Page 43 of Not Ready

“Do you really think Holt will go through with it?” I ask, nibbling my lower lip. “He seems like a wildcard.”

“Vale?” Mercer’s voice sounds winded and a little frantic.

“She’s with me,” Bishop calls back.

“Right, good, okay,” he says, sounding a little frazzled. “So, our late lunch, complete with her salad, has finally arrived.”

Bishop grins. “It seems like you’ve won over Mercy, at least.”

I snort.

“Come on. Let’s get you and the ladybug some lunch.” Bishop pecks a kiss on my lips, and my heart races.

I really don’t see how I could do anything except fall head over heels for this man.

We have a late lunch, which Holt eventually joins us for. Bishop keeps a close eye on everything I eat. I drop my fork, and he eyes my plate. I frown as he picks up my burger, bringing it to my mouth.

“Come on, gorgeous. Just another bite or two. You barely ate anything.” Bishop gives me a hopeful look, and I finally take a small bite. The smile that crosses his face makes it difficult to be annoyed. As soon as I swallow, he holds out the burger once more, and I give in.

“No more. Truly, I’m full,” I assure him as soon as I’m done chewing.

Bishop nods and puts it back on my plate.

My gaze falls on Mercer as he types away on his phone.

“Do you think that counts as half or two-thirds of her side salad?” he quietly asks Bishop.

“Half.” Bishop scratches his thick beard. “Yeah, half.”

“And what? A third of the burger?” Mercer asks.

“Christ, tell me you’re not logging in her food on that app you use for yourself,” Holt says, shaking his head. He looks at me. “I swear, this is how people end up on that show about family members who snap.”

“Is that problematic for some reason I’m not aware of?” Mercer asks, frowning at his phone.

“No, it’s actually kind of sweet,” I tell him, offering a hopefully reassuring smile. “I will draw the line quite swiftly in the sand if you attempt to place me on a scale, though.”

“Right,” Mercer says. “Let me just click over and cancel that order.”

I laugh a real belly laugh for the first time in too long. Glancing between Holt and Bishop, I get the distinct feeling Mercer isn’t joking.

Aww, that’s actually kind of cute in a completely different way.

Mercer sighs. “Good God, my mother is calling. Vale, would you mind coming over here for a moment?”

My eyes widen, but I push my chair back and head over. “Do you want me to stand beside you?”

“Oh no, my lap will be perfect.” Mercer gives a tight smile.

“I think that might be putting the weight limit on the chair to the—” I squeak, slapping at Bishop’s hand as he smacks my backside. “Hey!”

“Sit,” Bishop grunts.

I sit as carefully as my burning thighs will allow, and Mercer’s scent hits my nose.

“Hello, Mother.” Mercer answers the call, focusing the screen on the two of us, but only our face and a little of my chest. “You caught us just finishing up a meal.”

“Just checking in. I haven’t heard from you. Did you know there are only two decent hotels in your entire city?” the older woman asks, sounding exasperated.

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