Page 16 of His North Star
“Sorry.” Not sorry. “I should head home,” I said. “My head is hurting.”
She nodded. “It was a pretty loud thud when the door hit you. It’s also kind of funny. James made quite a bang meeting you.” She smacked her hands together.
“Very funny,” I deadpanned.
Back at our table, the waitress cleared our plates. “Hey, Ty,” I said, “my head isn’t doing well. Will you take me home?”
He pursed his lips. “Can we at least get dessert?”
The longer I stayed, the more my head pounded. I waved my hand toward the hostess stand. “Will you see if they’ll pack it to go?”
James leaned toward me. “I can drive you home. If you don’t mind.”
I minded. “That’s sweet of you to offer. But it’s completely out of the way. Ty picked me up. I’m sure he planned to take me home anyway.” I stared at Ty, silently asking him to confirm that he wouldn’t pull the stupid stunt he had the last time with greasy guy.
He set the dessert menu he’d been browsing down. “Yeah, I’ll drive you.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” James said with sad eyes. “Especially since it’s ending our night early.”
I shook my head, then sucked in a quick breath. “I’ll be fine after some ibuprofen and a good night’s sleep.”
“Wait a minute. . .” Lys tapped her chin. “Aren’t you supposed to stay awake after a head injury?”
“They don’t really recommend that anymore,” James said.
“Maybe you should stay for a little bit after taking her home,” Lys said to Ty. “Just to be sure.” She reached across the table and signaled for his hand. He reluctantly acquiesced, placing his fingers in hers.
“If you insist.” He offered a weak smile.
I slid down the booth until my head rested on top of the seat. Ty and James took care of the bill.
“Let’s go.” Ty waved us to get up and move. Outside, the crisp spring air seeped into my lungs. I turned to James one last time.
“It was nice to meet you,” I said. “Sorry our evening got cut short.”
He stuffed his hands in his front jean pockets. “It’s my fault. But, uh, maybe I could get your number and we can reschedule?”
I pulled the strap of my purse up on my shoulder. My fingers stayed wrapped around the leather strip, holding it tight. It was one thing to go out with the other guys Ty set me up with, because they were safe. I knew I wouldn’t fall for those random people.
But James? In the hour I’d spent in his company, he was the real deal. As attractive as I found him, I couldn’t do it.
“I really should get going. Maybe you can get it from Ty later?”
“Yeah, sure.” He nodded while releasing a breath.
Well, nice knowing you, buddy. “See ya later.” I waved while I stalked off toward Ty’s truck. Once inside, I rested my head against the window. Finally, I could get home and sleep and not worry about men.
CHAPTER 5
Lys leaned over to give Ty a goodnight kiss, but he pulled back, holding a hand up to halt her progress.
“I’m sure Maren doesn’t want to see that,” Ty said. “I’ll walk you to your door.”
A shiver ran down my spine at my near miss.Thank you, Ty.Idid not care to witness their make-out session.
“Oh, right,” Lys said. “Bye, Maren, hope you’re feeling better soon.”
I waved and mumbled a thanks, then pulled out my cell. Knowing Lys, Ty would be a while. I hadn’t scrolled past two Instagram posts before Ty returned. Huh, he came back faster than I expected. How did he get away from Lys’s famous lengthy kisses? Whatever he’d done, I appreciated it. I couldn’t wait to down some meds.
