Page 61 of What Tears Us Down (Arrow Creek 3)

Walking back into Calypso’s, I’m smacked with the mouthwatering aroma of fried foods and beer. My stomach chooses to release a ferocious rumble.

“If you ever hide from me like that again, I will drag you kicking and screaming to the airport if I have to.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head at the same time, giving his waist a light squeeze. “And you say I’m the dramatic one?”

“I mean it. Not knowing where you are isn’t something I want to do ever again. I thought getting you through high school was rough.”

“Well, you’ll be happy to hear I don’t have any plans to go anywhere in the near future.” I glance around the crowded bar as we make our way to our table. “Something about this town makes me want to stay a while.”

“Or someone,” Eric says, dropping the teasing accusation as we reach our table. I’m grateful to hear the smile in his tone.

That specific someone stands from his seat and gestures to my empty chair. My heart gives a dainty flutter.

“Dane just dropped our plates two minutes ago.”

I’m cocooned by the warmth in his rich, brown eyes. “Perfect timing then.”

Rhett waits for me to sit before resuming his place in his own chair. The sound of sizzling from the hot plate beckons me, and I waste no time digging in to the chicken fajitas I ordered. Before I get that first bite, Rhett flips the hair closest to him over my shoulder and runs his fingers through it down my back. Tingles erupt along the path.

“How long will you two be in town?” Rhett asks, pulling back and retrieving his own fork.

“Only a few days. We flew out so fast that Eric couldn’t secure more time off,” Caiti answers.

“We’ll fly to visit Tate in Colorado on Friday and head back home after the weekend.” Even after their long chat and his apology, Eric can’t seem to disguise the warning in his voice. As if he believes Rhett’s waiting until he leaves to drop some act. I’m both touched and annoyed by how much he cares.

“We should do this again before you go. I’ve been meaning to take Evie to the Tavern on the River. You’re welcome to come.” Rhett delivers his invitation before digging into a pile of fries. Seeing my gaze, he shifts his plate an inch in my direction. I snag one with a smirk.

“You should totally come. I have two clients this week during the day, and I’ve already shown you all I know of Arrow Creek. Unless you want to see the parking lot where I sleep.”

If I’m not mistaken, both Eric and Rhett rumble unintelligibly.

Caiti chokes on her cocktail. “I think we should leave that one up to the imagination. Though we’d love to come to dinner.”

“Perfect. Thursday?” I ask.

Caiti sets down her drink. “Sounds good. But don’t think you’re out of seeing us the rest of the days this

week. You can stay in our hotel room while we’re here.”

“I don’t need to share a room with my brother and sister-in-law,” I protest before biting the remaining half of a fajita.

“Then we’ll get you your own room,” Eric supplies.

“No!” I chose a bad time to take a bite of food. Chewing slows down my rapid-fire argument, which gives Eric time to force his side.

“It’s not up for discussion. You aren’t sleeping in your damn car while I’m here.”

“I agree,” Rhett adds, earning my scowl.

“I can’t wait for you to go home so the two of you can’t gang up on me. I think I liked it better when there was a risk of someone throwing punches.”

“This is much more fun.” Eric reaches across the table and nudges my arm.

I won’t admit it out loud, but he’s right. Rhett and I may only be friends who’ve had sex, but having him get along with my brother is a million times more fun than having them fighting across a dinner table. And for all the work I’ve put in lately, a few nights in a cozy hotel room sounds like heaven to me.

I briefly wonder what Eric would say if Rhett stayed the night with me. Then I remember I’m a grown-ass adult and not about to ask for permission. It may be on his dime, but I won’t be fooled into thinking Rhett isn’t planning to pay him back the second he regains access to his accounts. That’s just the sort of man he is. Regardless of whether he’s there sleeping with me.

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