further, then gestured at the pool table and said, "See if you can figure it out in the meantime. I'll understand if you're reluctant later." After a moment of studying her, Cade nodded and lined up on the nine ball. Seven shots later, only the eight remained and it wasn't too far from a pocket. Cade called the pocket and sank the ball with a sigh of deliberately unconcealed relief. Laughing, Mandi said, "Oh, good game, sir." "Coming from you, that's a heavy compliment, milady." He sipped his beer and asked, "Back to what you said about being 'reluctant later'. You're gorgeous and I enjoy being with you, so I'm having trouble with the idea that I might be reluctant." Nibbling her lip, Mandi regarded Cade for a moment, then looked around, apparently to be sure nobody else could hear. In a low tone, she said, "You might find sex with me... ah... well, it could be somewhat... ah... unsatisfying." Matching her soft, confidential tone, Cade stated, "You're trying to say that I couldn't get in, aren't you?" Reddening slightly, Mandi nodded. Cade shrugged. "Oh, well. There are other ways to please a woman." Peering at Cade as if to determine the truth of his words, Mandi asked, "That wouldn't bother you?" With a small smile, Cade sipped his beer again and softly said, "It wouldn't bother me anywhere near as much as knowing I missed an opportunity to taste a woman like you intimately." After a brief pause, he grinningly added the respectful afterthought, "Ma'am." Again eyeing him as if to decide whether he'd told the truth, Mandi sipped her beer and laid her stick across the pool table. Picking up the menu from the small table, Cade looked it over and opted for another burger basket rather than some of the other items available, most of which seemed to contain pasta. "Would you like anything?" he asked, showing Mandi the menu. "I'm getting the burger basket." Mandi scanned the menu and said, "Same for me," as she reached into her purse for quarters she hadn't expected to need. "I'm buying," said Cade, waving the menu. "Thanks," said Mandi, "But I'm looking for quarters. I lost the last game, remember?" Looking startled, Cade exclaimed, "Oh, yeah! So you did! Wowsers! Thanks for reminding me!" "Just treasure the moment," said Mandi drily. "It may not happen again. Ever." "Oh, yes'm!" said Cade with a nod and a tiny salute. "As you say, ma'am. Treasuring it now, ma'am. Back in a minute." As he headed for the bar, Cade heard Mandi mutter, "Smartass," then she called, "Extra mustard, okay?" Chapter Twelve