Long Slow Burn by Isabel Sharpe Page A

and Steve joined in, pairing off in teams: Nathan and Troy, Kent and Steve. An hour later, they were done, Nathan and Troy having dominated the game, Kent and Steve satisfying themselves by insulting their opponents with unrestrained obscenity.
    The smell of testosterone hung thick in the air.
    â€œBrews at Wolski’s?” Steve pointed to each man in turn.
    There was general agreement. They walked to their cars, drove down Humboldt and parked on Pulaski Street by Wolski’s Tavern, a Milwaukee neighborhood institution famousfor its I Closed Wolski’s bumper stickers. The classic interior held dart boards, games and good, cold beer.
    The guys ordered plenty and stood clustered by the bar.
    â€œWhoa, check that out.” Steve lifted his square chin toward the corner behind Nathan, who didn’t need to see to know blond hair and large breasts were involved.
    Kent turned around for a lingering leer. “Oh, yeah. I could seriously enjoy some of that.”
    â€œI saw her first, dude.”
    Nathan glanced behind him. Pretty girl. Aware of their attention by now, pretending she wasn’t, tossing back her hair, smiling widely, leaning forward to talk to her friend. Then a quick sidelong shift of her eyes, making sure they were staring.
    â€œShe totally wants it.” Steve was practically slobbering. “Nathan? I’m going in. You up for the friend?”
    He shook his head. “Not interested.”
    â€œWhat is with you?” Steve cuffed the back of Nathan’s neck. “You are turning into a wuss.”
    Nathan shrugged. Troy was watching him curiously.
    â€œSeriously,” Kent said. “You haven’t been on the hunt in a while.”
    â€œEver since you moved in with Kim.” Steve made a lewd gesture. “You getting some there?”
    â€œHey.” Kent slitted his eyes, puffed up his slender chest. “You’re talking about my sister.”
    Troy’s eyebrows lifted at Nathan. “You live with Kim?”
    â€œI lost my lease. She had room. Favor to Kent.” He drank more beer than he wanted, feeling dangerously exposed.
    â€œConvenient.” Troy nodded, not taking his eyes off Nathan. “Nice woman.”
    â€œYup.” Nathan took another gulp, wanting to sock Troy in the nose except he seemed to be a good guy.
    â€œWhat is wrong? She have you all domesticated?” Steve sneered. “Sewing little curtains for the place?”
    â€œNah.” Troy shook his head. “She’s not like that.”
    Troy being protective: bad sign.
    â€œShut up, Steve.” Kent was disgusted. “Troy’s right, Kim isn’t like that.”
    â€œWhat you need, Nate, is some action.” As usual, Steve was completely unfazed by their disapproval. He gestured toward the blonde. “Those women over there are calling your name.”
    â€œI don’t think so.” Nathan drained the rest of his drink.
    Even Kent was staring at him now. “What is up, Nate?”
    Nathan shrugged. “Just not into it.”
    â€œWhoa, emergency situation.” Steve signaled the bartender. “Another round here. Though maybe we should do shots.”
    â€œNot me,” Troy said.
    â€œOkay, I know the problem.” Kent held up his hands, commanding attention, upping the drama. “I’ve seen the symptoms before.”
    â€œVD?” Steve offered.
    Kent turned to Nathan. “What’s her name?”
    Nathan saw that one coming. What would Kent do if he told him? He blurted out the first name that came into his head. “Angelina.”
    â€œWhat, like Jolie?”
    â€œYeah.” Nathan accepted his new beer. “Like that.”
    â€œWhat’s the problem?” Troy was watching him again, as if he knew Nathan was lying. “She’s not into you?”
    â€œI don’t know.” He already regretted saying anything. “I don’t really want to talk—”
    â€œMake