Page 25 of Georgie
“Can you repeat that?”
Looking at them both, I said, “I left him.”
Their eyes widened in shock, seconds before their laughter filled the cozy haven of Beth’s coffee shop, causing a few heads to turn in our direction. I couldn’t help but join in, a mix of embarrassment and amusement washing over me.
“You two are impossible,” I said, shaking my head. “Here I am, pouring my heart out, and you’re laughing like it’s a stand-up comedy show.” I took a sip of my coffee, savoring the rich, aromatic flavor as I gathered my thoughts. “But yes, I left him. I couldn’t stay after what happened. It’s best if we just forget about it and move on.”
Sobering, Morgan looked at Dev. “What’s the time?”
Looking at her watch, Devlyn replied, “Half past eight. They’re up.”
“Shower, food, and marching orders for the day. That means she’s got... what... forty-five minutes?”
“Maybe less, if he skips breakfast.”
“What in the world are you two talking about?”
Devlyn turned to look me dead in the eyes. “Josie. You slept with a brother in the Sons of Hell.”
“So?”
“He claimed you,” Devlyn whispered. “It’s all over town.”
Stiffening in my seat, I gasped. “What is?”
“After Mr. Munson’s funeral. George fought your ex and then claimed you right in front of the ski lodge.”
“In front of King no less.”
“You two are impossible,” I said, shaking my head in mock exasperation. “Can’t you see I’m traumatized here? My heart is in pieces, scattered across the floor. I screwed up my friendship with George. Made things more complicated, and all you can do is laugh and make light of the situation.” I took a dramatic sip of my coffee, relishing the warmth of the cup in my hands and the comforting aroma of Beth’s perfectly brewed beans.
“Oh, come on, Josie,” Devlyn chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “You know we’re just giving you a hard time. We’re your best friends, and we’re here to support you through this... unique turn of events.” She leaned forward, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Besides, we all know you’ve had your eye on the good doctor for a while now. Admit it, you loved every minute of it.”
I rolled my eyes, unable to hide the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Fine, maybe I did. But that doesn’t change the fact that things got a little... intense. And now, apparently, all of Rosewood knows about it.”
I glanced around the coffee shop, half-expecting to see whispering townsfolk pointing in our direction.
“Well, that’s what happens when you hook up with a member of the Sons of Hell,” Morgan piped up, a hint of amusement lurking beneath her feigned seriousness. “They don’t do things by halves. Oh, and would you look at that? He did skip breakfast.”
Turning fast, I watched as Dr. George Steiner walked into the coffee shop. The moment his eyes landed on mine, they narrowed as he made a beeline straight for me.
“Ooh!” I vaguely heard Morgan slur. “Someone’s in trouble.”
Before I could even say a word, George—who, let’s be honest, looked too damn good this early in the damn morning—hauled me from the booth. His fingers, surprisingly nimble for someone who probably bench-pressed Volkswagens, cupped my face. His aftershave... well, it was a heady mix of whiskey and something vaguely, sinfully delicious.
Then came the kiss.
Not a peck, not a smooch, but a full-on, nuclear-powered smooch. It tasted like sin, desperation, and possibly a hint of chocolate. It was the kind of kiss that made me question my life choices, my hairstyle, and my entire understanding of personal space—all at once.
“Now, that’s hot,” Devlyn announced, as if delivering a witty one-liner in a low-budget action movie.
I recoiled, intending a dramatic retreat worthy of a silent film heroine. But George, clearly not a fan of subtlety or silent films, had other plans because suddenly, I was airborne.
I’m talking full-on, over-the-shoulder carry, like a sack of particularly unruly potatoes.
My dignity? Gone with the wind.
George’s lips were a distraction, a delightful distraction, but a distraction, nonetheless.
