Page 13 of Pack Coffey

I don't want to make them leave early and ruin the night, so I shake my head. "I'm fine. He surprised me is all."

"Better now?" he asks, continuing to rub my shoulders.

Taking in the concern in his emerald-green eyes, I nod slowly and whisper, "Much."

When he smiles, I swear it's almost worth it to risk it all. It almost appears that he's having the same internal struggle as his eyes flick down to my lips and back up again. Much like Banks's did in the car. It makes my heart pound heavy in my chest in expectation. Unfortunately, he saves us both as he finally steps back and holds out a hand for me to lead the way back to our table.

As soon as I sit down, Banks's nostrils flare, and he looks around the room. He shifts in his seat like he's about to rise until Henry's hand on his shoulder stops him. The whole experience has left me feeling like a lost little fish in a shiver full of sharks. So, what do I do? Order another glass of wine and then another. By the time I'm ready to order another, the guys are all back to normal, laughing and cutting up with each other, me joining in with them.

Saint shakes his head at the waitress when she asks if we need anything else, completely ignoring my raised hand. I don't argue with him, because he's put on his serious face. Reaching over, I squeeze his cheeks between my thumb and forefinger. "You should smile more. Makes you prettier."

At least that's what I think I say. I'm not sure, but the rest of his pack cracks up.

"Come on, Darci," he says, gently taking my hand and bringing us to standing. I teeter a bit, but he catches me by the elbow. Someone brushes by me, and I squint my eyes because I know him.

"I know you!" I tell him.

The man stops in his tracks and turns around.

"Morton," I call out, introducing him to the table. "This guy makes the best coffee."

"Are you good, Darci?" he asks, eyes dropping to my elbow which Saint is still holding onto.

I lose my balance and fall into Saint. I realize at the last minute that it's because he's tugged me softly toward him.

"I'm okay," I tell him. "These are my friends. Saint is taking me home now, I think."

Morton looks ready to fight if he has to. "You sure?"

"She said she's got a ride," Saint repeats with a growl in his voice.

I glance up at his face, because the sound does funny things to my belly. What were we talking about? Oh, Morton.

"I'm good," I tell Morton without taking my eyes off Saint. I can tell when he leaves, because Saint finally relaxes and glances down at me, his expression turning soft.

"Meet you at the house in a little while," he tells the others as we start heading for the door.

"You're a party pooper," I tease, making the others laugh as we walk out.

Chapter Five

"Detective Saint, I think we have a problem," I say, stumbling more than my words as I pat my jacket down.

He catches my elbow again. "What's wrong?"

Glancing up at him, I had something to tell him, but I can't remember what it is being this close to him. His sweet, cinnamon scent is making me dizzy in a good way. I know my body is automatically perfuming for him. My buttery popcorn mixed with his is like the perfect sweet to the salty. Nostrils flaring, he takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

I lean into him.

"Darci," he murmurs, and I like the way it rumbles coming out.

Then he takes a step backward, ending the moment and helping me remember what I was supposed to be saying. "I don't have my keys. I think maybe they're at the station or in Lawrence's car."

He sighs, but I can see the slight smile on his lips telling me it's not out of annoyance. "Well, let's go check."

I nod and teeter back to the SUV. That's the last thing I remember until my door is being pulled open. Keaton pops his head inside with a grin which I sleepily return. "I lost my keys."

"So it seems," he says, helping me out of my seatbelt. "Want to stay with us tonight?"

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