Page 235 of Romeo

The kiss in Rosewood had changed something between us. Not because kissing automatically meant commitment. I’d kissed enough women in my life to know better than that. With Fiona, it had simply stripped away the last excuse either of us had for pretending we were only friends who flirted too much.

When I pulled into the clubhouse lot, another message was waiting.

Ma Belle: Unfortunately.

I smiled as I climbed out.

Me: You planning to stay?

The question was sent before I decided exactly what I meant by it.

I stood beside the truck, staring at the screen as the three dots appeared, disappeared, then returned.

Ma Belle: Where?

Me: Here.

Ma Belle: In this text conversation?

A laugh slipped out.

Me: Coward.

Ma Belle: You taught me

Fair enough.

I went inside.

The common room was loud without being chaotic. Blade and Indie were arguing near the pool table over a shot neither of them seemed to have witnessed correctly. Mimic sat at the bar ignoring both of them with the concentration of someone who had perfected that particular skill over years. Gunner glanced up when I came in, gave me a nod, then returned to his phone.

I grabbed a beer and took an empty table near the wall.

Me: Fine. Different question.

Ma Belle: That sounds dangerous

Me: What are you doing for Christmas?

Her answer came almost immediately.

Ma Belle: It’s October

Me: I’m aware.

Ma Belle: Are you one of those people who starts decorating before Thanksgiving?

Me: Hell no.

Ma Belle: Good.

Me: My mama would disown me.

Ma Belle: Your mother has rules?

I snorted.

Rules didn’t begin to cover it.