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“Just keep your hands in safe zones,” Dev says.
I roll my eyes. “It’s not like we’re going to make out in public twenty-four seven,” I say. “We have a little class.” I glance at Roman, still annoyed. “Is that what you do with women you usually date? Maul them in public?”
“He hasn’t dated anyone in forever,” Ledger says, bringing over a plate so I can place the biscuits on it. “Maybe never.”
“Shut up,” Roman says to his brother with a slap over the head.
“I’m just stating the facts. Greer’s a lawyer, so she appreciates facts.”
While Chloe and Dev take platters of food into the dining room, I study Roman, trying to remember the last woman he dated. He never brings women around, but there has to be someone I’m forgetting. “What about Robin? Rapunzel? What was her name?”
“Regina?” Roman asks. He scoffs. “I went out with her a million years ago for a hot second. We definitely didn’t make out in public.”
I plate the biscuits, dropping each one with a plunk. “Well, I know you’re no saint, Roman.”
His captivating smile almost sweeps away my unreasonable jealousy. “Is that what you want? A saint, Greer?” He steps closer to me.
“I don’t mind if the halo is a bit tarnished,” I say, so I seem less nun-like. “Everyone is a sinner.” For good measure, I wink.
His brows pull together, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s the one annoyed now.
“Brunch is served,” I say, shooing everyone out of the kitchen and into the dining room.
For the next half hour, we busy ourselves filling our plates and talking about Dev and Chloe’s impending baby. And then, Ledger nearly causes me to choke on my biscuit when he asks, “So, why didn’t you pick me to be your fake beau? Why did Roman’s name pop into your head first?”
“Don’t be jealous,” Roman says with amusement twinkling in his eyes. “Clearly, I’m more handsome.”
I laugh it off like a loon. “I figured Roman would have more time, since…you’re busy…being busy, ya know?”
The universe is kind to me and Chloe shifts the conversation away to how much she enjoys having Ledger fill in at the club so Dev can spend more time at home now. We finish up brunch and as the day winds down, I walk Chloe and Dev to the door.
“Thank you for coming,” I tell them, giving Chloe a quick hug. “Call me if anything happens.”
Chloe nods. “Listen, prance Roman around on your arm and the tabloids should quiet down. They’re just trying to intimidate you because they know you have a shot at winning, and the DA doesn’t want to see Bane walk.”
“Because they’ve already labeled him guilty.”
“I didn’t lead the investigation, but I know they’ve got a solid case.”
“Just be safe,” Dev says. “I don’t like this situation. It’s got bad karma written all over it. I like the idea of Roman keeping an eye on you. The Delgados are shady as fuck.”
I sigh. “Yeah.”
Chloe places a hand on my arm. “Before I forget, I want you to come to our house on Friday night. We have something to discuss with everyone. So, we’ll make dinner.”
I nod. “I’ll be there.”
Roman and Ledger join us at the door, and I give Ledger a hug goodbye.
“You’re crazy for going through with this,” Ledger says with a laugh. “But he’ll take care of you.”
“I can take care of myself,” I tell him, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Nobody says you can’t. But Roman is an extra layer of security,” my brother says. He pulls me away from the others. “Are you still considering visiting Dad?”
Learning that our mother was murdered and didn’t commit suicide has made me think a lot about visiting our father. For years, I blamed myself for so much of my mother’s passing. I thought my father blamed me too. Or blamed us. I don’t even know where my father’s head has been since he’s learned the truth. When I mentioned these thoughts to Dev, he didn’t appear keen on the idea of connecting with our father.
I nod. “I think it would be good.”
