“I knowI'mthe reason you feel that way. But, I need you tolistento me right now, okay? To really hear me...”I wait until she nods.“Yeah, okay, I'm listening.”
“You are fucking likeable.You'remore than likeable.You’re—” I almost tell hershe’sloveable butmanageto catch myself in time.“You’rea good person who deserves goodthings.You’resmart, loyal, kind, andfierce.I'mso damn sorry I ever made you feel any way other than that.”
“It’s fine.”She tries to downplayallof it,includingmy role in it.“It'sfine. Andit'snot like it was just you. I chose to internalize it.” She fluffs her hair. “No hard feelings.”
Iscoff.“Lots of hard feelings, but I swear I'll make it up to you, any way you want.”
“Anyway?” she wags her brows. “Because I can certainly think of a few.”
“Any way,”I confirm.“Startingtonight. But we better head inside before Atlas starts blowing up my phone asking where we are.”
“If we don’t hurry, Nora will decide she misses James too much and bail.”
“Wouldn’t want that.”I kill the engine, and we both hop down, meetingat the tailgate.
I grab her hand, twining our fingers together without hesitation before heading for the door.
Loud music and the scent of sizzling steak meets us about halfway to the door.
“Smells good,” she murmurs.
“Important question... how do you like your steak?” I look down at her, my eyes wide. “Your answer here might be a deal breaker.”
“Medium rare,” she says, theduhall but implied.
“Good girl.” Igrip the handle and pull, holding the door open for her.
She shakes her head as she strides past me, all sass as she says,“That’s my line.”
“Fuck yeah, it is,” I crowd her from behind, slipping my arms around her middle. “AndI’m looking forward to being your good boy when we get home.”
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Atlas gags, making us jump apart. “Don’t think I’m ever gonna get used to that.”
I glare at him as I loop two fingers through her belt loops, tugging her closer. “Better get used to it… and fast.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Got us a table in the back,” he says, giving us his back as he stomps off.
“Off to a great start,” Scarlet murmurs, her shoulders rounding in.
“Fuck him.” She whips around to face me as I go on, “Yeah,yeah.He’slike a brother to me, but part of being a good friend is calling your friends on their shit. And he is most definitely on some shit when it comes to you.And, yes, I amwell awareI bought into said shitfor far too long.”
We fall into step behind him, walking single file to arectangular high-top table, where Nora’s chatting with two woman Idon’tknow.
“Oh, Cara, you’re here,” Scarlet says, rushing forward to greet theshort, but curvy brunette.
“I am.” She beams. “This is Sophie.”
“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you.” She reaches out and shakes Sophie’s hand. “You know Nora already, Cara, and I’m sure y’allalready did your own introductions.” She grabs my hand and yanks me forward. “This is Ellis.”
“Nice to meet you both.”Ipull out a chair for Scarlet, helping her into it before situating myself in the one to her right.
“So,” Nora says, drawing out the word. “I have questions...”
“Good fucking luck getting any answers,” Atlas grouses, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Be nice,” Nora hisses, cutting her eyes hisways.
He holds up his hands like he’s innocent.