Chapter 3
three
CALLAN
Idon’t know Bree well enough to say something’s off, but, uh…
yeah, something’s definitely off. She’s lost somewhere in her head, twisting the edge of her sleeve.
And those eyes of hers? Normally, they’re steady.
You could dive into those bright blue pools and just float, no problem.
But right now? They’re all over the place, darting around like she’s trapped in some maze and can’t find her way out.
I clear my throat, drumming my fingers on the wheel. “You good?”
She blinks like she didn’t hear me the first time, then gives this little shrug that’s way too casual to be real. “Peachy.”
“Right. And I’m a nun.”
That earns me a snort, but I don’t let it drop. “Seriously. You sure you’re good?”
She shoots me an unamused look, but there’s a flicker of panic behind it, gone so fast I almost think I imagined it.
“I’m fine, Callan,” she says.
And then, like the flip of a switch, she’s back at it, firing off some witty comment like nothing ever happened. Maybe she’s just weird. I can deal with weird. Weird is fun.
I like Bree. She’s got that kind of humor that always keeps me on the edge of a laugh, and she’s just as reckless as I am. We’d be a damn disaster waiting to happen, but the kind that’d be exhilarating as hell. Too bad she’s off-limits. Her boyfriend’s a lucky bastard.
“So, how’s Jamie?” she asks. “That’s who you were seeing last time I was here, right?”
“Aye, that was her. Didn’t go anywhere, though. I was just a rebound. Too feral for her taste.”
Her comforting, easy laugh bursts out, filling up the whole cab. It’s one of those laughs that makes the air lighter, like it’s not just noise but sunlight. I wasn’t kidding when I called her Sunshine. She really is like that.
“Feral,” she laughs, shaking her head. “That’s the most accurate description of you I’ve ever heard.”
I chuckle, a little too loudly, and quickly change the subject. “And how’s your guy? I thought he might’ve come with you.”
The silence that stretches out after my question makes a knot twist in my stomach. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked. I should’ve kept it light like we always do. Then again, it’s me. I’m always running my mouth without thinking.
And there she goes again, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve like it’s the only thing keeping her from falling apart. It’s like watching someone try to hold themselves together. I can’t help but feel like I’m seeing something I shouldn’t.
“He, uh, couldn’t get time off.”
“Ah, that stinks.” I offer a sympathetic shrug.
She shakes her head, a small smile pulling at her lips. “It’s okay. It’ll be nice to spend some time away, just me and Jules.”
The way her voice falters a little makes my stomach tighten. I can be a bit pushy sometimes, but something is telling me not to. Instead, I clear my throat. “Aye, but just so you know, ‘good’ doesn’t exactly scream ‘living your best life,’ you know?”
Another hint of a smile tugs at her lips, and I exhale a quiet sigh of relief. That’s better. I don’t do well with sad shit.
“Maybe I’m just after a sliver of peace for a change.”
“A sliver of peace?” I hum thoughtfully. “I can respect that.”
She shoots me a look, eyebrow arched and lips twitching like she’s holding back a full-blown grin. “Something tells me that you and peace don’t exactly get along.”
Knox and Juliette’s engagement party is already in full swing by the time the sun begins its slow descent, and of course, the party’s a hit. How could it not be? My big brother finally found his person. It’s like she’s been a part of the family for years, no question.
I catch a glimpse of them across the courtyard. Knox pulls her in, his hand finding her waist with that instinctive kind of tenderness, like there’s no version of reality where he’s not holding onto her. She leans into him without thinking, laughing at something he murmurs just for her.
I’ve never been the settling-down type. I’ve laughed off commitment like it’s some outdated concept I was never meant to fit into.
But watching them together? I might not be ready to throw in the towel just yet, but…
maybe I’m starting to see the appeal. Bree looks stunning tonight.
So beautiful it makes me forget how to breathe.
Her blonde hair frames her face like it’s been touched by the gods, and that floor-length dress hugs her curves with the kind of devotion that makes it hard to believe it ever belonged to anyone else. I’d be a damn fool not to notice.
She’s standing off to the side, gaze distant, completely lost in whatever’s going on in her head. Her fingers absently twist the bracelets on her wrist, and it’s clear she’s not exactly part of the festivities right now. That’s not gonna fly.
I spot Rose, Juliette’s aunt, across the courtyard and jog over, feeling that familiar mischievous spark. She’s been working at the distillery with me and Knox for years, so she’s family now, too.
“Hey! Rose!” I call out, my voice cutting through the chatter. She turns, her face lighting up with that signature wide smile of hers.
“What’s up?”
“I know Bree’s staying with you while she’s here. You mind if I snatch her for a bit? Looks like Knox and Jules are about to head out. I’ll drop her by your place later.”
“Sure thing.” She nods. “I’ll leave the door unlocked for her.”
I lean in and kiss her cheek. “You’re the best. Drive safe, aye?” I give her a quick wave before turning to make my way over to Bree, who’s still standing off to the side, her thoughts a million miles away.
“I didn’t know they let angels walk around without an escort.”
Her eyes brighten instantly, a spark of amusement flickering there, and she lets out that laugh that always gets to me. “At least I left my halo at home,” she teases. “Didn’t want to make the rest of you feel bad.”
I offer a playful bow. “Well, guardian troublemaker at your service. You’re coming with me, Sunshine.”
Her eyes skim over me, quick, almost shy, but they don’t miss much. It’s a subtle sweep from my shoulders to my shoes, a scant pause like she’s trying not to make it obvious she’s looking…or maybe she’s hoping I don’t notice. But I do.
She tilts her head, that mix of curiosity and challenge dancing in her eyes as she meets my gaze. “And where do you think you’re taking me?”
I give her my most mischievous grin, leaning in just a little and lowering my voice. “It’s a surprise. Hope you can hold onto that dress of yours.”
My comment lands exactly how I had hoped, judging by the confusion in her eyes and the sudden flush creeping up her cheeks. A little victory, that. I quickly grab her hand and give it a gentle tug. “Jules and Knox just left, so we’re free to go. Ready for an adventure, Sunshine?”
I try my best to ignore how perfectly her hand fits in mine as we step into the cool night air. Not sure what’s going on there, but the way our fingers lock together makes my heart do funny things. I’m not about to overthink it.
She stops dead in her tracks when she spots my bike, her eyes widening. “You’re not serious. You want me to get on that? In this?”
“Aye, I do. Here, put this on.” I slip off my leather jacket and drape it over her shoulders. “This will keep you warmer and safer.”
Her eyes narrow with suspicion. “But what about you?”
Her concern is cute. “I’m all good, lass. A little chilly weather never bothered me.”
She eyes the bike like it just insulted her mum, her brow furrowed and lips pursed in a playful pout.
It’s honestly a little hysterical, watching her stand there with her hands on her hips looking like she’s squaring up for a fight.
At the same time, beneath that fierce expression, there’s a flash of hesitation.
It’s like she wants to accept the challenge, but she’s still sizing it up. The fire in her eyes says she’s close to choosing.