranger she didn’t think more alcohol would be the best idea.
“I’m sure Carrie wouldn’t mind you crashing in the basement so you don’t have to drive home.”