Page 53 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

He’s off, moving through the bar toward Lowen and Indy, who are standing near the full patio. Florian appears in front of me, nudging my hand to get my attention.

“Whatcha having?”

“Think I’m gonna head out instead. I can barely hold myself up.”

“You look tired.”

“At least no one thinks I’m faking it, I guess.”

He laughs, patting my arm. “Did you finally figure it out with Ridley?”

“Figure what out?”

“That he’s into you?” He wipes his hands on a towel. “Only asking because I’ve noticed how your interactions seem… different now.”

“Different how?”

“Softer. You speak quietly to each other. Closer.”

“You noticed that?”

“I’m a bartender. I notice things. Comes with the job description.”

I shrug it off, shifting uncomfortably. I’ve told Ridley I don’t really want it to be public knowledge, so it’s probably not cool of me to spill it to Flor.

Florian grips my shoulder, squeezing gently. “Good for you, man.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to.” He winks and turns to check on a customer.

Before I can process that interaction too much, Ridley’s back, that sexy grin on his face. “Ready, Chef?”

I nod, pulling myself off the stool. When we get to the front, Kit and Stewart are hanging out behind the host stand. Stewart is nearly on Kit’s lap, but not quite as he stands and Kit sits on the built-in bench. Kit rubs a hand up and down Stewart’s backside and Stewart plays with Kit’s hair. They’re so into each other they haven’t even noticed us.

“Night, guys,” Ridley says as we pass.

Kit glances over at us, grinning. “Leaving?”

“Walking Wren home so he doesn’t accidentally wander off.”

I shake my head. “Someone’s being overprotective.”

“Or using it as a reason to go home myself.”

“Have fun,” Kit says in a way that reminds me of how Florian just spoke to me.

Once we’re outside and walking down the sidewalk toward home, I glance at Ridley. The night air is warm as summer firmly takes hold, but there’s a hint of rain in the air.

“Did you tell the guys anything yet?”

Ridley looks at me. “Kit?”

“Yeah.”

“Nope. Why?”

“Just the way he said ‘have fun’ like he thought we might.”

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