Chapter Twenty-One
Jade
Brian gripped my hand again, although I noticed his limp was far less pronounced than it had been just a few seconds ago in the parking lot.
I wasn’t sure if the limp had been for my benefit, or if the lack of one now was for the people inside the bank.
The same ones who were all gawking at us as we approached the velvet ropes for the teller line.
“It’s not too late for me to go home,” I threatened in a quiet voice as we waited for the next available teller.
“Oh, come on. You’re looking forward to hanging out at the beach as much as I am.”
Okay, that was true.
Lainey had texted me the address of Alan’s beach cottage, so after sending Sophie a text about my change in plans, I’d pulled it up on Zillow.
It was, literally, on the beach. Not across the street or a short drive, it was steps away from the ocean. The pictures showed the view from the living room and one of the bedrooms, and it was stunning.
I was already planning on using the “but I drove” card to get the bedroom with the ocean view. I was excited to fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and waking up to the sun sparkling off the water like diamonds.
Maybe I’d even do some yoga on the back deck I saw in the photos.
If I were being honest, I needed this vacation almost as much as Brian did. I knew I was on the verge of burnout at work. Maybe that’s why it hadn’t taken much for him to convince me to go with him.
It had nothing to do with how he’d looked in just his pajama pants last night.
I heard a voice call, “Next in line!” and looked over to see Rachel Goodman waving us to her window.
“Brian, oh my God! I heard what happened! I’m so glad you’re okay!”
“Thanks,” he said with a polite smile.
She beamed back at him, virtually ignoring that I was standing at his side, which didn’t surprise me since she’d always treated me like I was invisible in high school.
“We’re starting a meal train for you, now that you’re out of the hospital.”
“That’s really nice of you, Rachel. But,” he slipped his hand to the small of my back.
His possessive display made my stomach do flips, but I knew he was only doing it to mess with the gossip mongers of Haven Springs.
“Jade and I are on our way out of town, so we won’t be here.
Why don’t you do it for Lainey and Adam instead?
I’m sure they’d appreciate it. Or better yet, I think Bess Schilling is going to need a lot of support now, too. ”
Bess’s husband, Earl, was the one who’d been killed in the shootout with Brian.
She’d been arrested for stalking my sister, but there’d been more to that story coming to light in the last few days. She might have been just as much a victim in all this as Lainey.
Rachel’s face fell.
“Oh. When are you leaving? It’s supposed to be my night to bring you dinner.”
He chuckled. “That would have been hard since I’ve been staying at Jade’s.
But our bags are packed and in the truck.
Like I said though, I’m sure Lainey or Bess would appreciate your generosity.
” He took his ID from his wallet and slid it across the counter like the matter was closed. “I need to make a withdrawal.”
****
Brian
As Rachel counted out my money, Jade whispered, “Do you really think you’re going to need that much?”
“Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
She pulled her neck back and a big smile lit up her face. “I always say that, too. Granted it’s usually when I’m packing for a trip, but still…”
I couldn’t help but smile back at her. Seeing her happy made me happy.
I winked at her and replied, “Who knew we were so simpatico, Sunshine?”
I mean, other than me.
Rachel finished counting the hundreds and twenties I’d requested and tapped the stacks on the counter to make sure they were straight before sliding them into the bank-provided envelope.
“Anything else?”
Jade stepped forward and handed Rachel her ID. “I need to make a withdrawal, too,” then glanced up at me. “Although I don’t have as much in my savings as Brian does.”
“You need to keep a minimum of a hundred dollars in your account.” Rachel’s tone had gone from warm and gushing to cold and clipped, and I didn’t like it.
I put my arm around Jade’s waist and pulled her against me, nuzzling her hair with my nose.
“Baby, I already told you—my ring isn’t going to be nearly as expensive as yours.”
Both Jade and Rachel’s heads swiveled to stare at me, but I kept my focus on the sexy blonde in my arms
I knew she wanted to call me out, but I also knew her pride wouldn’t let her in front of Rachel. Plus, I think she secretly loved sticking it to the teller.
Even if she’d never admit it.
Then, because I knew I was already going to pay for what I was doing, I dropped a soft kiss on her lips.
Imagine my surprise—and delight—when the little minx brought her hand to my cheek and kissed me back.