“If you don't want to go because of last night, I totally understand. I had booked the inn while I was missing you inBoston, but Kane called to cancel for us after I told him I thought you'd want to be home.” I ramble.
“It’s perfect.” She rests her hand on mine.
Giving her a bright smile, I pull the truck onto the road.
A road trip with my girl is just what we need, especially if we get to be home in time to put our princess to bed.
It’s truly a joy to see Aubrey this relaxed. She’s laughing with Nora, the guys’ friend who owns the coffee shop. They’re exchanging horror stories of dating and at this point I’m just grateful to not be included in there.
“Thank you, Rosie.” I say to the quiet waitress as she drops another round of beers on the table.
I turn to Kane. “Is everything okay with her? She looks like she’d rather never set foot out in public and I don’t think I’ve heard her speak at all.”
“Oh, you’re absolutely right. She’s had a tough childhood, made her a little reclusive. But she’s a sweet girl.” He shrugs.
I nod in understanding. “I’m glad you guys were able to take the afternoon off to hang out with us. I wanted her to meet everyone.”
“I’m just glad you guys still came. I can’t imagine what you all have going on. How do you not want to just lock her up and keep both of them safe?” He asks under his breath so the rest of the table doesn’t hear.
“It’s really fucking hard, but I have an idea of who it is, and I won’t fucking let him win.”
“Who do you think it is?”
“Nolan.” My lips press into a tight line.Fuck Nolan.
“Shit. Why would he do this?”
I suck in a deep breath, trying to not let myself get riled up. “He’s pissed I won’t give up my blog. He’s pissed that he never made me sign a non-compete and I went off on my own. And he’s pissed I keep getting the contracts that I’m pretty sure he wants to embezzle from. I don’t trust that fucker.”
“You really think he’d go so far as to threaten you?”
“I know he would.” I take a sip of my beer. “But I also don’t think he’d do the dirty work himself. What I don’t like is not knowing who he has following us. Because he doesn’t have the balls to do that on his own.”
He leans back in his chair. “Shit. I hope Wyatt can get information soon. You guys don’t deserve his bullshit.”
“No,shedoesn’t. She did nothing to him other than being associated with me.”
I glance over at Aubrey. Her head is thrown back laughing at something Granger said. She’s happy, carefree.
Sliding over to her, I pull her chair toward myself so she’s close enough for me to lean over and whisper. “Wanna get out of here and go get ice-cream to walk along the beach?”
A smile splits her face. “Yes!”
Pulling her chair out, I stand and hold my hand out to her to take.
“We’re going to take off.” I announce to the group.
“Thanks for coming, man. It was nice to see you.”
We wave, and I lead her out of the restaurant. “Was Bob’s everything that you dreamed of?”
She laughs. “Absolutely. It was delicious. But I’m excited for ice-cream and a walk alone with you.”
“What flavor are you going to get?” I ask her as we approach the small stand next door.
“Black raspberry.” She grins. “With rainbow sprinkles.”
“Rainbow sprinkles?” I laugh.
