Page 100 of Going Home

"Stop what?" Hailey asks.

She has much more sass today than she's had recently, and Colt's nearly at the end of his rope. Luckily, Lex usually handles the brunette. "Having whatever telepathic conversation you two are doing right there. It's kind of freaky."

The hostess pointing in their direction catches his attention, and he sighs a breath of relief as Lex hurries over. "Sorry, I'm late. It was... You know what? It doesn't matter. My brother is who he is, and I can't change him."

"That bad, huh?"

"Is there really any other way when it comes to Zane and me?"

Lucas and Hailey exchange another glance, and Colt points at them. "What did I just say? Speak out loud or not at all."

Tilting her head, Lex looks at him. "Huh?"

"Never mind."

"We're pretty sure why you brought us here," Hailey says.

"Oh, really? Why's that?" Lex asks and leans back in her seat. She looks almost amused, and Colt can't figure out the dynamic between the two older women in the house.

A deep breath comes from Lucas, and he shoves his hands under the table. "This is a nice restaurant, and Noah and Calla aren't here. This means it's something big. And big news usually means bad news. For us."

"Serious discussions happen at fancy places," Hailey says, her jaw set as she glares at them.

Chuckling, Lex nods. "It is a serious discussion, but it's not bad. The two of you have been such a big help with everything that's been going on lately, and I really think I may have lost my mind if you weren't around."

"So... You're not sending us back to our old house?" Lucas asks.

Realizing what they thought, Colt shakes his head, his jaw dropping slightly. "Never."

Both visibly relax, but Hailey works harder to hide it. Her relief changes to sarcasm. "Then what's the serious discussion? Are you pregnant? Because the way you go at it, I wouldn't be surprised."

Lex laughs, and Colt chuckles as he bites his lip before saying, "We've come to see you as family. Noah and Calla look up to you like older siblings, and you're part of the support system of this family."

The server walks over with a bright smile. "Hello, everyone. My name is Emme, and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get everyone to drink?"

"I'll have water," Lex says with a smile.

"We'll have sodas," Hailey says and points between her and Lucas. "Regular, not diet. Whatever brand you have is fine."

"I'll take a beer," Colt says, suddenly nervous. "Regular. Mexican brand of any kind is good."

"Sounds great," Emme says and writes on her notepad. "Are you interested in any appetizers?"

Before he can say no, Lex nods. "We'll take the shrimp, fried pickles, and the cheese plate."

Excited at the prospect of a large tip, Emme beams. "Perfect. I'll get that put in and come back with your drinks."

"Hungry?" he asks, thankful her appetite is returning.

"It all sounded good. It's been a while since anything sounded appetizing. I'm also getting a burger. I may explode later from being so full, but the picture online looked amazing."

Smiling, he wraps his arm around the back of her chair and rubs her arm. "Order dessert, if you want. I like seeing you eat."

"We'll see," she says and rests her hand on his thigh.

The simple touches between them have become more comfortable and relaxed rather than needy and comfort-seeking. There's no desperation to feel better or disconnect from reality, and Colt almost feels guilt for being happy to have his wife back. To be able to make love at any pace other than frantic. The only reason this has come about is because someone in the family died, and it's a confusing feeling. Pushing it out of his mind, he decides to just be happy there's less pressure on Lex.

When she turns to look at him, he has to shift in his seat at the look in her eyes. Dessert will be at home, and when she runs her tongue over her teeth, he knows it'll involve her on her knees. Her hand sliding up his thigh to graze the crotch of jeans with the featherlight touch makes him hard, and he pinches her shoulder to let her know he understands the message.

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