My back teeth ground together. “That’s not what this is.”
Lawson stared me down, dead-on. “If that’s the case, then you shouldn’t care about a good man showing interest in her. Have never heard anything but great things about Damien. Maybe I’ll invite them both over for dinner and get the ball rolling.”
“Law…” I growled low.
His lips twitched. “Just think about why you hate the idea so much.”
I didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to admit what it might mean. Couldn’t.
“I gotta bring you up to speed on something else,” Lawson said, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.
“What?” I snapped.
“Went to The Brew this afternoon to talk to Aspen.”
I stiffened.
“The podcasters were there, hassling her.”
Fury lit in my veins. “Why. Didn’t. You. Say. Anything?” I could barely get the words out.
“I was going to call you but then got word about this.” Lawson gestured to the scene.
“You should’ve told me the second I got here,” I clipped.
The image of Aspen trembling on her couch flashed in my mind. Was she scared now? Alone? How had she been when Lawson left?
“I knew you’d freak, and I needed your head in the game when you got here. Aspen’s fine. I told her we would meet after she picks up Cady and Charlie from school.”
“You wanted my head in the game?” I gritted out. I was going to kill my brother.
20
ASPEN
Charlie and Cady ran out of the double doors, holding hands and giggling as if there was no one else in the whole world but them.
“Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate?” Katelyn sneered.
I had to close my eyes for a moment and breathe. It had been the longest day in recent history. I’d been confronted with a shirtless Roan this morning—my dry spell making itself abundantly known—a full day at work, the run-in with the podcasters, talking with Lawson, trying to smooth things over with Elsie and Jonesy, and attempting to concoct a story they would believe without outright lying.
I did not need bitter, bitchy Katelyn on top of it all.
“I think their kind of friendship should be celebrated, don’t you?” I asked, casting a look in her direction.
Her casual perfection made me cringe at my sweater and faded jeans. Katelyn pursed her lips. “They’re holding hands. They’re too young for that.”
“They’re kids. It’s completely innocent.”
Katelyn scoffed. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’re condoning this behavior. You were what? Twenty when you had her?”
I stiffened. The judgment wasn’t entirely new. I was twenty-seven now, twenty-two when I’d taken custody of Cady. But I looked a little younger, and whatever piece of glitter Cady had stuck on me today didn’t help that fact.
I plastered on a wide smile. “Katelyn, you’re too kind. I love that you think I look so youthful.”
Her jaw dropped, and I turned to greet Cady and Charlie. “Hey, you two.”
“Hi, Miss Aspen,” Charlie greeted.
“How do you feel about coming home with us this afternoon? Your dad and uncle are going to meet us there.”
I heard a sound of annoyance come from Katelyn’s direction as she stalked away.
Charlie grinned widely. “That would be awesome!”
Cady jumped up and down while keeping hold of his hand. “Is Mr. Grizz gonna be there?”
A prickle of something passed through me. “He is.”
“This is the best day EVER!” she cheered.
“Come on, kiddos. Charlie, I’ve already got your booster in the car.”
“Aw, man. I keep telling Dad I don’t need one no more.”
I bit back a chuckle. “I’m afraid it’s the law, and it wouldn’t be very good if your dad didn’t follow the law since he’s the chief of police.”
Charlie’s shoulders slumped. “I guess.”
Cady tugged on his hand. “We can decorate your booster. I put pink glitter and stickers on mine.”
He looked at her thoughtfully. “Could we do frog stickers?”
“Totally,” Cady said.
“Okay.”
That being settled, I got the two of them situated in the back seat. “Ready to rock and roll?”
Charlie grinned. “You got cookies at your house?”
I twisted in my seat. “Do I look like an amateur to you?”
His little brow furrowed. “What’s an am-am-a-teur?”