Page 29 of South of The Skyway

“My sister—Ithink—is in Malawi at the moment. Last I heard, they were tackling an outbreak of Cholera. Our younger brother, Jameson, is on the island.”

“And you’re here.”

“And I’m here.”

“Staring at my platonic soulmate like she’s a snack.”

I smirked, leaning forward and lowering the plunger on the French press. “I plead the fifth, Red.”

She tried to narrow her eyes, even though a smile broke through instead. “What are your intentions, Mr. Rhodes?”

Noting that they’d undoubtedly exchanged a decent amount of information, I offered her a smile she readily returned. I decided I liked Noel. So honesty, it was. “I’m ready to settle down. Plant some roots. I’m tight with my parents, and I don’t know how long I have them for, so I’ll go where they go. Which happens to be Florida.”

“You’re not a serial killer?”

The tea practically splashed as I shook with mirth. Once both cups were poured, I lifted my gaze, meeting delighted hazels. “No, ma’am.”

“But if you were an axe murderer, would you tell me?”

“Somehow, I think you’d just know.”

“I would,” she agreed quickly, lifting her chin. “I know all things when it comes to Brex.”

“Oddly enough, I believe that.”

“Good. So you’ll believe it when I tell you that if you hurt her, I’ll kill you myself and won’t think twice about it while I sleep at night.”

The smile was involuntary. “I’ve always wanted a woman worth killing for.”

“Well, you might’ve found one. If you can get her to let you—ahh, Brex, that looked like it went well.”

Heart picking up, I turned over my shoulder to see the little badass closing in on us, eyes a mixture of curiosity and caution.

“Intend to abscond with my dog and my partner, Rhodes?”

Before I could answer, Noel said, “I was just telling Rhyett that I had something come up and need to cancel our plans tonight.”

If looks could kill, Noel would’ve ignited right then and there. Only a fool would’ve laughed, though I was downright tempted.

“Leaves you two free to check out that bar.”

Yeah, the consensus was final. I definitely liked Noel.

“Noel,” Brexley said, evidently speaking in laser vision. “We have that thing tonight.”

“I know,” Noel sighed pointedly, standing and returning her chair in one smooth motion. “So sorry, Brex. I couldn’t get out of it. You know, stuff with Eric. Already rescheduled the appointment, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

The fact that there was clearly no appointment did little to deter me. I had somehow earned the blessing of a best friend’s stamp of approval. There were few things more sacred when it came to women. Or at least, that’s what I’d learned from my sisters.

Jumping at the opportunity, I offered, “I’m happy to pick you up, if that’s easiest. We can drop Royal off at home before we head that way?”

“That’s unnecessary, Rhyett. I don’t think this is a good idea.”

I certainly wasn’t about to beg. Not yet, at least. “Well. How about this, Ace? You’ve got the name and address. You drop Royal back home, and if you change your mind, you’ll have a chair at my table.” I stood, gathering my things. “In the meantime, I just wanted to tell you, you have an amazing place. I’m out of here for the week, starting tomorrow.”

That seemed to catch her attention, her pretty little face shifting to what I could only describe as concern. “What do you mean?”

“Our property is outside of Venice.”

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