Page 61 of Good at Being Bad (Rock Canyon, Idaho 8)

“A change she directed. I was wondering why you suddenly looked so damn hot,” Gracie said.

“Gee, thanks, Grace, you’re a pal.”

“No, I was your pal. Now we are arch-nemeses and you will rue the day you betrayed me!” Gracie released a maniacal laugh.

“Okay, Dr. Evil, take a breath.” Before Gracie could say anything else, Gemma broke in, giving her a warning look. “I think what Gracie meant is, we’re not used to seeing you so rough. You are usually so crisp and clean cut. It’s different, and might make other people look at you differently.”

Mike chuckled. “So, let me get this straight. If I had just grown a goatee, driven a motorcycle, and worn jeans and a T-shirt, the three of us could have…”

He trailed off and wiggled his eyebrows.

Two chunks of blueberry muffin Gemma had been eating came at him, hitting him in his chest and his neck. He exploded with laughter as they scolded him.

“Pervert!” Gracie hissed.

“Gross, Michael,” Gemma said.

As he wiped at his watering eyes, he shook his head. It was amazing to him that theirs had lasted longer than most high school friendships in spite of everything they’d faced. Most men didn’t have women friends past a certain age, but he had two amazing ones. He was a lucky man.

“I love you guys,” Mike said abruptly.

“Oh, no, there will be no buttering us up!” Gracie said, before adding, “Unless you spill.”

“Will you forgive me if I do?” He searched Gracie’s face, unsure if she was being dramatic or really angry with him.

Gracie grunted.

Mike sat back down, giving her his best pitiful look. “I was desperate and stupid. If I could pull out, I would.”

Gemma’s hazel eyes softened as she reached out to touch his hand.

“Ugh, Gemma, do not fall for his bullshit,” Gracie said, unmoved.

“I believe he really is sorry.” Gemma gave him a conspiratorial wink.

“Sucker.”

Mike ignored Gracie and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. “Thanks, Gem.”

Mike looked up at the jingle of the front door and saw Ellie walk in, her brow furrowed and looking so good it hurt.

His friends turned to see what he was looking at and he didn’t miss the sly glance that passed between them.

“Oh, yeah,” Gracie said. “Nothing going on there at all.”

Ellie just wanted a cup of coffee, and a little quiet time to process. Sam had looked over her tires and told her it most likely was caused by a serrated hunting knife, which narrowed down suspects to only at least a third of the town. Sam advised her to install a few cameras if she was concerned, but his advice was that she’d upset the wrong person and that they had just wanted to teach her a lesson. It had riled her, but there was little she could do except call a tow truck to haul her car to the nearest tire shop.

“Hey, I heard about your tires,” Mike said next to her suddenly. “You okay?”

Ellie looked up into his warm, brown eyes so filled with concern and was tempted to say no. Would he take her in his arms and hug her, with a shop full of people watching them?

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just frustrated and pissed off.” She was also a little nervous. The not knowing was the worst part.

“Do they have any idea

who it was?” Mike asked.

“No, none.” It was her turn to order and she asked for a small coffee with room for cream. After they stepped away from the counter, Mike’s hand rubbed across her shoulder blades comfortingly.