Page 22 of Clumsy in Love

“You must have been terrified,” Juliet said.

“And then some,” Holly admitted. “I hauled ass outta there and climbed a tree to get away.”

They all paused to sip their drinks. Not a lot to say to that.

“I found her the next morning, still in the tree,” Cole said, picking up the story. “She’s agreed to be a witness, and that’s why I’m here. The killer leads a gang called the Fire Vipers. This wasn’t his first murder.”

“You must be fun at parties,” Alex muttered.

Cole shot her a look, but ignored the comment. “Holly could be in real danger. I need you all to be vigilant.”

“We’ll do anything to help keep her safe,” Tess said. They nodded solemnly. “Did you find a place to stay?”

“Farmer Jen’s gonna put us up until a cabin opens at Alex’s,” Holly said. “That reminds me, Juliet, can Lady stay an extra day or two?”

Cole nudged her. “Who’s Lady?”

“My dog,” Holly said. “Juliet owns a kennel outside of town. Lady’s been with her while I’ve been away.”

“Of course,” Juliet said. “I don’t even have her in a kennel. She’s been staying at the house with me and Ranger.”

The waitress arrived and chitchatted while handing everyone their food. Once she made sure they had everything they needed, she left.

“All right,” Holly said, shoving a fry into her mouth. “New topic.”

“What are you going to do about Rick?” Alex asked.

“Any topic butthat.” Holly shot Alex a “not now” glare, and Alex shrugged.

Rick must be the twitchy-legged, would-be groom. Wishing he was anywhere but here, Cole bent his head and focused on his burger.

“You’re going to have to deal with it,” Juliet said sympathetically.

“My plan is to show up at work and pretend like nothing happened,” Holly said.

“You are the worst at confrontation,” Tess said. “I’d head straight over there and kick his ass.”

“Holly’s not you,” Faith said. “She’ll handle it when the time’s right.”

“Any word on why?” Holly asked uncomfortably. Cole wasn’t sure if it was his presence or just the situation in general.

“Told Bo he just wasn’t ready,” Alex said. “What doyouthink?”

Holly darted a sideway glance at Cole. “I’ll be fine.”

Cole stood. “I’m gonna do a quick perimeter check and use the restroom. Be back in a sec.” They needed a chance to catch up without his prying eyes and ears.

He took his time circling the room and then checked his phone for messages. Curiosity got the best of him, and he clicked on the group chat Holly had started.

Hey y’all. FYI – Lost my phone. I’m unreachable for a while.

Holly?

Of course it’s Holly. Who else would lose their phone and know all our numbers? You all right, Bennett?

Debatable. I saw a guy get shot, then spent the night in a tree. Definitely not in Kansas anymore…

Holy crap, Holls. Surprised emoji.

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