Page 34 of Trapped
“No one’s claimed him?” Em asked.
“No, and I’m kind of hoping they don’t. He’s growing on me.”
There was no need to tell them I’d changed my mind after his furry hug calmed me down.
Jamie carried in a tray full of burgers, interrupting the conversation. “Hey, Ash.” He said, knowing full well I no longer went by my high school nickname.
“Hey, James.” I used his full name in retaliation.
He laughed. “I’m glad you could make it.”
“Thanks. My schedule’s more open since moving back home.”
“Do you miss the fast pace of city life?” Jack asked.
I didn’t. I thought I might, but nope.
“Not really. It was fun, but I miss you guys.” Emily was the only one who knew I’d lost my job, which meant Jamie knew too. I was okay with that.Everyone’ll know soon enough anyway.
“I’m glad you’re here, even if it’s temporary,” Meg said. “When can I meet your grandmother? She sounds like a hoot.”
“How about this weekend? I’ll host a small cookout.” Gran would love that. “Gran can show off her new demon cat, Prince.”
“I’m open all day Saturday,” Jack chimed in. “Jamie?”
“I’m meeting with a potential client in the morning, but I’ll be done by noon,” Jamie answered.
“Saturday afternoon it is.” I clapped my hands. “I’ll invite AJ and Blake, too.”
AJ and I were still friends, and despite getting off to a rocky start, Blake and I were building our friendship one Craft and Booze night at a time. Blake was smart, sweet, and generous. It was impossible not to like the girl who made AJ embarrassingly happy. And she was shockingly humble for someone worth many millions.
“Should I invite Jay and Cate?” I asked. I wasn’t exactly friends with either of them, but we were on friendly terms. And prior to his relationship with Cate, Jay had been fun to flirt with.
“They’re working a three-day protection detail this weekend,” Meg said.
“And AJ?” I asked, since she knew everyone’s schedule.
“He doesn’t have anything scheduled yet,” she said.
“Cool. I’ll message him and Blake later and invite them.”
Conversation flowed as we ate, the guys drinking beer, while the girls drank water.
“No beer, Ashley?”
“No, I’m abstaining when I’m with my girls.” I raised my glass. Solidarity provided the perfect excuse.
“Aww, thanks,” Meg and Em said together.
After dinner, Jamie and Jack cleared the table while Emily brought out dessert.
“That looks good,” I said. The glass lid showed off a tall cake, the layers visible where a piece was missing.
“Thanks, it’s my first time making it, so I hope it’s good,” she said shyly. Poor girl still got nervous about disappointing people.
“It’s delicious,” Jamie said, while giving her a hug from behind.
“You have to say that.”
