Page 67 of Unbidden

“Breathe, Art. Martha won’t forgive you if you die. Are you looking for the four men who ran through here?” At his nod, I continue. “They ran down to the food court exit. They’re probably long gone by now.”

He straightens but is still breathing hard and holding his chest. “Thanks, Sage. I should walk you to your car tonight.”

“What did they do?” I ask, worried that I’m now an accomplice to their actions.

“They stole the damn bird from the water fountain. Who in the hell does that?”

I burst out laughing. He looks at me weird, so I explain. “They stole a piece of rock shaped like a bird. They could have stolen anything in this mall and they steal something so stupid.”

He starts laughing with me. “I guess you’re right. Still, let me walk you to your car. Then I can call this in.”

“Fine. Let me just shut everything down. Meet back here in ten?”

He smiles and nods, walking toward the food court exit.

I finish closing up, and ten minutes later on the dot, I meet Art.

“I actually have a ride coming. They should be here any minute. I usually walk out our back door though. Mind walking around with me?”

“Not at all. Lead the way.”

He’s telling me about Martha and her latest cooking masterpiece when all of a sudden, he stops abruptly.

“Hey, you there. What are you doing here?”

I glance over and spot Reed leaning against his SUV, not far from the back door to the restaurant. I can’t see inside, but I suspect there are at least two other people in the car.

Reed pushes off his car, moving closer to us, causing Art to tense.

“Baby, I thought you said you would text me when you got off. I would have come to the door.” Reed continues to move closer, so I place my hand on Art’s arm.

“He’s my ride.”

Art relaxes. “Thank goodness. Well, are you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?”

I start to contradict him, but Reed is in front of us at this point, holding out his hand for Art to shake. “Reed. It’s nice to meet you, sir. Thank you for escorting Sage out for me. I worry about her working so late and walking out here by herself.”

Reed slings his arm around me next, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

“We had a bit of a scare tonight. I agree that she shouldn’t be walking out here alone. From now on, make sure you pick her up outside of the food court exit.”

“Will do. Come on, babe. Let’s grab you some dinner before I take you home.”

I turn to glare at him just as he leans in to kiss my cheek again, making his lips touch mine. Instead of pulling away, he presses another, softer kiss to my lips before brushing my hair out of my face.

“Young love. You kids be safe.” Art chuckles as he makes his way back into the building.

Reed keeps his arm around me as he guides me to his vehicle. He holds open the passenger door, helping me inside before rounding the front and getting in the driver side.

I’m so lost in my thoughts about that kiss and his tenderness that I don’t realize we’ve left the parking lot until Keaton pops up from the back, scaring the shit out of me.

“Damn, that was hot. You two make one banging couple. You should hook up.”

“What in the ever-loving fuck, Keaton?” I gasp loudly, my heart racing.

Reed reaches over, intertwining our hands as he speaks. “Put your seat belt on, Keat. All of you put your seat belts on.”

I turn in my seat, finding Sterling and Finley in the back as well. “What’s going on? Where is V?”

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