Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Keira
“Maybe we should just meet up at my mom’s house instead,” I muttered. “Wouldn’t that be better? Have you ever tasted her pecan pie pancakes?”
Dean smirked at me. “I have, and they’re delicious. But that won’t work. This has to be public. Every shameless gossip in Hartley needs to see that we’re together.”
We were strolling down Main Street, nodding hello to people we knew. Curious eyes followed us, taking in the ways Dean kept touching me. Whispering in my ear. The gossips were going to be all over this. No question.
He reached over, grabbed my right hand, and lifted it to his lips. Shivers rolled in a wave along my skin and settled in my stomach, all weird and fluttery.
Dean was being so normal about this bizarre situation. I, on the contrary, was about to throw up these stomach butterflies all over the sidewalk.
We were scheduled to meet Mom, Stephie, and Brynn for brunch in about ten minutes. Dean had insisted on parking way at the opposite end of Hartley’s downtown, just to make sure we could take a nice, long walk of shame.
Putting my arm around Dean’s waist and feeling him up a little was a slight benefit. But I couldn’t even enjoy that fully. Not after what he’d confessed the other day.
If I could’ve stayed forever for anyone, it would’ve been you.
How could I ever be mad at him again when he said something like that?
I’d mostly been holed up in the guest room at Dean’s house the past couple of days, trying to get settled.
It was hard to wrap my head around what he’d said.
That he’d really felt the same way I did.
And those kisses in his truck… Ugh, after the pure passion of those kisses, I had to believe it. He really had wanted me.
Was it better, knowing it hadn’t been some unrequited crush on my part? Or was it worse, realizing that Dean had wanted me, but too many other obstacles stood in our way.
We were never going to work out. As a couple, we’d always been doomed.
And yet, here we were. About to step into Jessi’s Diner and pretend to be happily in love.
The bell jingled as Dean opened the door, holding it for me. Mom and Stephie had already claimed a booth. My sister’s hair was newly done in box braids with extensions, looking so cute.
They smiled and waved, jumping up as we walked over.
“It’s so wonderful, seeing you two side by side again!” my mother exclaimed. “Dean, it’s been too long. We missed you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Marsh. It’s good to see you too.”
“Oh, enough of that.” She patted his arm. “You call me Regina.”
After hugs, we all sat down again, Dean and me next to each other on one side. Dean draped an arm around my shoulders and pressed closer to me with his thigh sandwiched against mine. Stephie got this excited gleam in her eyes, exchanging a knowing glance with Mom.
Great. They’d already been talking.
“So, what’s the big news you wanted to tell us?” Mom asked.
I squirmed, trying to get comfortable. “We have to wait for Brynn.”
“Hello, everyone. Can I get you something to drink?”
I looked up to see Jessi Shelborne holding a notepad, pen poised over paper. “Hey, Jessi,” I sputtered. “Didn’t know you’d be here.”
Usually, Jessi was at Last Refuge running the inn. She, Aiden, and their little daughter lived up there. They still owned the diner, but they’d hired employees to run the day-to-day operations.
“We like to take the odd shift at the diner now and again. For old time’s sake.” She nodded toward the kitchen, where her husband was cooking. Aiden caught us watching and lifted his chin.
Aiden and Jessi first met in this diner. Fell in love here.
I had pleasant memories here too. This was the place I stopped for a hot breakfast in the morning after a night shift on patrol or for a slice of pie during a quiet afternoon.
I’d sat in these booths at least a hundred times with Dean, too. Wishing to have his arm around me. But I’d never imagined it would happen like this.
“What brings all of you out today?” Jessi asked. “Just in the mood for brunch?”
Mom nudged against Stephie’s shoulder. “Keira and Dean’s idea,” my sister said. “They have some news for us.” Stephie pumped her eyebrows.
Jessi’s eyes lit up too. “Do they, now? How intriguing. Whatever could it be?”
Ugh, this kept getting worse. Except it was exactly what Dean wanted. Everything nice and public. We were going to cover every busybody on Hartley’s Main Street and the crew at Last Refuge in one fell swoop.
And nobody seemed the least bit surprised.
We ordered coffees. Brynn arrived next—more hugs all around—and we focused on food for a bit. I couldn’t imagine eating with my stomach so twisted up, but I ordered a Colorado eggs Benedict anyway, smothered in green chili.
“So.” Stephie plunked her elbows on the table. “Get on with it. Tell us.”
I glanced at Dean. He nodded for me to go ahead.
Crap.
“Well, it’s about Dean and me, and…” The words got stuck, refusing to come out.
Thankfully, Dean took over.
“I came back to Hart County after hearing Keira was hurt. It made me realize some things.” His smile was so tender it made my eyes burn. “We talked, and it turns out we both want the same thing.”
“Finally,” Stephie cut in. “You’re dating! Took you long enough.”
Mom was beaming, and Brynn gave me a wink. Jessi, clearly eavesdropping, flashed a thumbs up from behind the counter.
Had everyone known how I felt for Dean all this time?
“It’s a little more than that,” Dean added. “I asked Keira to move in with me. I know it’s fast, but—”
“It’s so exciting!” Mom gushed, hands waving in front of her. “I should probably tell you two not to rush this, but you’ve been waiting so long already. And with the attack on Keira, well…” She nodded, getting choked up. “This is a good thing.”
“You mentioned you’d been staying with Dean,” Brynn asked. “Where is that, exactly?”
Dean shifted around on the bench, making the vinyl creak. “I have a house I’ve been fixing up.”
Stephie clapped her hands. “When can we see your new place? After this? I can’t wait!”
“Hold on. No. We’re not ready for that.” I had to get them to calm down. I’d figured they wouldn’t fight us too much on our relationship story, but really? They sounded ready to marry Dean and me off.
Once again, Dean swooped in to explain. “The house needs a lot of work. We’re just trying to keep things low key. No visitors for now, not until we’re sure the people who attacked Keira aren’t going to bother her again.”
“You’re taking care of her.” Mom’s eyes teared up.
“I’m also capable of taking care of myself,” I muttered. Not that anyone was listening.
“Dean, I need to give you a better hug. A momma hug.” Mom shooed Stephie and Brynn out of the way, making them get up so she could bear-hug Dean in the middle of the diner. People were staring.
“I’m just so glad you came back for her,” Mom said, voice thick. “You’ve always been welcome in my house, but now you’re really family. You two were meant to be.”
Dean smiled patiently. No dimples.
This was excruciating.