masculinity? And he had handcuffs. Oh, the possibilities. She’d fantasized about a dozen ways a man could tie her up and handcuffs were right at the top of the list.
Releasing her, he straightened his uniform. “My shift’s been over for half an hour. If I don’t get some shuteye I’m going to collapse. I’ll call you later, soon as I hear back from Pete.”
She waved as he left. Geez, why was her heart pounding so hard? But she knew the answer. The prospect of being reunited with both her college crushes was a bit overwhelming. Not that either one would be interested in her after all this time. She was a good twenty pounds heavier than she’d been in college and she knew her overwhelming workload had taken its toll on her looks.
Still, she had her fantasies. That and a pint of ice cream made up most of her Saturday nights. Maybe this one would be different. After all, it was her birthday and she was supposed to be granted a wish. She knew exactly what she was going to hope for when she blew out the candles. It had been way too long since she’d even had a date, let alone made love with anyone. Hopefully one of them could get past the changes in her figure and go home with her.
Chapter Two
Murphy’s Tavern was just starting to fill up when Emmy arrived. She scanned the tables for the guys but apparently she was the first to arrive. She took a booth in the back, away from the hubbub of the bar, dimly lit and just a little too snug. The closer she could sit to both men, the better.
“There’s my girl.”
She couldn’t hold back a huge smile at that deep voice she’d never forgotten. Pete was taller than she remembered and still impossibly broad. His sandy-brown hair was cut military short and he wore a periwinkle-blue polo shirt that matched his eyes to a tee.
She slid out of the booth and threw herself into his waiting embrace. The familiarity of his hard contours transported her back in time. She knew all too well the feel of those powerful arms, the strong hands and talented fingers that had schooled her in the art of pleasure.
She held on, reluctant to give up the reminiscence. Pete set his hands on her waist and she automatically flinched, self-conscious of her larger size.
“You look great.” Pete stepped back, swept his gaze slowly over her from head to toe and setting off a storm of desire deep inside her.
Buying herself a new outfit for her birthday-tight-fitting black pants and a lacy top-had been a good move. Not to mention the matching bra and panties set she’d splurged on. Something about wearing all new clothes and sexy underwear made her feel a little more attractive.
He stroked her hair and gave her a warm smile. “I’m so glad you ran into Rudy. I’ve wondered about you over the years. He said you’re a public defender now. That’s awesome.”
“And you’re doing well at the jail, huh? You’ve moved up the ranks fast.” Long-dormant intimate muscles deep inside her pulled taut. God, he still inspired her lust. The room felt twenty degrees warmer since he’d arrived.
Get hold of yourself, counselor.
“How’s the family?” he asked.
She rolled her eyes. “My little sister is all grown up and she’s a knockout. Long blonde hair, great figure. She just graduated from UM with a degree in engineering. Thinks she knows everything now. Mom and Dad are the same, still working their fingers to the bone. How about your folks?”
“Your sister must be identical to you then. My mother just got married. That makes number four.” He shook his head and for a second he looked like that hunky boy she’d fallen for in college. “Maybe this time it’ll stick.” He regarded her with what she could swear was lust. And maybe a bit of regret. “Why did we throw us away, Em?”
Good to know he’d missed her too. “Timing, I guess. I was a little overwhelmed at first in law school and neither of us was good at the long-distance-relationship thing. Seems kind of silly in retrospect.” God knew she’d had moments of regret about it over the years.
Before he could say anything, Rudy was there and the guys were shaking hands. Time slipped by as the three of them drank draft beer and reminisced about their college days.
Only one glass of liquid courage had her flirting shamelessly with both men. “Did you leave your handcuffs home tonight, Rudy? I’d hate for them to get lonely.”
“Who said they I left them home?” He waggled a dark eyebrow at her.
“They see a lot of action, do they?” She wet her lips and took great pleasure in watching his gaze drop to her mouth.
He gave her a wry smile. “They’d love to see more.”
Pete topped off his beer. “He’s not the only one here who owns handcuffs, you know. We have all sorts of interesting restraint devices at the jail.”
They all laughed, but the sexual undercurrent remained strong throughout the evening. When the pitcher ran out, Emmy slid out of the booth. “Next one’s on me.”
Rudy hooked her arm and dragged her to a stop. “No way. Why should you buy?”
She thought about a smart answer. Something about lawyers making more money than cops, but in truth, as a freshman public defender she was barely scraping by. “Because today’s my birthday.” The moment the words left her lips she wanted to take them back.
“Today?” Pete inquired. “In that case, I’m buying. Shots too.”
“Oh God. I haven’t done a shot since our senior year.” She sat back down and contemplated whether she could handle so much liquor.
As soon as Pete was gone, Rudy slipped his arm around her shoulder and drew her close, giving her a whiff of his scent-that amazing cologne mixed with pure man. “You know, I always thought Pete was crazy for letting you go.” There was no mistaking the desire in his smoky eyes.
Her heart sped up. “What exactly are you saying?”
He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. The familiar gesture made her temperature spike. His Adam’s apple bulged as he swallowed. “That if Pete hadn’t asked you out, I would have.”
Her mouth dropped open but she immediately recovered and shut it. Rudy’s confession boosted her confidence until she remembered he was talking about years earlier and about the old, slimmer Emmy. Too bad, because she was tired of being lonely and sexually frustrated. All she did was work. She needed a man’s touch to remind her she was alive. And who better to touch than one of her dearest old friends?
He twirled a lock of her hair around his finger and smiled. “I find you even more attractive now.”
Okay, now that completely floored her. “Really?”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Why do you look so surprised? Have you looked in a mirror lately?”
Heat bloomed in her belly. “Well, I’m not exactly the girl I was in college.”
“No, you’re not. You’re a woman now.”
The way he said woman — as if it were something mystical and precious-stole her breath. Torrid heat rushed through her.
His gaze dropped to her cleavage for a moment before returning to her eyes. He exhaled and she sucked in his breath, an unspoken exchange laced with carnal promise. Time stood still as they had a whole conversation without saying a single word. Yes, he craved her as much as she did him.
Pete set a pitcher on the table, breaking the spell. “Bartender’s bringing those shots over. I hope you guys know we’re all taking a cab home tonight.” He looked from her to Rudy and back. “What’s going on?”
She straightened, tried to compose herself. And to bury the tiny shard of guilt poking at her side. “Nothing.”
Pete slid in across from her. “You make a move on her while I was gone, bro?” he asked Rudy. His tone was menacing but his crooked smile removed all the venom from his words.
Still, her mouth suddenly felt stuffed with cotton.
Rudy slung his arm over the back of the booth. “You had your chance at her.” His grin seemed to defuse any
