Chapter 20
Charlie
The bright sun shines through the windows of Earl’s Diner as Jessica plops into the booth and gives her brother and Sophie an aggrieved huff. “I want it noted I’m here under duress.”
“Noted.” I slide in next to her.
Ryder gives me a cocked brow. “Good morning?”
Every Monday, my chief deputy and I meet over breakfast to discuss the priorities of the week outside the office. Today, I dragged Jessica with me and told Ryder to bring Sophie, figuring it was the best way to get the speculation under control.
Some people, and I’m not going to name any names, disagree.
That person has been overruled. By the time breakfast is over, the entire town of Revival will know Jessica and I are together.
They can move on to other topics, and order will be restored.
“Sorry we’re late.” I slant a glance at the woman intent on driving me crazy. “It’s your sister’s fault.”
Jessica’s mouth drops open. “How is it my fault? I told you I didn’t want to do this.”
“You lost the argument, and now you’re pouting,” I say reasonably.
“I do not lose arguments.” Lightning-blue daggers are practically coming from her eyes. “Why did I ever feel fondly toward you?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” In bed last night, after I’d fed her ice cream and given her multiple orgasms, she’d been like a contented, purring kitten. Draping her body across mine. Nuzzling my neck. Burrowing deep like she’d seep right into me if she could.
But that mood is long gone.
Now she’s irritating me, but I don’t want to let her out of my sight, and I can’t stop thinking about getting her naked.
It’s…confusing.
Sophie laughs, interrupting us from our argument. “Wow, this is so fun. Way better than I could have hoped for.”
Jessica shifts in her seat, ready to appeal to her future sister-in-law. “I wanted to lie low and let people figure things out on their own, but no, the drama queen here insisted on making a big show.”
Sophie blinks at me, a smile quivering at her lips. “I’m…not sure I’ve ever heard anyone call you a drama queen before.”
“She’s big on projection.” I give Jessica a menu. “Clearly.”
She snatches it from my hand. “You’re parading me around in public, practically declaring me off-limits.”
I shift my attention to her. “You are off-limits.”
Ryder chokes on his water, and it sets off a coughing fit.
“Reealllyy.” Sophie draws out the words. “This is amazing.”
I stay locked in on the woman next to me, giving her a silent warning.
Jessica rolls her eyes before turning back to Sophie. “Men are the worst. Now, everyone’s going to be talking about us.”
Sophie’s big brown eyes sparkle with amusement. “In fairness, everyone’s already talking about you.”
I smirk at Jessica. “See, who knows better? You or me?”
“Me!” She waves a wild hand in the air. “You’re marking your territory like a dog.”
Before I can respond, Mable comes over with her coffeepot.
“Morning.” She pours Ryder, Sophie and me coffee before holding up the pot to Jessica. “How about you, honey?”
She turns over her cup and puts it on the saucer. “Yes, thank you. If I’m being tortured, I can at least be caffeinated.”
Mable fills her mug. “And here I thought you’d be in a good mood, considering where your car was parked all night.”
Jessica turns a murderous expression on me. “Exhibit A.”
I ignore her and say to Mable, “Give us a few minutes.”
The waitress studies us like she’s contemplating taking a seat and forgetting about the rest of her shift.
“Do you have something to say?” I urge her along.
That snaps her out of her daze. “No, no. I’ll be back.”
I glance around at the people both covertly and not so covertly watching us, give them a nod, and then return to my group.
I shrug at Ryder. “Figured it was best to rip it off like a Band-Aid.”
His expression turns downright speculative. “I guess that makes sense.”
I tilt my head at his sister. “Also figured it best to get any awkwardness out of the way so you two can start having each other’s backs again.”
His brow furrows. “Not sure I follow.”
“Yeah, what are you talking about?” Jessica chirps in next to me.
Between Jessica and Ryder, I’ve heard a lot about their family full of unconditional love. And it occurred to me last night when she told me childhood stories, many featuring her big brother as a hero, that because of our one-night stand, I’d stolen that closeness from them.
Now I intend to correct it.
“Moving to a new town and starting a new job is stressful, and because of this situation, Jessica’s been isolated from her support system. That’s not good for either of you. I want it rectified.” I splay my hands wide. “So, here we are.”
The coffee cup stalls a half inch from Ryder’s lips. “Is that so?”
“This is soooo unfair,” Jessica wails to Sophie. “How am I supposed to stay mad now? It’s impossible.”
Sophie laughs. “Oh my god, that is so sweet.”
Ryder clears his throat. “Yeah, man, that is sweet.”
I open my mouth to explain I’m simply taking care of business, but a male voice says, “You held out longer than I expected.”
I glance up to see Griffin and Darcy standing there, holding hands, wearing matching grins. “Morning, Mayor. Mrs. Mayor.”
Griffin smirks. “I told you it’d happen someday.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say.
“What would happen?” Jessica’s ears perk up.
“Don’t know.” This will all be over soon.
Darcy beams at Jessica. “So now will you tell us why you were following him?”
Beside me, Jessica’s thigh tenses. I haven’t forgotten her stress about being cast as the bad guy.
Which is why I’ve taken charge of this operation. “That’s between Jessica and me, and I want everyone to stop asking her. It was my fault for not knowing it was her. It was a simple misunderstanding. I trust the subject is closed.”
Next to me, the restless energy abates, letting me know I’ve made the right decision.
Darcy blinks at me, her smile broadening. “How interesting.”
I turn to Griff. “I’ll see you at eleven for our meeting.”
He chuckles, they give us shit for a few more minutes, and then they say goodbye.
When they’re gone, Ryder points at Jessica. “Did you just protect her honor?”
“I’m tired of people harassing her.” I slip my hand under the table and cover her knee. “If, when, and who she wants to tell is her choice.”
Jaws unhinged, Sophie and Ryder turn toward each other, like they are checking to see if they’re hearing and seeing the same things.
I understand. I’m acting counter to everything they’ve ever known about me, and it’s a bit of a shock. They’ll get over it.
Jessica’s fingers tangle with mine, and she whispers, “You are definitely getting your cock sucked later.”
Before I can tell her she’ll be lucky if she can walk later, Mary Beth Crowley and her husband Tommy pull on up to the edge of the table.
Mary Beth looks back and forth between Jessica and me, snapping her Juicy Fruit gum before speaking in the North Carolina drawl from my childhood. “Well, well, well, the king is dead.”
I gesture to the couple and address Jessica. “Have you met the Crowleys? They own the garage across the street.”
Jessica shakes her head. “I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Sophie speaks up. “Mary Beth is the head of the PTA and the eyes and ears of Revival.”
“Good to know.” Jessica studies the tiny blonde and her big, lumbering husband, who look like they were the captains of the cheerleading and football teams, which makes sense since that’s exactly what they were back in the day. “We should have lunch sometime.”
Mary Beth’s gum snaps. “I’d love that, sugar. You can invite your famous sister too. We need to get her set up for a signing at the bookstore. She’ll be a big draw.”
Jessica puts down her menu and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t lead with calling her famous. She’s reluctant about attention.”
“I can slow-play things,” Mary Beth says. Her husband, as well as everyone at the table, laughs. She puts her hands on her hips. “What? I can!”
“Sure you can, honey.” Tommy pats his wife on the head as she swats him away.
Pete Alcott, the wiry, high-strung science high school teacher, busts into the group gathering in the aisle. He takes one look at Jessica and me before shifting to Tommy. “I had Monday.”
“That’s right, you did.” Tommy’s voice is all lazy and satisfied.
Pete shifts on the balls of his feet. “Awesome. I have my eyes on a pair of retro cherry Air Jordans.”
I frown. “Please, no.”
The big blond mechanic drapes his arm over his wife’s shoulder. “We had some squares going, no big thing.”
“You bet on us?” Jessica asks.
“It was nothing, just a little fun between us locals,” Mary Beth says.
“Don’t worry. You can get in on the next one.” Tommy offers as a way of concession.
Jessica narrows her gaze on Ryder. “You said this was a nice place to live.”
“No. I said it was a fun place to live.” Ryder tilts his head in the couple’s direction. “Because of things like this.”
Tommy bops Pete on the biceps. “You can collect your winnings at Saturday’s casino night. That way, after your Jordans, you can spend the rest on a good cause.”
“Great. See ya.” Pete waves and is on his way.
With all the regality afforded a small-town queen, Mary Beth scrutinizes Jessica and me. “I assume you’ll both be there. It’s for the community, and all the proceeds are going to the beautification committee for the Halloween Festival. It’s a good chance for everyone to meet our new city attorney.”
“Casino night?” Jessica darts a glance in my direction.
“I’m working, but Sophie and Ryder are going.” I always take duty for community events and holidays, so the people who work for me can attend with their families.
But something tells me that’s about to change.
Sophie grins. “You and Hailey will come with us.”
“Great. It’s settled, then,” Mary Beth says before anyone can change their minds. “It’s at Sam’s. We’re all helping with decorations and setup. You should come, and we can have fun with it. We’d appreciate a helping hand.” Mary Beth turns to her husband. “Let’s go. We have things to do.”