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“Then you’d be interrupting either bath time, teeth-brushing time, or if the kids went to bed early, something else.” His grin was tight. “I don’t think that’d be a great first impression.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You have an answer for everything?”
“Pretty much, yeah.” His grin became more relaxed, and he settled back on his feet. His shoulders loosened. “Look. Get her number. Let me take her home. I brought her here. It goes against the man I am to not make sure she gets home safe.”
“And for you to take your shot.”
He shrugged. “You’ve had two shots.”
“You’ve had six months where you could’ve gotten that done.”
“A woman like that you’d wait years for, and you know it.”
He had me there, and seeing that, he scanned the rest of the table. His head whipped around. “Wai—where’d she go?”
“Oh yeah.” Olvander lounged, one of his arms along the back of the booth. “She called an Uber thirty seconds ago, but keep going. I am thoroughly enjoying this. I don’t need to talk about my wife anymore. I got that hashed out with her before you two even joined us. Also, Kayla will love meeting her.”
Travis cursed, reaching for his wallet as he took off.
I wasn’t going to race him out of the place. Billie’d be gone by now. I was starting to know her, and I knew that much. I slid into her vacated seat. “You called Fred?” Fred was Olvander’s cousin, and on the nights when Ole wanted to drink, Fred was his driver.
Ole beamed. “I called Fred. He’ll get her home.”
I knew he would. I’d witnessed Fred’s ability to handle himself. He had skills, and I never wanted to ask where he’d gotten them.
I’d not gotten her phone number. I’d not asked where she lived. I didn’t know that Travis guy’s last name, or what Lo’s full name was.
Fred wouldn’t tell me if she didn’t want me to know. The only thing better now than an hour ago was that I’d gotten to her.
I’d gotten under her skin. That meant something.
“I was going to draw this out. I was going to enjoy watching you wallow in your misery, but I can’t handle the fucking crestfallen look on your face.” Ole pulled out a slip of paper he’d hidden under his napkin and slid it over to me. “She left her digits for you.”
I snatched it up. “I got her number?”
“You got her number.” He studied me thoughtfully. “First time I’ve seen you like this.”
I didn’t respond to that, but it was the first time for myself as well. I wasn’t sure I liked it, but I was sure I liked her.
I got her number.
7
BILLIE
My phone buzzed as I crawled into bed.
Unknown: This is Brett. Thank you for leaving your phone number.
My tummy fluttered, and my heart lifted.
I smiled as I rolled to my back and texted a response.
Me: I’m glad we ran into each other tonight.
Brett: Me too. You got home safely?
Me: Yes. Just going to bed now.
