“You’re mean.”
“That’s the price she plays for cockblocking.”
I chuckle as he carries me out to the truck and eases me into the passenger seat before fastening the seatbelt around me.
Katy is already in the back waiting, her fingers moving over the keyboard of her phone faster than the speed of light. Banner jumps in the driver’s seat, and we head toward the diner. The parking lot is full when we arrive, which sets my nerves on edge. I try to hide it. I need to get used to this kind of thing. I can’t have a healthy relationship and expect to continue hiding away from the world.
He takes my hand as we walk in, kissing the back of it. Katy walks just ahead of us, grabbing the door as we enter. I feel all eyes on me as we enter, so I keep my head down. I’m used to blending in with my surroundings, but that’s impossible when I’m next to Katy and Banner.
“Over here.” I look up just in time to find myself swooped up by Arlo and carried to one of the tables that have been pushed together in the back. He sits me down gently and waits for me to scoot in before moving in beside me.
“Are you seriously trying to steal my girl?” Banner complains, snagging the chair on the other side of me.
“I’m practicing my technique,” Arlo answers, making me blink.
“Say what now?” Kellen questions.
I lean back in my chair and look at Arlo with a grin as Katy pulls out the chair in front of me, nudging Kellen with her elbow as she does.
“What’s up, kid?”
“My IQ. Shame you can’t say the same,” she snarks back at him, making him grin.
“Back to this technique thing. Should I be worried?” Banner jokes as everyone else around the table says, “Hey.”
“Not unless you’ve decided to take up kidnapping, too.”
“I’m so confused,” Katy admits, making Arlo grin.
“Arlo kidnapped me the other day. He’s asking for feedback on the experience.”
“Ooh, good idea. What were the accommodations like? Five-star hotel or abandoned basement?” Matilda asks, making Aiden sigh.
“Nobody is kidnapping you, so it doesn’t matter.”
“Of course, they’re not.” She pats his hand before looking at me with a twinkle in her eyes. “So, is Arlo the silent and deadly man in black kind of kidnapper or the topless, ski mask-wearing version?”
“That’s oddly specific.” Callie chuckles, leaning forward. “Tell me more.”
Blake growls at her, making me laugh.
“He’s the sweet kind of kidnapper. The kind of kidnapper who’d snatch you to help him shop for his mom’s birthday gift before dropping you off around the corner from home with a sorry note and a cell phone number to use if you ever needed it.”
Everyone looks at Arlo. The guys are laughing, and the girls, dare I say it, look a little starry-eyed. It takes something special for a guy to make a woman feel safe, and Arlo has that quality about him in spades. Of course, we all know he can hold his own, but there is a big difference between fighting for the sake of it and fighting to protect someone you care about.
“Pretty sure he could pull off the topless ski mask-wearing look too,” I add with a grin.
Now it’s Banner’s turn to growl.
“What? I was just saying.”
Arlo stands up and whips his T-shirt over his head, revealing the spectacular body he hides underneath. I hear someone drop a tray of glasses behind me, and all I can do is nod in commiseration. I get it, lady, I do.
“What do you think?” He winks at me.
“I think I’m going to stab you in the eye with my fork if you don’t put your top back on. Think of the children,” Banner hisses, his eyes moving over the kids who are ignoring Arlo completely as they use crayons to color.
“The children are fine. No need to cover up on my account,” Katy offers.
