More Than a Phoenix by Ashlyn Chase

Noah scanned the busy club. The lights were low, but it didn’t matter. Having paranormal eyesight was a plus in these situations. “Let’s walk the perimeter clockwise and check out the girls facing us, then get something at the bar and go back the other way.”

Dante chuckled. “Yeah. If we swiveled to check out the chicks on the other side of the tables, it would be a little obvious what we’re doing.”

“Exactly.”

Noah led the way, making a note of the women Dante might like. Their taste in women differed greatly. That had been a plus, and would continue to be as long as he could find a gorgeous blonde with an athletic build for Dante sitting with a petite brunette for himself.

The guys had passed only four booths when some big lug coming toward them barreled into Noah, knocking him sideways. To his shock and embarrassment, he fell and landed hard in the lap of some poor, unsuspecting woman. She squeaked a sound of surprise, but didn’t say “owww.”

“I’m sorry. Are you okay?” He scrambled to slide off her lap. As he gazed at her face, her beautiful brown eyes widened.

She looked familiar, and suddenly, it struck him. He had met her only that morning. “Dr. Samuels?” He struggled to leave the booth when she placed a warm hand on his arm.

“I’m fine. Are you okay?”

He paused at the end of the bench without getting up. Her voice was soft and kind. This was not the Dr. Samuels he’d spoken to sharply that morning.

She scooted over to make room for him. “I’m sorry about our disagreement earlier. How’s your friend?”

The woman on the other side of the table, who looked similar to the good doctor, slid over and patted the bench next to her. “Join us,” she said to Dante.

He grinned. “Sure.”

There was some kind of twinkle in his brother’s eye. Noah didn’t know whether that was a good thing or not. Hopefully, he was willing to consider a pretty brunette.

“She’s not exactly my friend. Just an acquaintance. Someone we knew in high school.”

“I don’t even know your name,” Dr. Samuels said.

“Jesus. I’m an idiot.”

“That’s an unusual name and job description…”

Noah laughed and extended his hand. “Noah Fierro, and this is my brother Dante. We’re firefighters.”

She smiled and shook his hand. “And I’m Kizzy. This is my sister Ruth. She’s a labor and delivery nurse.”

“Kizzy? That’s an unusual name.”

“It’s a form of the name Keziah. I used to hate it, but now that the mean kids have grown up, I kind of like being different.”

“Mean kids? Did you get teased about your name when you were younger?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ve heard them all. Dizzy Kizzy. Crazy Kizzy. And on humid days, even Frizzy Kizzy.”

Noah chuckled, then quickly schooled his expression. “I like it.”

“Does that mean you like her now?” Dante asked.

Noah wanted to kick his brother under the table, but that wouldn’t look immature at all, he thought sarcastically. “If she likes me… At least it seems like she’s not mad at me anymore.”

Kizzy laughed. “I was never really angry. I was just frustrated, and I guess I took it out on you. I’m sorry for my part in that argument. It was a crazy morning. Now that I’m off duty and I’ve had one of these lovely things”—she lifted her empty wineglass—“I’m feeling more relaxed.”

“Let’s get you another,” Dante said. “What are you drinking?” He pointed to both Kizzy’s and Ruth’s wineglasses.

The women glanced at each other, as if they could communicate without words as easily as he and Dante could.

Ruth answered. “We both just finished a glass of Shiraz.”

Dante rose. “Two more glasses of Shiraz it is. Ruth, would you like to come with me? I’ll need someone to carry Noah’s and my Coronas.”

“I’m getting a Corona, I guess,” Noah said to Kizzy.

“It’s Cinco de Mayo. Would you rather have a margarita?”

“Nah. You had it right the first time.”

Dante shook his head. “He’s not usually this much of a smart-ass,” he said to Kizzy. “You must bring out the worst in him.”