Page 53 of Last Fall

Erik shot to his feet. “If you have something to say to me, do itoutside.”

“I’d rather take Belle to her hotel so she can rest. You’ve big-brothered her enough foroneday.”

“All right. Cool your jets,” Jack said. “Riley, take Belle home. Erik, sit. Zoe, I apologize for my family. They are behaving like idiotstonight.”

Belle hugged Erik and Jack. I stood and hugged hergoodbye,too.

“Youokay?”

“Yeah. I will be.” She bit her lip, glancing over at Erik and Riley who were still glaring at each other. “I think we should talk soon. I have your number. I’ll callyou,okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” I hugged her again because she looked like she needed it. “Goodnight.”

“Good night.” Then she leaned in and whispered, “You can trust my brother. Believe me,youcan.”

“Well that was a fucking spectacular way to end a night,” Jack said, leaning back in his chair. “What the hell got intoRiley?”

Belle.

But again, the big brothers seemed oblivious because Erik dropped back into his chair and shook his head. “Beats me. You know he gets all pissy with me.Alwayshas.”

“Yeah, but still. He doesn’t usually upset Belle about...” his voice dropped away as his gaze snapped to me and then back to Erik. “Anyway. I’ve got this. You two go get a drink in the bar or something. Go spend a few minutes alone and enjoy the end of thenight.”

And even though I was already a little lightheaded from the wine at dinner, when Erik raised an eyebrow asking if I was game, I knew that was exactly what I wanted. “Buy me adrink.”

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