Page 14 of Rescuing Royce

The bartender delivered their drinks, and Royce relayed the events of Amber’s attempted abduction. What he didn’t share were the flowers he’d sent or the half dozen text messages they’d exchanged. He was being a friend, a shoulder to lean on—from a distance. But that last text she’d sent had him thinking she may see him as more than her rescuer.

After TS and Grant left, he sat at the table and contemplated if he should bail and deal with his sister later, much later. Theserver returned with his credit card and receipt and a note from his sister.

Don’t even think about leaving.

He looked over his shoulder to see her standing in the doorway to her office. Royce let out a long sigh and thanked the young woman. “Hi, my name’s Clancy.” She licked her lower lip and looked expectantly at him.

Had it been six months ago, he’d ask for her number. He’d call a day or two later and set a meetup. He’d make sure they both had a good time and on to the next. But he wasn’t that man anymore and now, he guessed he’d see what his sister had to say first.

“So,I’ll just dive in. I know you sent Amber flowers. Her favorite flowers. I had no idea you even knew what a florist is.”

Royce straddled the chair across from his sister’s desk. “If you think your snarky attitude is going to get you answers, try again, sis.”

“Fine. We’re no longer kids. Amber’s a gorgeous woman. I get it. And to be honest, she’s kinda out of your league, and she’s a friend. A friend to a lot of the same people you hang out with. Seems you might need a reminder of a promise you made me.”

“Reese, don’t you think if I wanted to make a move on Amber I would have done it long before now?”

He watched as his sister raised her left eyebrow. He hated it when she’d give him that look when they were kids, then teenagers. The one that said “you’re full of shit” because out of everyone, she’d always known him best. “Caught me.”

“That wasn’t my intention, Royce. But I do want to know what you’re do?—”

“I’ll save you the inquisition. Because I’m not sure I know what the hell it is I’m doing. At first, yeah I thought about making a move on her, get her out of my system. I thought that would work, but then I kept thinking about that damn promise, and the longer time went on, the more I saw her, the more Isawher, you know?” He tipped his head back and had no clue what he wanted to say next.

“It’s not that hard to see, Royce. She’s a beautiful, smart, funny, caring person. And she deserves someone who wants more than one night, no matter, um, how great a time you might show her. Is that what you’re thinking here?”

Okay, this was turning into a conversation he so did not want. “Nothing has happened between Amber and me.”

“Huh? Because I see the way you look at her and how she tries not to look at you. And I know you two shared one hell of a lip lock at O’Malley’s.” Reese crossed her arms.

Shit. “How long have you known?”

“Oh, I guess within an hour after it happened.” She relaxed and leaned forward and rested her chin in her hand and smiled at him. “And before you ask, one of my part-time line cooks is dating a server at the pub. She saw you two, told him, and here we are.”

“Small town gossip. Perfect.” One of the things he’d liked about living in Dallas was anonymity; running into people you knew rarely happened. “Okay, so what do you want me to say, to do because?—”

“I want to know when you’re going to figure out that using your job, the dangers of your job as an excuse from getting close to a woman. You deserve happiness, just like the rest of us. When you find someone you want to come home to every night, you need to take a leap, Royce.”

When had his sister become so wise? “Are you saying I should do that with Amber?”

“I’m saying what’s taking you so long?”

9

“Congratulations!” The words were yelled by the dozen or so friends and family that had gathered to celebrate Reese and Connor’s engagement. Stand up heaters, and a couple of firepits blazed to ward off the late October chill.

The Outlaw’s catcher and his wife had, according to all their friends, had the best backyard for BBQs and parties. So, they often hosted the group’s special events. And now that everyone was adding to the next generation, they had playsets everywhere for the recent baby explosion.

Royce stood in the background and observed the festivities as he finished his drink. He’d already offered the happy couple his congratulations earlier.

He walked back into the house, planning on sneaking out early. He’d hoped to see Amber and get a moment alone with her, but her friends were sticking to her like glue.

As if conjured by his thoughts, he nearly ran her over as he turned a corner in the unfamiliar house.

“Hi,” Amber spoke first.

He cleared his throat. “Hey. How are you?” His voice sounded rough even to his own ears.

“I’m good. Thanks.”

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