Dance For The Devil Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’ve been waiting for Jake to arrive, I’ve brought someone for him to meet, the most adorable woman –” Her voice was slurred, evidence she’d been drinking.
    Gil cut her off, smoothly winking at Jake. “Chum,” he mouthed, before turning back to the woman. “Now, Cynthia, you know Jake’s recently split from his wife. Give the poor guy a chance to enjoy bachelorhood.”
    “Oh, Gil! You’re such a tease! Anyone can see how lonely the poor man is. I was wondering if he might be interested in joining our little meetings...”
    Gil’s smile became rigid. “I hardly think –”
    “But he’d be a marvellous addition. Just think, someone new, someone so... strong, and with such creative ideas –”
    “Maybe later, Cyn, but let’s not bother Jake right now, alright dear? He’s a busy man and he doesn’t have time for this nonsense.”
    “Oh, but –”
    “I said now is not the time to discuss it.” Gil grabbed her arm firmly and began to lead her away, throwing an apologetic look over his shoulder at Jake.
    Harris Bentall, whom Jake recognized from another department of Marvelworks, brought his croquet mallet over and stood beside Jake. “What was that all about?”
    “Not sure,” Jake answered, laughing. “Cynthia wanted to invite me to a meeting of some sort but Gil promptly stopped her. I don’t know whether to thank or throttle him. Sometimes Gil forgets people are perfectly capable of speaking for themselves.”
    Harris looked slightly uncomfortable. “Yeah, well, I’m sure Gil did you a favor. Cynthia Blake is a bit kooky, if you know what I mean. Her husband needs to put a leash on her.”
    “Oh, I don’t know, she’s just being friendly.”
    “Well, take some more friendly advice and stay away from those meetings.”
    Jake smiled, trying to dispel the sudden tension. “That sounds rather ominous. What’s the worst Cynthia Blake can deal out? Bridge? Charades?” He gave a mock shudder. “A blind date?”
    Gil returned, suddenly, and faced the two men. “No, my friend, something much, much worse. An evening of terror more horrifying than you will ever comprehend. A fate worse than death. A night... of...” Gil made the sign of the cross over his chest, “Cynthia Blake’s god-awful cooking. That woman makes a tuna casserole that’ll strip the hair off your chest. We only go to the meetings because we have to, right Harris? Our wives make us. It’s to do with some charity event they’re organizing. Middle-aged-broads-against-needless-whale-slaughter or some damn thing. A different cause every season. We don’t pay too much attention, do we Harris? Just show up and pretend we’re listening, write ‘em a cheque then slip out to watch a hockey game, while trying not to puke up Cynthia’s cooking. Be grateful you’re a single man, Jake.” Gil took a deep breath. “Now, are we going to stand here yapping or are we going to play croquet?”
    **
    Jason led Amy away from the rest of the group. “Come on,” he whispered. “I want to show you my room.”
    He took her hand and led her through the house, which Amy scarcely noticed because she was so happy. Jason was holding her hand. He had kissed her the other day, then again after last night’s concert. She had a good inkling he was going to kiss her again, in a few moments, in his bedroom.
    Her body tingled with anticipation. Foreign feelings coursed through her, making her woozy and lightheaded. Her thighs felt warm and wet, like she’d peed her panties a little, although she knew she hadn’t. She wanted to ask Jason if they were a couple, if they were going together, if she was his girlfriend, if things were official. But she didn’t because she worried it would sound immature and remind him that she was younger.
    Amy was afraid of doing anything that might scare Jason off. He was the best thing that happened to her since her mom moved away. Actually, Jason Vandercamp was the only good thing that happened; everything else in