Hide'n Go Seek by Dale Mayer Page B

and rolled her eyes, a huge grin on her face.

    Kali sat back and watched her as-good-as-married friend rhapsodize over Grant. Kali didn't dare voice her opinion. She'd give herself away, for sure. Besides, she didn't need to say anything. Janet was right. Grant was stunning. And a little unnerving. "That good, huh?"

    "Oh yeah, that good." Janet looked furtively behind her again. "Not only that, he's going to be here full-time." Her face split in huge smirk. "I'm about to volunteer every day."

    "So much for Dennis." Dennis was Janet's police officer boyfriend. They were perfect together. Both would do anything for a person in need.

    "Maybe not. Dennis wouldn't mind if I played a little." Mischief lit within her deep brown eyes. "I won't ask him about it, though. I'll just go ahead and snag this guy. Maybe, we'll have a threesome."

    There was no help for it. Kali laughed. The thought of Dennis letting anyone close to Janet was comical. He was loving, possessive and never let her out of his sight when he was off duty. Even on duty, he called her several times a day. "I can't imagine Dennis with another guy."

    "Well, I'd be in the middle of course. So technically, it wouldn't be Dennis with another guy." She jutted out one hip in an exaggerated imitation of deep thinking. "This has possibilities. Hmmm."

    "Jeez, woman. How am I going to get any work done with you putting those damn images in my mind?"

    "You need to laugh more often. You're serious these days. As if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You need some fun in your life." She grinned. "Jesus, I bet you haven't been laid in months."

    Like she needed thoughts of Grant rolling around in bed mixed up with her bookkeeping. Kali narrowed her gaze. "Like I'd tell you. You'd just post it on the bulletin board."

    "How about I post a job ad for someone to apply for the position." Janet raised and lowered her eyebrows in a rapid movement, sending Kali into fits of laughter.

    "What ad are you looking to post, Janet?" Stan had arrived unnoticed behind her and stood in the doorway.

    Janet half choked. "Nothing, Stan. I'm just hassling Kali."

    "That you are," declared Kali. Energy hummed into the room. Grant. She didn't need to see him to know Grant stood behind Stan. A lightness she was starting to recognize and respond to filled her.

    "I brought someone for Kali to meet." Stan looked expectantly at Janet.

    Janet took the hint gracefully. "I'm heading out. I'll talk to you later, Kali." Smiling coyly at Grant, she sidled past the two men and left.

    Stan moved inside the office, whispering, "I wanted you to know Grant's going to be-" He looked behind him and dropped his voice further, "you know...around."

    Kali barely withheld her smile. If it weren't for the deep worry lines on Stan's face, she'd almost think he was enjoying the cloak and dagger event. As much as she hated the reason for it, it was good to see the normally frail man energized by something.

    Studying Grant's casual jeans and a white Henley, she could see he'd fit in perfectly as their new instructor. He didn't need power suits like he'd had on this morning - power radiated off him. His persona came across as large and in charge. Comforting. And attractive.

    Power had a seductiveness few women could ignore. "Hi, Grant, welcome."

    He studied her face intently before nodding as if satisfied at something. "Thanks. By the way do you help out with the classes?"

    Kali looked over at Stan. "Sometimes. If I'm needed. It's not what I've been doing lately, but I've taught in the past. Why?"

    "Just wondered how many people know you well and how many might know of you?"

    She groaned. "You're after another list of names, aren't you?"

    He tilted his head in acknowledgement.

    Kali reached for her bag and the list she'd started. "This list is those people I could remember seeing in Sacramento, I put an asterisk beside those that that aren't fans of mine and vice versa."

    "Everyone loves you." Stan