Chapter 17
“I’m driving you there and I’ll pick you up when you’re ready to head back.” Garrett stood in her bedroom doorway, and without even looking his way, she could feel his eyes dancing with appreciation at the little black dress Reese borrowed from Hallie to wear tonight for their girls’ night out at Madigan’s.
“You really don’t have to. I told the women I’d get an Uber there, and Orly offered to drive me back.”
“Fine, but I’m still driving you there, and if Orly changes her mind for whatever reason, which I’m sure she won’t, but just in case anything happens, call me and I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Thanks.” Reese couldn’t remember ever being this happy. For days now, she’d been floating on cloud nine. Her job was going well. Garrett was incredible. And she actually had girl friends to talk to and hang out with. It was like the universe had heard all her prayers and wishes, and decided to grant them all at the same time. It was wonderful.
Reese grabbed her phone and small clutch, and let Garrett led her to his truck.
“You look incredible,” he said as he opened the passenger door for her. “Just please be careful tonight.”
She smiled. “Skyla said Blake was going to be there and the new full-time manager she hired is also going to be there.”
Garrett nodded. “Glad to hear it, because I was seriously considering parking myself at the bar and watching you like a hawk.” He waited for her to get comfortable and buckled, before closing her door and going around the hood and getting behind the wheel.
“You wouldn’t really,” she said with a grin.
He looked over at her so fast, she barely had time to ensure their eyes didn’t meet. “I’m still considering it. Hanging out with Blake doesn’t sound half bad, and knowing you’re safe, sounds even better. I’ll always look out for you.”
Reese swallowed, hard. This guy was something else. The drive to Madigan’s was uneventful, but as soon as they parked, Orly and Hallie were running up to the truck. “Hey,” Orly said, pulling Reese into a hug as soon as her feet were firmly planted on the ground. “We wanted to meet you out here so you didn’t have to worry about getting past the door. It’s pretty busy in there tonight.”
“Thanks,” Reese said. “I always feel so awkward around people, and I’m sure not making eye contact only makes me look suspicious and weird.”
“You have nothing to worry about, and who cares what other people think,” Hallie said. “Caden and Blake are inside at the bar, and Skyla is getting our table ready.”
“Come on,” Orly said.
Reese turned to look at Garrett, but he just stood a few feet away, smiling at her and the other women. “You good?” She asked, not wanting to just leave him behind.
He nodded. “Looks like you’re in good hands. I’ll follow you ladies in and find my way to the guys. Have fun and let me know when you’re ready to call it a night.”
Not needing any more encouragement, Reese followed the women inside past a really tall, bulky guy that she assumed was the bouncer. He merely gave Orly and Hallie a quick nod, and waved them by.
Madigan’s was huge, and when Orly said it was busy tonight, she hadn’t been kidding. There were a lot of people here, and everyone seemed to be drinking, eating, and having a great time. “There’s Skyla,” Orly said, pointing to a booth in the far corner.
Orly and Hallie sat on one side of the booth, and Skyla sat across from them, scooting in to make room for Reese. “I made two pitchers for us tonight,” Skyla said. “The pink one is a fizzy mocktail, and the creamy yellow is a margarita with plenty of alcohol. Help yourself to whatever you’d like. There’s plenty more where that came from.”
Orly and Hallie poured themselves margaritas. Reese was tempted to drink, too, but she decided against it and helped herself to the mocktail instead in solidarity with Skyla.
“So, how are you? How’s the little peanut?” Hallie asked with a huge smile.
“Yes, tell us everything,” Orly added.
Skyla laughed. “There’s not that much to tell. I’m finally not as nauseous anymore, at least not later in the day. Mornings and afternoons are still kind of rough. But it’s way too soon to feel anything.”
“I can’t wait until we have a sweet little baby to love on and spoil,” Orly squealed.
“What about you and Luke? This little peanut could use a best friend,” Skyla said, gently touching her still non-existent bump.
Orly’s demeanor seemed to change almost instantly, from the happy, easy-going woman who’d met Reese at Garrett’s truck a few minutes ago, to someone who was sullen and withdrawn. “We’re not ready yet.”
Hallie took Orly’s hand and pulled her closer, offering her a side hug. “I’m sure you two will make great parents when the time is right. Maybe once Luke’s schedule is a little better or….”
Orly shook her head. “It’s not that. Luke is ready to be a dad right now. It’s me. I’m not ready. Or rather, I’d love to have a baby with Luke. I want nothing more. But with Russell still out there -” Orly stopped abruptly and put a hand to her mouth, her eyes suddenly going to Reese like she’d forgotten Reese was there. “I’m so sorry. I know he’s your brother, I just -”
“Stepbrother,” Reese corrected. “And you have nothing to be sorry for. After everything he put you through, I don’t think anyone can blame you for not feeling safe with him still on the streets.”
“And with a badge,” Orly added. “He’s already proven he can pretty much get away with anything. The last thing I want to do is put an innocent child in the middle of all that.”
“We get it,” Skyla said, reaching across the table to cover Orly’s other hand with hers. “And we’re all here for you. Having the three of you as my best friends, I don’t think there’s anything we can’t do as long as we stick together.”
Reese put her hand on top of Skyla’s, and Hallie added hers on top of Reese’s.
“Together,” Hallie said.
“Together,” Skyla said.
“Together,” Reese added.
“You guys are the best,” Orly said, her voice cracking.
“I just wish there was more I could do.” Reese said. He’d put Orly through hell, and then turned around and did the same to her. She and Garrett were nowhere near even thinking about starting a family, but Reese didn’t think she’d want to bring a child into the world either until things with Russell were settled, and she could be sure that her child would be safe from him.
“Don’t beat yourself up,” Orly said. “None of this is your fault. You’re a victim of his, too. I’m just glad I was able to help you when I did. I honestly didn’t think I had it in me to help myself that night, let alone someone else.”
“You were incredible,” Reese said. “I still can’t believe I spent most of the last year thinking you weren’t real. I just couldn’t fathom the idea of someone out there being able to do what you do. It sounds so surreal, like out of a movie or a comic book series. You literally save lives.”
Orly sighed, and there was a momentary heaviness in the air that made Reese’s heart break for the woman sitting across the table from her. Because no matter how many people Orly saved, Reese was suddenly sure that there had been at least one or two that Orly couldn’t help.
“Okay,” Skyla said. “Change of topic. What’s going on with you and Garrett?”
Even though Reese was keeping her gaze below eye level, she could feel all eyes instantly turn to her, and her cheeks went crimson from the unexpected attention. “Nothing,” she said a little too quickly. “He’s wonderful.”
“Wonderful?” Orly asked, perking up a bit. “How wonderful?”
“Yeah, because we heard he moved you into his house,” Hallie said.
Reese couldn’t help the giggle that escaped, and all the women quickly followed. More drinks were poured and one of the waitresses brought over new pitchers, and took away the nearly empty ones. “He did, but only for my protection. He’s such a gentleman. Always making sure I have everything I need. Reminding me that I can talk to him about anything. Whether it’s work or Russell or whatever. He’s just really been there for me, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much it’s meant to have him in my corner.”
“And?” Skyla asked.
“And what?” Reese asked.
“The man hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you sat down, and believe me, the guys have tried to distract him with all their antics. So, you’re either holding back the good stuff, or you're in for an incredible night,” Hallie said.
“Not that he would ever do anything you don’t want him to,” Orly added. “Garrett’s the best though, so if you don’t feel the same way about him that I’m pretty sure he feels about you, then you really need to tell him.”
Reese loved how protective the women were of the men. It just went to show how awesome the guys were, and especially how good to his core Garrett was. “We’ve kissed,” Reese admitted.
“I knew it!” Skyla practically screeched. “That man has had a thing for you since day one. Tell us everything.”
Reese couldn’t stop smiling now if her life depended on it. Her cheeks were burning, and there were butterflies in her belly. The kind she used to get when talking about a crush with her close girl friends back in high school. “It was everything,” she said, using the only word she could think of to describe kissing Garrett. “He’s sweet and caring, and he never pushes or makes me feel like he wants more than I’m ready to give.”
“I’m so happy for you two,” Orly said. “Garrett is one of the best guys I know, and he deserves someone who will make him happy.”
“Definitely. It’s been a while since he’s been with anyone,” Hallie said. “I mean it was before I met Caden, and Caden said his last relationship ended really badly.”
Reese nodded. “He hasn’t said much, but I kind of got that, too.”
“Garrett is strong,” Skyla said. “Whoever broke his heart all those years ago has no hold on him now. He’s yours for the taking, Reese. If you want him, of course.”
Reese wanted Garrett more than anything, but Orly wasn’t the only one hanging on by a thread, waiting for the other ‘Russell shoe’ to drop. Russell was her stepbrother, and he’d tried to have her committed, and when that didn’t work, Reese was sure he’d been the one to put Vivian on her trail. And when she managed to get away from Vivian, Russell had likely tried to have her kidnapped.
As much as she wanted to be with Garrett, she had no idea how she was supposed to settle down and plan out her life when Russell was still out there, probably planning his next move against her.
“Excuse me?”
The women all turned to the man standing at their table. He was tall and fit, with dark hair and a straight nose. He wasn’t wearing a black t-shirt with the Madigan’s logo though, so Reese wasn’t sure what he wanted. But he was definitely talking to her. “Yes?” She asked.
“Hi, I’m Trent. I don’t suppose I could buy you a drink in exchange for your name, and a little conversation tonight?”
***
Despite the ongoing serious conversation Garrett was having with the guys, he couldn’t take his eyes off Reese. She looked absolutely incredible in that little black dress, but it was her smile and the way her whole face lit up when she laughed with her friends that made it impossible for Garrett to look away. He couldn’t believe the turn of events that had brought this amazing woman into his life, but he was no fool. If there was any way he could convince her to stick around, he’d do just about anything to ensure her happiness.
“Running a background check on the principal is technically illegal since he’s not part of the ongoing investigation,” Caden said.
“I know that,” Garrett bit out. He’d just told the guys about what Reese had seen when she’d locked eyes with Principal Ryker at the art store. “But I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that the principal of a school we suspect is involved in drug trafficking ends up dying in prison.”
“Which leaves us with our hands tied and both of you even more exposed than we thought,” Caden said. “I don’t like that.”
“I could run a check on him anyway,” Blake offered. “Maybe we should be running a check on everyone in that school.”
That didn’t seem like a half bad idea. If only they could convince the higher ups.
“No,” Caden said. “The school itself is not under investigation. Only Madison Grier and her family. But I’ll approve a quiet, under the radar, background check into Principal Ryker, and if Avery has an issue with it, I’ll figure something out to tell him.”
“Guys, this is just as much my case as it yours,” Garrett said. “I should be the one -”
“To do your job and teach those kids,” Blake said. “You’re undercover, and we need you to stay that way.”
“But Ryker knows I’m a Texas Ranger.”
“He also knows you’re not gunning for him . If he even suspects you could be on to him, whether it’s about the drug case, or whatever else he might be involved in, things could get ugly fast. And given that we’re dealing with a school full of kids, I don’t want you pushing anyone’s buttons that we don’t need to.”
“I’m getting nowhere with Madison,” Garrett said. “I might not be the right guy for this.”
“We still have time,” Caden said. “You got this. Remember, I don’t need a confession out of her. Just a shred of evidence that I can run with.”
Garrett nodded. He was about to change the subject when a man approached the women’s table. And he wasn’t the only one who took notice. Both Caden and Blake turned to see what was going on. “New waiter?” Garrett asked Blake.
“Nope. Never seen him here before.”
Not liking the man who was lingering and talking to Reese, Garrett was on his feet and moving before giving it any more thought.
“I don’t suppose I could buy you a drink in exchange for your name, and a little conversation tonight?”
Garrett’s blood boiled at the man’s question, but he stood back just out of Reese’s sight, waiting to hear her answer. Just because they’d shared a few kisses didn’t make her his, and he would never force her into doing something she didn’t want to do, even if it meant she chose to be with someone else. Reese was smart, talented, and beautiful. And as much as it pained Garrett to admit it, she could have any man she wanted. She didn’t have to settle on him and all the baggage he’d bring into a relationship.
“Thanks,” Reese said with a sweet smile that made Garrett’s insides turn. “But I’m actually here with my friends tonight.”
Garrett relaxed a bit, until the man said, “Alright. Then how about I give you my number and we can talk later tonight.”
Every muscle in Garrett’s body tensed as his hands balled into fists. This guy was seriously pushing.
“Sorry,” Reese said. “I’m not interested.”
Garrett let out a breath he didn’t even know he’d been holding and was at the table in three long strides. He locked eyes with the man, who still hadn’t moved from where he’d been hovering over the women. “The lady asked you to move along.”
“And you are?” The man smirked, only pissing Garrett off more.
“Telling you to leave.” Garrett made sure his badge was fully visible, and fought his own smirk when the other man took a step back.
“Didn’t realize she was taken,” the man said, raising his hands in front of him in a surrendering gesture. Instead of answering, Garrett just glared at him and stood his ground. The man got the message loud and clear and retreated, rejoining his friends at another table.
“Are you okay?” Garrett asked Reese. She gifted him a beautiful smile, but it was the giggles of the other women reaching his ears that made him raise an eyebrow. “Something I said?”
“We’re fine,” Reese said.
“We were just talking,” Orly added.
“About you!” Skyla teased. “Now go back to the guys so we can watch you watching Reese from a distance.”
Garrett couldn’t hold back his grin. “Okay. Let me know when you’re ready to head out. I’ll just be right over there.” He motioned to Caden and Blake, who were on their feet, but still at their table.
“Thanks, I will.”’ Reese waved to the guys with a smile, then turned back to the women.
Garrett returned to the guys with a huge smile. It felt like he was finally starting to get a glimpse of the real Reese, and he liked it a lot.
They patted him on the back and took their seats, both wearing smirks. “What?” He asked.
“Garrett to the rescue,” Blake teased.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a pissing contest over a woman before,” Caden added.
“That’s not what I was doing.”
“No?” Blake questioned, that irritating smirk still plain as day on his face.
Garrett shook his head, knowing full well that his friends would do a hell of a lot more to protect the women they love. “I just didn’t want Reese to…”
“To get away from you,” Caden suggested.
“Hey, I’ve learned from all your mistakes,” Garrett said, putting the proverbial spotlight back on his friends. “I might not be ready for marriage and all that just yet, but I’m not going to push away a good thing when I see it. Or let it get away.” It wasn’t an admission he thought he was ready to voice, but there it was, and it was the truth.
Reese had gotten under his skin, found her way into his heart, and made herself an important part of his life. If he was being honest with himself, he couldn’t imagine coming home from a long day at work and not having her there.
“Glad to hear it,” Blake said. “We’ve definitely had our share of stumbles, but I think I’ve learned from our collective mistakes, too.”
“Does that mean you and Skyla are finally going to tie the knot?” Caden asked.
Blake took a pull of his beer. “We’ve talked about it, but I don't think she wants to do anything until after the baby is born. She says growing a fetus and running a bar is enough responsibility without adding wedding planning to the list.”
“I can understand that,” Caden said.
“What about you and Hallie?” Garrett asked Caden. “When’s the big day?”
Caden smiled, but just gave a small shake of his head. “We’re still talking about it.”
Garrett chuckled. “Knowing you, you’re probably going to listen to everything she wants and then just do it all yourself so she doesn’t have to lift a finger or worry about a thing.”
Caden shrugged, not denying it in the least.
The guys spent the next hour talking and sharing a pitcher of beer until the women approached their table. Both Hallie and Reese looked happy, and while Skyla seemed a bit tired, she was still smiling. “I have a few things to finish up in the office before I can leave for the night,” Skyla said.
“But we’re ready to go,” Reese said, her arm around Hallie.
“We had a great time tonight,” Hallie said. “Thanks for sticking around.”
Caden pulled her into his arms. “Always. Glad you had fun.” He reached for his wallet, but Skyla just shook her head.
“On the house, my friend. Take care of my besties.” She hugged Orly and Hallie, then turned to Reese. “And just so we’re clear, you’re officially one of us.”
Reese laughed and the two women hugged for a long moment. “Thank you for everything.”
“Anytime. Okay, I’ll see you guys later, and I’ll text you ladies tomorrow.” And with those parting words, Skyla left, and Blake followed her.
“Do you want a ride home?” Caden asked Orly. “We can get your car back to you in the morning.”
“No, I’ll be okay. Luke should be home in about an hour.”
“Okay,” Caden said. “Then we’ll walk you to your car.”
“Ready to go?” Garrett asked Reese.
“I am,” she said, then covered her mouth to hide a yawn. “Sorry. It’s been a while since I’ve stayed out past my bedtime. I think it wore me out a little.”
“Only a little?” Orly teased. “We didn’t do a good enough job then.”
Everyone laughed. Garrett and Reese walked out with Caden, Hallie and Orly. They all walked Orly to her car and waited for her to safely drive away, before parting ways to their own vehicles.
“Are you hungry?” Garrett asked Reese when they were back in his truck.
“Maybe. Are you?”
“I’m always hungry, but I just wanted to see if you were because I can throw something on the grill if you want.”
“It’s almost midnight,” Reese said, as if she was a kid and he’d suggested they stay out past curfew.
Garrett hadn’t shifted his truck out of park yet, so he turned to look at her, taking in her soft brown hair and the way her creamy skin glistened in the warm light of the street lamps. “I thought that was your favorite time of day,” he said. “And tomorrow is Saturday.” It was selfish of him to want to keep her up even later, but he just wanted to spend more time with her.
No matter how long his days were, he always looked forward to seeing her and soaking in every moment with her that he could.
She smiled, the little creases around her eyes deepening with the expression that always seemed to make Garrett go a little weak in the knees. “A burger does sound pretty good,” she said.
Garrett couldn’t help the huge smile that pulled at the corners of his mouth. “Two burgers under the stars coming right up.”