Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez Page A

his shirt. “I woke up and you were gone. I just needed a little fresh air.”
    When Braden couldn’t make his tongue wrap around words, she continued, “The view is incredible.”
    “Yes, it is.” The wind caught her hair and lightning flashed in the distance. He pulled Beth into his arms, running his hands up underneath the hem of the shirt, delighting in her breathy moan as his fingers skimmed across her inner thigh, slipping higher to gently caress her. She arched into him, tilting her face for a kiss, and all thoughts of Chase and Markko fled into the night air.

Chapter Nine
    Beth glanced at the time and dialed the café.
    “The Grind.”
    “Hi, Marianne.”
    “Hey, girl!”
    “I’m running a little late this morning. Is the café really busy?”
    “Nah. It’s actually a little slow.” Marianne paused, Angie’s screaming in the background filtering through the line.
    “You tell him!”
    Beth winced as Marianne’s shout slammed into her ear. “What?”
    “Ah sorry, honey,” Marianne said with a laugh, “Angie’s shouting at Joe again. He’s dropping off some produce.”
    “What is it this time?”
    “Whether or not the cherries he delivered are in season. But we both know that’s just the excuse.” Marianne lowered her voice. “I swear, one of these days, I’m going to walk into the storeroom and find those two going at it.”
    Angie’s voice rang out loud and clear. “And if Joseph Taylor would stop delivering substandard produce, I’d stop yelling at him.”
    “Sure you would. For a week, maybe two. Then you’d find a new reason,” Marianne countered.
    “Ridiculous!”
    The light changed as Marianne and Angie continued to bicker, Beth momentarily forgotten. Still, she felt as though she were standing in Angie’s kitchen, rather than sitting in her car. She could see it all, Angie’s glare and thin, pressed lips, Marianne’s casual posture and dismissive expression.
    When did I come to know these women so well?
    “Well, it’s true! Fighting, flirting, it’s all the same to you!” Marianne’s voice cut through her thoughts and Beth choked out a laugh.
    “You’re on speaker and I can hear you laughing, Beth. Don’t think I’ll forget it.”
    “Oh, don’t listen to her, she’s just frustrated.”
    Beth only laughed harder. God, she loved these crazy women.
    “What you need is a long night of hot sex. It’s done wonders for Beth.”
    Beth choked and nearly dropped the phone. “What?”
    “Well, it has. You’re running late. And I’ve never heard you laugh so much in my life. I put two and two together.” Marianne’s voice sang with the smugness of someone who knew she was right. “And of course, I got to see the opening act last night. Was it as hot as it looked?”
    “Marianne!” Beth tried to contain her embarrassment and redirect the question. “He just stopped by to say hello.”
    “Where are you, Beth?” Angie’s straightforward question startled Beth out of her embarrassment.
    Grateful for the change of subject, Beth spluttered, “I just turned onto Prescott…”
    “Prescott? Bit out of your way this morning, aren’t you? I didn’t think Prescott was in your neck of the woods,” Angie said, her tone dry.
    “Angie!” Beth squeaked, at the same time Marianne caught up to the conversation.
    “Prescott’s up by Braden.”
    “We’re even,” Angie announced. “Now, I’ve got muffins that need baking. Don’t come in this morning, Beth. Go on home and we’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t keep her on the phone too long, Marianne.”
    Marianne squealed and said, “Never made it home last night, huh?”
    Beth didn’t reply.
    “Oh, don’t bother. I know you didn’t. So, how was he? Thorough I’ll bet, judging by the way he devoured you in the kitchen last night.”
    “Oh my God, Marianne!” Mortification rushed through her.
    “I want details!” Marianne paused, as though racking her brain for which question to ask first. “Was it good? Oooh,