Page 54 of Stick Fight

When the check comes, I grab it before anyone can argue. It’s the least I can do, considering I’ve basically turned them into my personal Uber service.

Avery comes back with the holy grail, our cinnamon rolls, and Gabby requests a couple of extra small boxes. Avery obliges with a knowing smile, already wrapped around Gabby’s finger.

As we head toward the door, Gabby stops and pulls a card from her pocket. “I need to call Ben.”

I raise a brow. “Ben?”

“The driver,” she says with a small smile.

“Ben, huh? Sounds like you’ve been making friends.”

She rolls her eyes and lightly smacks my chest. “Sounds like someone’s jealous.”

I laugh, because yeah, she’s not wrong. “Maybe I am.”

We step outside, and when a breeze cuts down the street, she zips her jacket all the way to her chin.

“Fine then,” she says, glancing sideways at me. “Should I be jealous of Avery?”

I snort. “Uh, no. That was a long time ago.” I press a hand gently to her back, steering her down the sidewalk. “Come on.”

She shivers as we walk, and I murmur, “I really need to get a car.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t have to do that for me. I don’t even know my way around.”

I glance at her, catching the wind-blown strands of hair dancing around her face. “Maybe not yet,” I say quietly. “But you will. But I’ll get one that has navigation.” She opens her mouth. “It’s fine. It’s time I got one anyway, and if you do take the job, you need a way around.”

“That’s too much, Roman.” There’s a soft, almost pleading edge to her voice. She doesn’t want to be a burden, I get it. But damn, Iwantto do this for her. All of it.

“I’m doing it for Tanner,” I say, even though we both know that’s a lie. “He’s in a bind, remember?”

She doesn’t argue, but the look in her eyes says she knows exactly who I’m really doing it for.

The wind picks up as we walk down the street toward the waiting car. When we reach it, I pull the door open for her, like the gentleman my father is—in public.

“You’re a good friend, Roman,” she says softly as she climbs in.

Friend. Yeah. Sure. That’s what we’re going with.

By the time I slide into the seat beside her, she’s already opened the big box of cinnamon rolls and is carefully tucking two into one of the smaller boxes. She leans forward and hands it over the seat.

“I hope you enjoy,” she says.

Ben lights up. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” she replies with a quiet smile.

The guy is grinning so hard it’s almost contagious. He catches my eye in the rearview mirror. “Roman, good to see you.”

“Hey, Ben.” I nod, smiling. He’s driven me before. I always use the same car service. “Quick question. Where’s the best place to find women’s clothes in this city?”

He chuckles. “NowthatI can help with. Buckle up.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re cruising into a spot on Newbury Street.

“Lots of shops here,” Ben says as we pull up. “You’ll find what you’re looking for.”

We thank him and hop out. On the sidewalk, without even thinking, I reach for Gabby’s hand. Her fingers slide into mine naturally, but she throws me a fast, cautious look.

---