Page 32 of Not So Very Sensible

“You’re not my mother.”

“No, but I could call our father, and we could see what a former policeman has to say about you kissing like this.”

“Your dad’s a former cop?” Jason frowned. “You didn’t say anything.”

Ellie folded her arms. “And he’s still got friends on the force.”

“Whoa.” He held up his hands. “I’m not looking for any trouble here.”

Which sounded awfully like a man who expected trouble.

“It’s getting late,” Ethan said. “Are you staying here, Jason?”

“Er, no.”

“Perhaps it would be best if we all went to our own rooms.”

Katie tossed her head petulantly. “I don’t want to.”

“Have you been drinking?” Ellie murmured.

“I might’ve had a drink or two. So what?”

“You’re not acting like you normally do. Come on. Say good night.”

“I don’t need you telling me what to do.”

“Katie, do you have plans for tomorrow?” Ethan asked, drawing her to one side.

“I don’t know. Do you?” She rubbed her forehead. Glanced back at Ellie. “I really don’t like how you’re treating me.”

Ellie clenched and unclenched her hand as she studied Jason. “You’ve got somewhere else to be, haven’t you?”

“Hey, you don’t need to worry. I like your sister.”

“I sure thought so, judging from what I just witnessed.” Her gaze narrowed. “So are you going to keep in touch?”

“Of course.”

“You’ve got her phone number, have you?” She hooked an eyebrow.

“I, uh, hey, great idea.”

She rolled her eyes and glanced back at Ethan, who offered his own wry twist of lips. Sorry, she mouthed at him.

He shook his head.

“Why are you apologising to him?” Katie demanded. “I’m the one owed an apology.”

“You need to go to bed.” And not in the way that Jason seemed intent on. “Jason can call you in the morning. If he really cares.”

“Of course he does,” she snapped. “Don’t you?” she asked Jason.

He wrapped his arms around her and pressed another kiss to her lips. “You know I do.”

Ellie knew he cared about something, but Katie’s best interest probably wasn’t it.

“Good night.” She pivoted and tugged her sister away.