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“Spend-the-night party.”
Vivian clapped her hands as we dug into sandwiches from a nearby deli.
“We’ve invaded your home long enough,” Lincoln said.
Our entire family was in the Elliotts’ apartment. Literally. Nine humans and I’d lost count of how many dogs. But it had been at our hosts’ insistence.
Cal gently pulled me to the side. “These people are nice, but we can’t stay the night here.”
We? As in he and I? Or everyone?
It was weird thinking of us as awe, even though technically we had been for about six hours.
“You know why we need to,” I said.
His jaw worked. “Yeah. Your dad is a psychopath stalker. But I gotta go to work early in the morning. And as nice as this place is, we aren’t living our lives locked up in Tribeca.” His expression turned worried. “I have to go see Joe and check on Ma.”
“Did Zegas think he could help him?”
We hadn’t had much of a chance to talk because of the chaos. Most of the time had been spent lining up security details and schedules. All of us had lives to live. None of us wanted them to be dictated by one man any longer.
But we’d yet to figure out how to get out from under him once and for all.
“I’m not sure. I felt a little like I’d been slapped after the conversation.” He rubbed his cheek.
I hadn’t had much experience with the lawyer, but from what I knew of him, that was an accurate assessment. He was a lot to take in, but a brilliant attorney.
Cal ripped off a bite of his sandwich and seemed to swallow it without chewing. Was that because of being a fireman? I imagined they had a lot of interrupted meals.
“I’m supposed to meet them at four at the jail,” he said after taking a swig of water. He checked his watch. “Which means I have to get going soon.”
“I’ll come with you.” The words were out before I could think them through. Cal had been there for me. Going with him to see his incarcerated brother was the least I could do.
He blinked at me. I supposed I hadn’t been the most supportive person since I’d been back. Mostly, I’d taken.
“It’s probably safer if you stay here,” he said slowly.
“I thought we weren’t staying locked up in Tribeca?” I smiled sweetly.
“Maybe I should learn to keep my mouth shut,” he muttered under his breath.
“Or use it for other things.” My face flamed. I was flirting. And not making a secret that I wanted him. Two absolute no-nos.
He leaned in close. “Like kissing you.”
It wasn’t a question or suggestion. My lips tingled, desperate to feel his mouth on mine. Did he still kiss the same? Would it be like it used to be? Judging by the flutter in my stomach, it would be more . . . everything.
“Not that,” I whispered. I meant what I’d said. I only kissed people I loved. And my feelings toward Cal were a jumbled knot I hadn’t even begun to untangle.
His lips ghosted my cheek. “Definitely that.”
When he pulled back, I missed his heat. Felt the loss of his nearness.
And shuddered.
Because Garrett Calhoun didn’t make empty promises.
* * *
