Savannah smiled.“I figured that much.What I want to know is how you persuaded her to do it.”
He cut the engine, and a small smile played on his lips as he shrugged.“I told her that since I’m hoping to spend a lot more time with you, she and I should probably get to know each other.”
He looked more serious as he added, “I know you wouldn’t feel comfortable with me if she didn’t like me.”
Her heart sank.“I can think for myself, you know.”
“Oh, shit.I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know.”She reached over and touched his arm.“I’msorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
He took hold of her hand.“All I meant was that I know your people are important to you, and I know that your people like to look out for you — including Tiff.I want her to see who I am, to know … that she doesn’t need to defend you against me, I guess, is what I mean.I don’t know her well, but she’s a protector in her own way, isn’t she?”
“She is,” said Savannah softly.“And I’m really sorry.I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
He squeezed her hand.“You didn’t.I understand what you meant.And I’m sorry that I made it sound like Tiff got more of a say in your life than you do.That wasn’t what I meant.”
“Okay.”She smiled.“It was a misunderstanding.It’s behind us.”She glanced out the window.“What do you think?Shall we go on in?It’s been a long time since I’ve had a night out like this, and I’m looking forward to it.”
He smiled.“I am, too.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they walked across the parking lot, and when he opened the door for her to go in, a blast of warm air, carrying the sound of music, chatter, and laughter, and the smell of good food and beer, washed over her like a welcome.
Once they were inside, he wrapped his arm around her again and guided her through the crowd toward the bar.When they reached it, Kenzie waved to them from the other end, but it was Crystal who came to serve them.
“Hey, Savvie,” Crystal said.“It’s good to see you out.What can I get you guys?”
Jake raised his eyebrows, and Savannah said, “Just two beers, please.”She reached for her purse, but Jake covered her hand with his.
“At the risk of putting my foot in it again, can I get these?”
“Okay, thanks.”
“What I really meant was — can I get tonight?I asked you out, so …”
She held his gaze.He was sweet, but she didn’t need him spending all his money on her.At the same time, she didn’t particularly want to get into an argument — especially not with Crystal watching them.After a moment, she gave him a slight nod and said, “Thanks.”
“All the usual gang’s out tonight if you want to join them,” said Crystal.“Tiffany’s over there with them.”
There was something about the way she said that and glanced toward the dance floor with a slight scowl that made Savannah follow her gaze.When she saw a group of her friends from high school all sitting together — Elle and Donovan, Abbie and Ivan, Colt and Cassie, and the rest of them — she had to smile when she spotted Tiffany talking to Dallas.
That had to be Crystal’s problem.Savannah wanted to set her mind at ease, so she asked, “Do you know if Brayden’s here?”
Crystal glanced at Jake, looking puzzled.“He’s the quiet one, right?”
“That’s right,” said Savannah with a smile.
Even Jake looked puzzled now.
Crystal shook her head.“Haven’t seen him.”
“That’s a shame,” said Savannah.“I think that’s who Tiff’s looking for.”
“Really?”Crystal asked with a big grin, glancing over to where Dallas was now talking to his brother, Austin, and Logan.
After Jake had paid her and she moved down the bar to serve other customers, he raised his eyebrows at Savannah.“Can I just make sure I’m following this right?”he asked with a puzzled smile.
She laughed.“You can ask, but I think you probably figured it out.I was obvious enough about it, wasn’t I?”
