“Happy took care of me.” She tried to smile.
“Just Happy?” Hayden asked softly.
“You did too,” Eve admitted. He’d been marvelous with Katie, riding to her rescue and being upbeat the rest of the ride. “Thank you.”
“I’d kiss you, but I don’t want to subject you to any bad kisses.” Hayden’s grin was overflowing with mischief.
“You two haven’t mastered kisses?” Rhett jumped right on that statement. “What kind of marriage is this?”
Uh-oh.
Before Eve came up with a reply, Hayden ducked down and kissed her on the lips, briefly. Passionately. And then he gave his brother a dirty look. “It’s a joke, Rhett.”
“I hope it’s a joke meant to annoy you, brother.” Rhett smirked at Eve. “You should never give my brother an even break.”
“Of course she should,” Hayden protested. “We’re married. She loves me.”
Eve’s breath caught. He said that as if he was happy Eve loved him.
How could that be true?
Chapter Sixteen
“Tell me again why we’re going to Marietta on a Saturday night?” Hayden slowed his truck as they entered the town proper.
“To meet my family for dinner.” Evie wore a pretty blue dress that deepened the blue in her eyes. Her blond hair fell in soft, touchable waves over her shoulders. “Think of it as a date night.”
Steven had picked Katie up after their family day on Friday. It was the first time since their wedding that they were going out as a couple.
For Evie’s sake, Hayden was glad for the distraction. Evie had been moping around since Katie left last night with Steven. They’d left Rhett and his twins with Gran, and Hayden was hoping Evie could stop worrying about Katie, even if only for a few hours.
“Grey’s is an odd choice.” On a Saturday night, it would be crowded, probably with lots of people they knew because Bentwood Creek wasn’t far from Marietta. Hayden imagined everyone would be watching to see how he reacted to Charlie, the man who’d done something Hayden had been unable to do—get Vi to the altar. It promised to be an interesting moment.
I’m not even sure how I’ll react.
“Not that odd,” Evie said, unaware of the direction of his thoughts. “It’s one of Mom’s favorite places and close to where Vi and Charlie live.”
Hayden found a space to park, got out, and came around to open Evie’s door. Since Rhett arrived, Hayden had realized he liked upholding the pretense that they were happily married. He’d never imagined the ease he felt with her.
“I can’t remember if I’ve kissed you today.” Hayden walked with Evie toward Grey’s. The afternoon warmth was giving way to the chill of a mountain evening. He held the door for her to enter.
“You kissed me after lunch in front of Rhett.” Evie swept through the doorway, talking briskly. “On my forehead.”
That wasn’t much of a kiss. But it had seemed appropriate in the kitchen. There were plenty of times throughout the day that Hayden wanted to draw her close…and not even kiss her! He just wanted to hold her. He’d never felt that way before, not even with Violet.
“We’re meeting someone,” Evie told the hostess, moving into the restaurant proper and leaving Hayden behind.
Grey’s was a historic building in Marietta, a former brothel back in the days of the wild, wild west. There was a small dance floor, an area for darts, several tables, and a bar. There were pool tables in the back. The atmosphere was jovial. The music from the band was country. Folks came to Grey’s to unwind and have a good time.
So why do I feel so tense?
Evie’s mother waved them over to a large corner table. “I’m thrilled to see you.” She hugged them both, her short blond hair catching the light. “Dinner tonight is my treat because I’m starved for news about you and—”
“Hello.” Violet appeared at their table before they sat down, a man at her side. Her husband, Charlie O’Neil. “Sorry we’re late.”
“No worries.” Evie clasped Hayden’s hand, rubbed his arm, smiling at him reassuringly. She knew how awkward this meeting was for him.
For years, Hayden had imagined facing the wedding-ruiner, had run through scathing put-downs, and had clenched his fists in anticipation of planting one in Charlie’s face. But now…