I jump so hard that the chair starts to tip over.
King places his elbow on the back corner of my chair, pressing it back to the ground.
Savannah laughs from the other side of the fire. “She’s all jumpy because she’s talking to a boy.”
“Savannah!” I chastise.
When the man at my side doesn’t move, I dart my eyes up to King.
And sure enough, he’s staring down at me with a very serious look. “Who is he?”
I’m not even surprised by his question.
“No one,” I squeak, then clear my throat. “He’s not from here.”
“Where’s he from?” King hardly even lets me finish my sentence.
I hold up a hand. “We were seated next to each other on my flight back from Denver and exchanged numbers. I promise I’ll tell you guys if it turns into anything, and then you can ask me all the questions you want. But since we’ve only met the one time, I don’t want to make it into a whole thing. Okay?”
King tilts his head. “Is he the reason you were late getting your luggage?”
My mouth drops open.
My intimidating brother inclines his head. “That’s what I thought.”
“Wait, what are you talking about?” Savannah is leaning over her armrest to try and see us around the flames.
“Nothing,” I try to say, but King talks over me. “Bo reported that she was thirty minutes late getting down to baggage claim after that flight.”
Savannah grins. “Way to go, Val!”
I press my hands to my cheeks and stare at Savannah, refusing to look up at King. “Can we please talk about literally anything else?”
He doesn’t move right away, and I’m worried he’s going to demand more, but then Aspen comes out of the house carrying a tray with our dessert.
“Warm apple crisp with ice cream,” she tells us as she approaches. “Cici’s really leaning into the fall theme,” she says, referring to the cook.
Savannah comments on how crazy it is that it’s already October, and I have to agree. But I also feel like these couple weeks of texting with Dom have made time fly by even faster.
King takes a pair of dishes for himself and Savannah while Aspen hands me the last bowl before she takes the chair between Savannah and me. Aspen jumps into asking Savannah something about the next charity auction they’re hosting, and I thank the powers that be that I dodged that bullet.
It’s not that I’m worried they won’t like Dominic. And I’m not worried they’ll find some shady past and try to tell me not to date him. I’m just not ready to pull Dom into this messed-up crime-family bullshit. Not yet. Not until we know each other better. Because letting people in on all this is probably more husband territory than fling territory.
My phone vibrates, and I remember the string of messages I just sent Dominic.
With everyone else distracted, I peek at his reply and smile around a mouthful of spiced apples.
Big Guy: Every day, you make my day.
Big Guy: Tell me to have a good day.
Me: Have a good day, Big Guy.
Big Guy: What are you having for dinner?
Me: Spaghetti.
Big Guy: Homemade?
Me: If adding stuff to jarred sauce counts, then yes.
Big Guy: Send me a pic.
Umm…
I debate for a moment, then hold the phone up, check the lighting, and snap the photo.
Me: sends selfie
Oh, shit! Did he mean the spaghetti?
Big Guy: Damn, Angel. You need to warn a man.
Uhh… what does that mean?
Big Guy: I was expecting carbs, not your pretty face.
Big Guy: For the record, this is way better than a plate pic.
He called me pretty.
Me: sends photo of my half-eaten plate of spaghetti
Big Guy: Valentine, tell me you’re in town this week.
I look at the calendar on my wall, like confirming it’s still Monday will change my answer.
Me: Dominic, tell me you’re joking.
My phone vibrates with a call.
“Hello,” I answer, and my voice sounds breathy with nerves.
We’ve been texting daily for the whole month of October, but we don’t talk on the phone that often. So knowing I’m about to hear his voice has my heart thudding.
“Hey, Mama.”
Since I’m sitting in bed, where no one can see me, I let my eyes roll back and mouth, oh my god.
Seriously, why is that so hot?
“Tell me you’re in town this week,” he demands.
I groan. “I can’t. I leave tomorrow and then fly home Saturday.”
“Of fucking course.” Dominic sounds resigned.