Page 82 of Dashing for Love

I point to him. “You, my dude, are an eavesdropper of the highest order.”

Thenhewinks at me. What is it with the Hall men winking today?

“How does he know?” Reid asks.

I take a deep breath. “Because this is where we met as ourselves. She’d said she knew who I was, and instead of telling me over chat, she suggested we meet here.”

Anthony snorts. “He looked like a deer in headlights.”

I glare at him. “Not. Helping.”

“Maybe he thought it was—” Ox starts.

“No,” we all chorus.

“Don’t make me kick you out,” Anthony warns.

“To be fair, Iwasshocked,” I admit. “But, shocked in a good way? If that’s a thing.”

“And now?” Ox prompts.

“Is it serious?” Reid pins me with a look.

“Um…” I hesitate, all my insecurities flooding in at the absolute worst time. I want it to be serious, but I can’t shake the worry that she’s going to get tired of me.

“Um?Um?What is happening right now?” Ox gestures at my open mouth.

“Don’t start with me,” I shoot back. “You with yourLiv Stinsonmess.”

“I’m sorry!” His voice pitches higher than I’ve ever heard it. “I’m just trying to rewire my brain. Give me a minute.”

“You’re not givingmemuch of a minute,” I huff.

“Just tell us if it’s serious,” Reid pushes.

I stare at Reid, wanting to answer. But I can’t get any words to come. I should be able to immediately sayYes, this is serious. But the cold hand of doubt swings from nowhere to grip at my throat, and I swallow thickly. “It’s…complicated,” I finally manage to say.

Anthony glares at me, muttering under his breath and disappearing to the other end of the bar to serve customers.

Reid’s jaw ticks.

Ox gapes. “You’re fucking kidding me.”

I point at him. “You. Don’t talk.”

I down my beer. And the one after that.

Chapter 30

Goldie

IT’S MATTY’S NIGHT to come to my house, and I’m finishing up a grilled cheese sandwich and salad at my kitchen table when my phone dings.

Reid

Come get your boy

I stare at the text, a vague sense of dread beginning to creep up. I type back with unsteady fingers.

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