Jeffery saved me from total humiliation by butting in and doing the honor of officially introducing us. He cleared his throat. “Let me have the pleasure. Stevie, I would like for you to meet Valor Cross.” Jeffery very gallantly pointed to our guest. “Val for short, and Val,” Jeffery glanced at me, “I’d like for you to meet the one and only Stephanie Ray Collins. Stevie for short.” Jeffery’s blue eyes sparkled with mirth.
My cheeks were flushed under the humorous gaze of Val’s eyes. I hid behind my lashes as I mumbled. “Nice to be on first-name basis.”
“Likewise, Freckles.” His voice was deeply rich, yet playful. Goose bumps covered my arms. The good ones.
Dom and Jeffery didn’t help the matter any when they both snorted laughter. Some things never change.
Jeffery thought it’d be more p
