Part 31 (1/2)
”All right. Naomi.”
”Much better.”
Cal moved closer to watch the show.
Naomi looked Walker over. ”If you're just back from overseas, you might want someone to show you how Seattle has changed. I'd be more than willing.”
”I appreciate the offer, but I understand you're seeing my brother.”
”Reid?” Naomi shrugged. ”I was. But you know Reid. Fifteen minutes is about his attention span.”
”You don't seem too broken up about it.”
She smiled. ”That's because my attention span is two minutes shorter. No bruised hearts. I'm not into getting serious, just getting involved.”
The invitation was clear. Cal had to admit that Naomi embodied s.e.xual availability in a way that called to men.
Penny looked between them. ”Whatever you decide, I still expect you to eat dinner with me, Walker,” she said.
”I wouldn't do anything else,” he said, tugging on her long braid.
”Please have something to eat.” Naomi sighed. ”You'll need your strength.”
Walker looked at Naomi for a long time. ”I appreciate the offer,” he began.
Her eyes widened. ”You're turning me down?”
”How about if I take a rain check?”
Cal braced himself for the explosion. To the best of his knowledge, no one had ever turned Naomi down. Then she surprised him by laughing.
”Your loss, soldier. If you change your mind, and you will, Penny has my number.”
She strolled back into the kitchen. Walker watched her go.
”Interesting lady,” he said.
”That's the rumor,” Penny told him. ”Are you really not interested, or are you playing hard to get so you can have her full attention?”
Walker's expression shuttered. ”I don't play games.”
”Ha! It's hard-wired into your gender. Okay, go find a seat. I'll bring out food.”
”I don't get to pick what I want?”
”Oh, please. On what planet?” She glanced at Cal. ”Are you hungry? I can get another plate together.”
”Thanks.”