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“She can come as soon as she’s feeling up to it,” he says. “I’ll take her personally.”
This really seems to irk Georgie, but Solana is trying to read between the lines.
“What does that mean, when you’re feeling up to it?”
“It’s nothing.” I shrug half-heartedly. “I’ve just been a little under the weather.”
Again, Judge’s hand tenses on me, and then he gently massages my shoulder as if he’s trying to give me some sort of silent apology. Georgie and Solana don’t miss it, their eyes lasering in on the action.
“Are you guys together?” Solana asks.
“No,” I answer at the same time Judge says, “Yes.”
I glare at him, and he shrugs. This interaction only seems to confuse Solana and Georgie more.
“It’s nothing serious,” I tell them through clenched teeth. “Judge doesn’t do serious, isn’t that right?” I shoot him a look that betrays my annoyance. “He can have his fun, and I can too.”
The gentle stroke of his fingers turns to stone as he drags his palm to the nape of my neck and squeezes. I smile as Solana clears her throat awkwardly.
“Good, then I guess that means you can resume date nights with me,” Georgie challenges.
Oh, shit.
I offer him a nervous laugh, but the tension radiating from Judge serves as a warning I need to wrap this up before he changes his mind about everything.
“Let’s circle back to that another time.” I force a yawn. “It’s getting late, and I know we all have to be up early.”
They both look dismayed by that statement, knowing I’m typically a night owl.
“What do you have to be up early for?” Solana asks.
“She has a long day of riding tomorrow,” Judge supplies, his tone dripping with overt insinuation.
“Riding.” Georgie scoffs.
“Yes.” Judge looks at me, his gaze scorching. “She loves to ride.”
Oh, God, this is getting out of hand.
I stand abruptly, tossing my napkin onto the table. “Yes, well… shall I walk you to the door?”
Reluctantly, Solana and Georgie rise from their seats.
“What about your number?” Georgie asks. “Can’t forget that.”
“No, we certainly can’t.” Judge grouses as he removes a slip of paper from his pocket and makes a point to hand it directly to Solana.
After that awkward standoff, they both begrudgingly thank him for dinner, and I walk them to the door as promised.
“Are you sure you’re okay here?” Solana asks. “You can come with us.”
“We can protect you too,” Georgie assures me. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”
“I’m okay.” I offer them both a grateful smile, warmed by their genuine concern for me. “But thank you for the offer. Don’t forget to text me.”
“Girl, I’m texting you before I even leave the driveway,” Solana jokes. “And I wasn’t kidding. If I don’t hear from you, I’m coming back.”
I nod. Even though I probably should tell her not to, I can’t bring myself to do it.
