Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) by Barbara Huffert

and I don’t want to do that.”
    Kiley stared when Brett stopped talking because Jordan was approaching. “Have a good weekend, Kiley. I’m sure I’ll see you Monday.” He smiled sweetly as if he hadn’t just finished speaking so seriously.
    “Sure, Brett, you too. Try to behave yourself,” she teased as she nodded behind Jordan’s back.
    “I’ll give you a call over the weekend, Jordan, to let you know how dinner with Sadie goes. I’ve got to run.” He took off before Jordan could reply.
    “So, any big plans for this weekend?” Kiley asked before his full attention could fluster her.
    “No, not really. I just asked Dee if I could stop by Sunday afternoon. There’s some details I need to discuss with her and Will. How about you?” Jordan was standing too close for Kiley to concentrate. And he was talking softly, just to her.
    “Ah, um, me? Nothing much, just stuff, you know,” Kiley mumbled.
    “Okay then, I guess I’ll see you Monday.” Jordan hesitated as if he wanted to say more.
    “Yeah, okay, good.” She blushed.
    “Kiley sweet, I’ll be thinking about you.” He kissed her cheek and left her standing there, kicking herself for her inability to say what she wanted to once again.
    Malcolm watched the entire exchange. So it was more than he thought. The idiot actually had feelings for her. And the twit was playing him perfectly with the way she pretended to go all shy when he tried to talk to her. Maybe he’d do something about it, something to blow a hole in their plans. Yes, Malcolm decided, he’d have to give this situation some serious consideration. Maybe, just maybe he could upset the applecart for both of them. Just as soon as he maneuvered the horny, drunken bitch in front of him to do as he desired, that is.

Chapter Five
     
    Kiley spent the afternoon mulling over everything Brett had said. Happy-go-lucky, ever cheerful Brett had a serious side after all. Dee insisted he was very different when he was helping Will with his website but she’d never seen him be anything other than lighthearted. Today, he’d been extremely somber while cautioning her not to hurt his friend. Obviously, he’d held back, waiting to see what developed, not commenting until she appeared receptive to Jordan’s overtures. His words added even more to consider regarding the situation.
    Could Jordan really be as serious about her as Brett implied he was? Or was Brett simply being overprotective of his friend? Was she interested in him in more than just a physical way? And if she did want to have a real relationship, how could she go about letting him know? She’d been slightly less of a ninny since they’d spoken on the phone, slightly being the key word. At this rate, she’d be old and gray and he’d have grandchildren with someone else by the time she managed an entire conversation with ease.
    After her customary evening routine, Kiley went about paying her bills. What a way to spend a Friday night! Again, Brett’s sentiments danced through her head. Was Jordan really still working? Her chores were finished and she was ready to relax. Maybe she would call him. They could chat for a moment and then she’d let him get on with his evening. He probably wasn’t even home anyway. Surely Brett exaggerated. More than likely Jordan was out, using that voice of his to seduce some lucky female. She’d overheard the comments women made about him at the restaurant. Not all were limited to the sexy way he sounded either. From them, Kiley got the impression that the female patrons of Mr. Paul’s were in undisputed agreement that Jordan McKade was hot in every way. And that all he’d need to do was wiggle his little finger to have any number of women at his disposal. He just hadn’t taken advantage of any of the countless opportunities while she was around yet. Brett must still be laughing at his personal joke at her expense, that she was stupid enough to believe Jordan was actually home alone, working on a