Page 48 of Outplayed

“Yeah, mate. Never need to ask. But where you goin’?”

“I just got a call from your sister. She happened to see someone on a date.”

His eyes flared. “Do I need to ask who?”

“Violet,” I clipped roughly.

“Fuck.”

“Exactly.” I stormed out of the office and made my way to the front door.

“Just don’t kill the bastard,” Link called.

I couldn’t promise that. I was already in a foul mood.

* * *

Violet

It was easy to spot Jim through the restaurant since he was standing and waving me over to the table. Smiling, I made my way there. He’d wanted to pick me up from my place, but I told him I could be late since I was on a case.

“Vi,” he murmured against my cheek after I’d reached his side, and he’d leaned in for a quick kiss on the cheek.

“It’s great to see you, Jim.”

“You too, honey.” He pulled out my chair. I sat down, and he helped me push it back in.

“Tell me, how’s the city?”

He groaned. “Terrible idea going from the country to the city. The people are crazier.”

I laughed. “I tried to tell you that.”

“You did.” The waiter arrived, and we gave our order of drinks. When he left our table, Jim announced, “I’m moving back.”

My eyes widened. “You are?”

“Yeah, honey. Had enough. Give me the country any day.”

“When’s the move? Do you need help?”

He smiled softly. “Already done. I shifted last weekend. Now tell me what’s been happening with you.”

God, a lot of things and yet so little too.

Travis.

No, I wouldn’t think of him. He’d already plagued my mind constantly, and I’d lost count of the times I’d looked at those photos. It was exactly the reason why he’d sent them.

He’d screwed up, yes.

Though I may have held my grudge a little too long. The only thing was, I wasn’t sure if we could have a future.

Deep down, I wished it was possible, but I was scared of the unknown.

The waiter dropped our drinks to the table. I quickly looked at the menu since Jim already knew what he wanted when I’d asked. After ordering and we were alone again, I told him, “Nothing really, just busy with work. Chuck’s leaving next week, so we’ve been training a new guy. His name’s Butch.”

“Chuck, Butch,” he said with a chuckle. “Where do you find these guys?”

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