“So,” he said finally, not looking at me. “Location scouting. When works for you?”
“Tomorrow?” The word came out too quickly. “Morning?”
“I’ll pick you up at nine.”
“I can drive myself…”
“Some of the spots need a truck. Easier if we go together.” Now he did look at me, and the intensity in his dark eyes made my breath catch. “Unless you’d rather not.”
There was a note of challenge in his voice. Or maybe a hope that I’d say no, that I’d let him off the hook.
Ishouldsay no. I should insist on driving myself, maintaining distance, keeping the truce intact.
“Nine works,” I said instead.
Something flickered across his face. Relief? Dread? Want?
“I’ll be there.”
He left first, shouldering past Booker with a muttered goodbye. I watched him go, then turned to find Blake watching me with a knowing smile.
“Subtle,” I said flatly.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” But her grin was pure mischief.
Reece appeared at her elbow. “We’re just trying to help.”
“Help with what, exactly?”
“You’re both miserable,” Billie said, joining the group. “Anyone with eyes can see the tension between you two. You need to work it out.”
“There’s no tension…”
“Leigh.” Delaney’s voice was gentle but firm. “We’re your family now. That means we care about you. Both of you.”
I looked at each of them. These women who barely knew me but had welcomed me anyway. Who saw through my walls like they were made of glass. Like they’d had years to figure out how I worked. Was I really that transparent to them already?
“It’s complicated,” I managed.
“The best things usually are.” Blake squeezed my arm. “Just... don’t fight it so hard, okay?”
I didn’t know what to say to that. Didn’t know how to explain that I wasn’t sure what I was fighting anymore—him, or myself.
So I just nodded, gathered my things, and drove back to Jasper’s house with my mind spinning.
Tomorrow. Nine a.m. Alone in a truck with Dex for hours.
The truce was going to be tested.
And I wasn’t sure either of us would survive it.
That night, lying in bed, I stared at my phone. Wren had texted hours ago asking how the meeting went. I’d avoided answering.
Finally, I typed:They’re conspiring. All of them.
Her response came immediately:About bar guy?
Leigh:His name is Dex.
