Page 112 of Back in Black

“You didn’t.” And to Audrey’s surprise, he slipped an arm around her shoulders and even gave her a slight squeeze for reassurance.

Somehow, she decided, they’d be able to work this out. She had to believe that, because she loved Brett Bullman more than anything.

CHAPTER 19

THE brisk night air gave Drew enough reason to pull Gillian into his side. Given that some patrons lingered on the walkway, Drew half expected her to move away. Public displays of affection were not her thing; she was too private for that.

But Gillian didn’t budge. Instead, she curled into him and said low, “Be nice, Drew.”

He rubbed his chin against the top of her head, feeling mellow now that they were making some headway. “Or what?”

She looked up at him with her blue eyes intent. “Or . . . I’ll be disappointed.”

He half smiled and then quickly kissed her lips. “Can’t have that, now can we?” He led her toward the far end of the walk, away from the congestion of the front doors. “I’ll ruin my reputation if I don’t keep you satisfied.”

She didn’t reply, but Drew saw the small smile that curved her mouth.

It looked like another storm might be rolling in. Thick clouds obscured any sign of the moon, but street lamps and security lights from the bar kept the area well lit. Without the live band and elbow-to-elbow crowd, it was quieter out here, but not much more private.

Brett and Audrey came around next to them. Drew had no idea what was going on between those two, but Brett’s little woman looked like she’d been through hell. From what he remembered in meeting her before, her idea of spiffing up meant dark jeans and something other than sneakers. But her current appearance was rough, even for her.

Drew asked her, “You’re sure you’re all right?”

Chagrined, Audrey nodded. “I’m sorry for the scent of smoke. It’s been one heck of a night. After that awful report about Brett was released, I went to see him. Luckily he wasn’t at home because someone had thrown a lit bottle of gasoline into his apartment building.”

Drew’s mind jumped ahead to possibilities on that one. So many strange threats, and now, right after thrusting Brett’s life into the public forum, someone torched his apartment?

Brett looked grim. “You shouldn’t have gone in there, Audrey.”

“I couldn’t just leave Spice,” Audrey said. “I knew she had to be scared. And I know how much you care about her.”

Perplexed, Drew asked, “Spice?”

“My cat.” Brett kissed Audrey’s temple. “Audrey saved her.”

Gillian said, “My God. You went into the building after her?”

“It was mostly just smoke when I got there,” Audrey explained. “The fire hadn’t yet spread from the first floor.” And then to Brett, “But I think everything was destroyed. All your possessions . . .”

“They’re just things, Audrey. I can replace them.”

Talk about a shitty day . . . Drew saluted Brett for his cool head. “Let me know what I can do to help, okay?”

Gillian beamed at him, making him say, “What?”

“You are so generous.”

What the fuck. He didn’t want her getting all moon-eyed in front of the others. “I have a vested interest in Brett’s well-being.”

“Of course you do.” And it was plain to everyone that she was placating him.

“For the love of—”

Audrey said, “Brett can stay with me.” And then, clearly flustered by her hopeful enthusiasm, she added to Brett, “That is . . . if you want to.”

Brett’s indulgent gaze warmed on her face, and he gave her a quick hug. “We’ll see.”

Huh. So maybe he needed to make nicey-nice with Ms. Porter, since it looked like she and Brett were an item.

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