Page 51 of By Your Side
“You do realize the entire diner probably thinks we’re about to get married now,” she said, sliding her takeout bag onto the passenger seat and making jokes to cover her tension. “Listen, I’m not scared of him, Hunter. Not really. He just makes me so mad, and I’m not supposed to say anything to him. Also, I’ve been sticking to the bar and my house. Being here today—” She ran a hand through her hair and paused. “Apparently, people know about us. Everyone seems to know we kissed in my parking lot.”
“Good,” I said, straight-faced.
That startled a laugh out of her. “Good? Really?”
“Yeah. Saves me the trouble of explaining that I protect what is mine.” I held my hands up. “Don’t get mad. I know how that sounded, and it’s not what I meant, you’re not property. I don’t know how to say what I?—”
“It’s okay. I get it.” She bit her lip, trying not to laugh at my stammering. “I liked how you stood up for me. I mean it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I leaned one arm against the open door, lowering my voice. “Forget him. Soon enough, he’ll fade back into the background again. It’s almost your birthday. Heard from Piper that there’s going to be a party.”
Her mouth opened, then closed again. “You’re seriously bringing that up now? When I’m torn between throwing a fit over Eli’s bullshit and throwing myself at you in the middle of town? We can’t let the gossip get out of control, you know.”
“I’m just saying,” I said with a shrug, “town gossip has a way of making things happen faster. If everyone thinks we’re a thing, then we won’t have to explain anything when I escort you to your birthday party.”
She snorted. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And yet,” I said, grinning now, “you still haven’t said no.”
Her lips pressed together like she was fighting a smile. “Get out of here before I change my mind about thanking you.”
“Too late. I’m taking that as a yes.”
She rolled her eyes in answer, but there was a softness there she didn’t quite hide.
As she shifted into the driver’s seat, I stayed leaning against the doorframe. “By the way,” I added casually, “I’ll see you early tonight.”
Her brows lifted. “Early?”
“Gossip is out there. Eli is an asshole. You won’t be alone. I have a few things to do at the shop, then I’m coming over.”
She tilted her head. “Are you going to start charging me for this bodyguard service?”
“Nope,” I said. “Consider it part of the pact.”
She let out a little huff of laughter and shook her head. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’ll see me tonight. Early.” I said, stepping back so she could close the door.
“Maybe,” she said, but the corner of her mouth curved like she knew she didn’t mean it. “I’m fine. Seriously. Eli pissed me off, but I’m not really worried. He won’t get anywhere with these games he’s trying to play. Ren is the best; he never loses.” She grinned and held up a finger. “However, I’m not arguing about you coming early. That part is my silver lining for the day.”
I gave her a crooked smile. “Silver lining, huh? I like that. Try not to miss me too much until tonight.”
She rolled her eyes again, but this time her laugh was genuine, bright as sunlight through storm clouds. “Don’t flatter yourself,” she teased, but I caught the way her gaze lingered a moment longer before she finally shut the door behind her.
I stood there until she pulled out of the lot, watching her taillights disappear down Sycamore Street—not because I didn’t trust her to handle herself, but because no part of me could watch her go without making sure she got there safe.
I should have gone back to the shop. I told myself that three times on the way to the truck, and twice more while driving across town. But instead of turning left toward Cassidy’s Automotive, my hands kept the wheel steady toward the tavern, following the route I’d taken a hundred times before.
The truth was, I didn’t like the idea of her behind that barat all,with gossip running wild and Eli making threats. And sure, Paige could hold her own—she’d done it for years—but knowing that didn’t loosen the tight knot in my chest.
By the time the tavern’s neon glow came into view, the parking lot had only a scattering of cars, all probably belonging to the usual weeknight regulars. The purple light washed across her windows, and I could see her behind the bar, head down as she wiped the counter, ponytail falling over her shoulder.
I slipped inside, the familiar creak of the door swallowed by the hum of conversation and low music from the jukebox. A couple of guys at the far end glanced my way, giving me a chin lift in greeting, but went back to their beers. I knew them. They weren’t the gossiping type.
Paige looked up, and for a second her face softened in a way that hit me square in the chest. Not surprised, not annoyed—just like she was glad I was there.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, coming closer. “You’re even earlier than you said you’d be.”
