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“Colby and Felicity were in and mentioned something to Ryder who mentioned it to Colton who said something to me when I was in the grocery store.”

“I swear those boys are nosier than some of the old ladies in thistown.” Brin laughs, and I turn to Lila. “Lila, this is my best friend Brinley. Brin, this adorable little one is Lila.”

Brin says, “Hi,” but Lila doesn’t respond, leaning closer to me. Brin takes that opportunity to change her focus to Everett.

She extends her hand and says, “That must make you Chief Grump.”

Everett raises a brow, and Lila laughs, saying, “You’re funny.” I bite my lip to hold back my smile.

Brinley beams. “Sorry, Chief Everett Lawson. I’m Brinley Rivers”

Everett shakes her hand but doesn’t say anything.

“The rumours are true. A real grump,” she says, and I nudge her. “Just speaking the truth. How she managed to wear you down that night is a complete surprise to me.”

This time, I kick her under the table, and she grins at me.

“Aspen and Lennon said they’ll both be ready to leave at four so we can head to West Bridgejaw. I’m on driving duty, so they’re gonna meet at my place and then we can pick you up.”

“I can meet at your place,” I say.

“Whatever you want.” She shrugs. “I’m going to head home and finish a few things, but I’ll see you in a couple hours.” I nod, and she kisses my cheek. “It was nice to meet you, Lila.” She turns to Everett next and nods. “Everett.”

He nods back, and she leaves.

I shake my head at Everett. “Letting the town think you’re a grump,” I muse.

“I am.”

“Not always,” I say.

He leans forward on his arms. “Very few people get to see past the outside, North. I don’t care what people think. They could call me all the names in the book behind my back and none of it would bother me. Very few people matter enough to me for their opinion to be of consequence.”

The way he holds eye contact with me has me wondering if I’m one of those few people. I push the thought away and nod just as our food is delivered. I cut my burger in half and then one of the half’s in half again and place it on Lila’s plate. We eat in relative silence. Lila’scompletely occupied with her food, and I have no idea what to say. Everett obviously has thoughts, but he’s keeping those locked down as his eyes flick to me every so often.

He pays the bill, and we make the drive home. I rush into my room, needing space, and throw a few things into an overnight bag.

TWENTY-SIX

EVERETT

When Chloe comes out of her room with an overnight bag thrown over her shoulder, I pause. I didn’t realize she wasn’t coming home tonight.

“You staying in West Bridgejaw?” I ask, catching her attention.

She hikes the bag further up her shoulder. “Yeah. We’ll be drinking, and none of us really wanted to be DD tonight, so we got a hotel.”

I nod. “Keep me updated. Let me know when you get to town and back to your hotel. Text me in the morning when you’re on your way home.”

She sighs and stares me down. “Everett, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and the last time I checked, I wasn’t yours to worry about.”

Her words are like a stab to the gut, and they hurt more than they should. She’s right. It’s not like she’s my girlfriend or wife. Who am I to demand that she keeps me updated? But I’m protective, and at this point, I don’t care if I come across as an asshole as long as it means I know she’s safe.

I stalk towards her, backing her against the wall. She holds my eyes, a look of defiance on her face.

“Chloe, you’re going to be a good girl and text me when you get to town, when you’re back in your hotel, and when you’re on your way home. You’re going to be safe while having fun, and if for anyreason, and I meananyreason at all, you need an escape, you’re going to call me, and I’m going to come get you.”

She continues to stare at me, not saying anything, her eyes dilated as she tries to control her breathing.