Page 52 of Mess With Me

Meanwhile my brother folds his arms. “Are you trying to buy us off?”

My brother could work on my surveillance team, he’s got such sharp hearing.

Jude shakes his head. “No dice. Cap, you’re getting a milkshake. And Griff, you’re telling me what you’re doing with my girlfriend’s best friend, who, as far as I know, lives in New York City?”

Sasha opens her mouth, then closes it again.

I feel like an idiot, which is not a familiar feeling for me. But we didn’t cover this scenario on the drive over. I was too distracted by her sitting next to me in my truck, which we took instead of the bike so we can pick up groceries on the way back. I could barely concentrate on the road having her in there, her delicate, pretty form filling a spot that would usually be empty.

I open my mouth, ready to divert the question with another question—a favorite technique of mine when answering won’t benefit me—when Sasha speaks up.

“Actually, I ran into Griff at a restaurant in Midtown a few weeks ago.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Jude looks incredulous. “Griff? In a restaurantinManhattan? I’m going to have to organize my questions.”

Sasha holds up a hand. “Can I try to guess them?” She wiggles her fingers.

Jude laughs. “Please.”

Sasha folds one of her perfect digits down. “I was at the restaurant and just happened to spot Griff out the window. We ended up chatting outside on the sidewalk. It was funny that I recognized him really, having only seen him at the wedding and that time at Nora’s film release back in London.”

So she does remember the movie theatre.

Sasha smiles, her perfectly beautiful lashes fluttering, and folds down a second finger. “One thing led to another and…well, we’re hanging out.” She smiles demurely.

Good God. First Chester calls us lovebirds, then Sasha basically implies the two of us are having some kind of romantic relationship.

Before Jude can comment, another finger goes down. “Griff wanted to show me Quince Valley—and I’m sorry, I would have let you know, but the trip was a bit of a whirlwind, and I know Nora’s still in London, so…” She trails off.

Jude gapes, a goofy-ass grin spreading across his goofy-ass handsome face. “Holy shit. I thought Griffin was allergic to relationships. Like I know he’s broken a few hearts here—Ow!”

I slide my boot back to my side of the booth. He’s about as subtle as fireworks. “Could you not?”

“Holy shit, my brother isblushing.”He turns to his son. “Sorry for swearing, Cap.”

“I am not fu—” I glance over at Cap—I’m as bad as his dad. “I’m notblushing.I don’tblush.”

“Then why are your cheeks all pink?” Cap asks.

Jude howls with laughter.

“Also, I swear all the time at school, Dad,” Cap says. “FYI.”

“You what?” Jude asks his son, sobering.

Now Sasha’s falling over herself laughing. The whole thing is extremely chaotic, and I want to storm out of here with Sasha over my shoulder. But that would put her ass very close to my face and—shit.I grab a menu, holding it in front of my face.

“Hey, doll!” A sing-song voice rescues me from this torture a moment later.

I want badly to wipe the sweat off my brow. Instead, I turn my full attention on our server, relaxing as I see one of my favorites.

“Hey, darlin’,” I say. “How are you?”

Darlin’? Since when do I say darlin’?

Luckily Amanda eats it up. “Well, I’m just fine, honey. You’re looking mighty handsome today. Almost holding a candle to pretty boy over here.” She winks at Jude. “Though no one’s a match for Mr. Cap.”

Cap blushes furiously.

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