"Right. Supplies." Jenna's smile was knowing. "Very convenient timing."
Riley took a sip of her drink—something pink and fruity. "Funny how that works out."
Grant met her gaze, his hand finding her knee under the table. "Yeah. Funny."
Riley's eyes darkened, but she didn't pull away.
Emily leaned forward. "So, Grant. How's the farm?"
"Busy. Always is this time of year."
"I bet Riley's been keeping you company," Hannah added.
Riley kicked her under the table.
"She has," Grant said, his thumb tracing circles on Riley's knee. "Very good company."
"I'm excellent company," Riley agreed, her voice slightly breathless.
They were flirting. Openly. And Grant was finding it very hard to remember why he was supposed to be playing it cool.
The door opened, bringing a gust of cold air.
Tessa Martin walked in.
Grant felt Riley tense beside him before he even turned around. Tessa swept into the bar like she owned it—leather jacket, designer jeans, heels that clicked against the floor. Her eyes scanned the room and landed on their booth.
Her smile widened.
"Well, well," Tessa said, appearing at their table. "Looks like the whole gang is here."
"Tessa," Hannah said, voice carefully neutral. "Didn't expect to see you."
"I heard this was the place to be." Tessa's gaze landed on Grant, and she moved closer—too close. "Grant Lawson. Long time no see."
Before Grant could respond, Tessa leaned down and hugged him, pressing against him in a way that was definitely not casual or friendly.
Grant awkwardly patted her shoulder and extracted himself. "Hey, Tessa."
Under the table, Riley's hand had moved from her drink to his thigh, her fingers digging in just slightly.
Tessa stepped back but stayed close, one hip leaning against the table. "I was thinking about stopping by the farm this week. My mom's hosting Christmas dinner and wants fresh garland for the table. You still make those custom arrangements?"
"We do," Grant said carefully. "You're welcome to stop by."
"Perfect." Tessa's hand landed on his shoulder, her fingers trailing down his arm. "Maybe you could help me pick out the best pieces? I trust your judgment."
Grant was hyperaware of Riley vibrating with tension beside him.
Tessa's gaze shifted to Riley, as if noticing her for the first time. "Riley! I didn't see you there. You two are just so cozy." Her hand was still on Grant's arm. "It's so nice seeing you back together. Very…nostalgic."
"It's been great," Riley said, her voice tight.
"I'm sure." Tessa squeezed Grant's arm. "Grant's always been such a catch. So helpful, so dependable. Mr. Reliable."
The way she said it made "reliable" sound boring.
Riley's fingers dug harder into Grant's thigh.
