Page 181 of Eight Years Gone

“That’s great.” But he held her gaze because he knew she had more to tell him. “What’s going on?”

She sighed. “You know me too well.”

He tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear. “What’s up, Gracie?”

She sighed again. “Colton had a couple of visitors today. At the shop. They talked outside, so I have no idea what was said, but I didn’t like it.”

He frowned. “Who were they?”

She shrugged. “He didn’t say. Just that he knew them from Millsdale. I didn’t want to push too much since he’s finally starting to open up. But they’re trouble. They reminded me a lot of Logan’s old friends—and not the ones from Sheraton Prep.”

Jagger blew out a breath, wanting to change out of his slacks and button-down, but he wanted to know what was going on with Colton more. “Okay. Let’s have some dinner and see what’s what.”

She settled a halting hand on his arm before he could move. “But don’t push, Jagger.”

“I won’t,” he said as he started toward the kitchen.

“Wait.” She closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck as she stood on her tiptoes, kissing him. “Thank you for grabbing dinner.”

He pulled her mouth back to his, forever craving her taste. “You’re welcome.”

She pressed her lips to his again. “I wish I could just say welcome home. This is the second time you’ve come back to complications.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “We’ll get stuff figured out.”

“Ugh,” Colton said as he moved down the hall. “I thought I heard your voice. Why am I not surprised to see you two hanging all over each other?”

Jagger eased away. “How about you grab the bag over on the entryway table, and I’ll get some plates?”

Colton changed directions, heading for the bag instead of the kitchen. “Sure.”

“I made a salad to go with dinner,” Grace said as she walked to the fridge. “And what does everyone want to drink?”

“I’m good with water,” Jagger said.

“Me, too,” Colton added.

Minutes later, they sat at the table, silently eating the thick sandwiches and truffle potato chips he’d grabbed at Myra’s Gourmet.

“I heard you playing the guitar,” Grace finally said to Colton. “You’re very good.”

He shrugged. “I haven’t played for a while, so I’m a little rusty.”

Grace raised her brow. “If that’s rusty, I’m looking forward to hearing you at your best because I couldn’t tell.”

“Thanks.”

“So, it sounds like it’s been busy around here,” Jagger said as he reached for the salad dressing, ready to move past the small talk and steer their conversation to where he and Grace wanted it to go. “What’s been going on while I’ve been gone?”

Colton looked from Jagger to Grace as he chewed, then put down his half-eaten roast beef sandwich. “I assume you told Jagger about my friends.”

“Grace and I tell each other everything,” Jagger said before Grace could say anything, recognizing Colton’s slightly defensive tone.

“Your mom had mentioned that she was worried about your friend group in Millsdale.” Grace shrugged. “You’re doing really well here. I don’t want that to change.”

“Today was no big deal. They’re just some guys I know. They heard I was living up here and tracked me down to say hello.”

Jagger stared at Colton, not entirely believing him. “A two-hour drive for a quick hello. Those are dedicated friends.”

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