Page 102 of Luci’s Lullaby

He slips from his seat and rounds the truck before I can get out. He grabs the handle at the same time that I do. A smile spreads across his face. He pulls the door open and holds his hand out.

“Why, thank you.” I take it and slide from the vehicle.

“My pleasure.” He plasters on my favorite boyish grin.

We take our time as we walk toward the venue, using the time to just be together. At the door, he high fives the doormen and doesn’t break his stride. The further inside we get, the more crowded it becomes.

I feel something on my hand and then a tug. Looking down, I see Alden’s hand in mine. He makes a zigzag through the club until we make it to our table. Everyone is here.

Chord waves, and Alden’s face lights up.

“Hey, man. Who’s this gorgeous woman you’re forcing to hold your hand?” Chord pulls me into a hug. We went to school together, along with Thayer.

“What the hell? Is this how y’all felt all these years?” Alden tugs me to his side but hasn’t let go of me.

“Yes!” the table yells as everyone laughs but Alden.

Aksel is the next to kiss me, followed by Walker and Riley. Alden protests to every single one of them. His face is a deep red by the time we sit down.

“Check him out, beet red from the neck up.” Riley cackles.

Walker scoots closer to Reese. “Don’t worry, guys, Reese warned him off. She’s still single and ready to mingle.”

“I did not warn him off.” Reese giggles. “I gave him basic guidelines for dating a woman.”

“We’re just friends,” I say. They all exchange glances, and Alden releases my hand. “What? We are.”

Alden stands with his head down. “I’m gonna go let the guys know I’m here.”

He wades through the crowd as I watch him disappear. I take a deep breath and release it before I start chewing on the inside of my lip.

“Charlee?” Reese stretches her hand across the table to me.

“Yes?” I force a smile.

She smiles warmly. “He’s a complicated man, but he’s a good one.”

“I know, and he’s a great friend.”

Emerson quirks her brow. “Y’all are ridiculous.”

“We decided this is how we need to keep things.”

Ava and Reese smile at one another and point behind me as Alden returns to the table.

I lean over and whisper, “Everything okay?”

“Yep, I’m good, ol’ buddy, ol’ pal.” His mouth is set into a hard line.

“What is wrong with you?” The table grows quiet from the awkwardness. I can’t take this. “Hey, guys. I’m gonna head out. It was great to see y’all, but I’d like to get Luci home and in bed before it gets too late.”

Alden’s head spins. “What are you doing?”

“Going home. Well, to your home. Maybe, we’ll stay with Mom tonight. I don’t know, I’ll think of something. Excuse me.” I push his hip.

“I’m not moving,” he growls.

I glance around the table and everyone’s trying not to stare, but it’s obvious this is a hot mess.