“I can make that work. What time?”
I grind my teeth.
“Can I pick you up around six thirty?”
“Why don’t I just meet you there?”
My shoulders are tense. Rosie glances at me, her eyes narrowed.
“I want to prove to your brothers that I can be a gentleman. I’m sure they’d pick up a lady for a date.” He winks at Rosie.
What a fucking tool.
I take another step forward, shoving my hands in my pockets. His grin falters a bit, but he still doesn’t look at me.
Dolly smiles softly. “I really appreciate the gesture, but I think meeting you there would be better for me. Where do you want to go?”
Something like anger flashes in his gaze, but it’s gone in a fraction of a second.
“All right, whatever the lady wishes. Let’s go to Elmott. The 1864 Steakhouse there has the best prime rib around. Meet me at seven?” He leans closer, eyes dipping over her suggestively.
Is this the same anxious little fucker? What has changed?
She nods. “That works for me.”
He turns around and saunters off. Rosie and Dolly exchange glances, but don’t say anything to each other. I debate telling her she can’t go for safety reasons, but another idea comes to mind.
“Better hope he makes that reservation for three.”
Her eyes swing to meet my gaze. “What?”
I shrug, taking my seat in the lawn chair. “You heard me.”
She gapes at me before shifting her puppy-dog eyes to her best friend. “Please talk some sense into this man.”
Rosie fiddles with the tag on a loaf of sourdough bread. “I’m sorry, babe, but I think for the time being, a chaperone is the only way you can date safely. Sure, Ben is harmless, but the person who sent the letter was pretty clear they’re targeting you.It’s really not safe for you to be going out on dates without one of the guys there, just in case.”
She reaches out a hand and lays it on Dolly’s forearm. “I feel like a friend being there instead of a brother will feel a lot less invasive, but I’m sure Holden would be willing to go.”
Dolly balks, shaking her head. “Absolutely not. I’d rather not even go.”
“Cool. Text him and cancel. Better yet, don’t show up. Getting used to disappointment is a normal part of life,” I suggest.
Her eyes move over me, glazing over with clear annoyance. “Oh, I’m going. You’d better sit therequietlyand let me enjoy my date. Got it?”
Her eyes lock on to mine, and I’m suddenly back on that boat, feeling her ass against me as she writhes through an orgasm on my lap with everyone around us. I wet my lips.
“You got it, Dollface.”
She tookher sweet-ass time getting ready for the date, and now she’s wearing skintight flared jeans and a pink deep V-neck with a frilly neckline. She brushed her cheeks with blush and styled her hair in a pile of curls on top of her head.
I thought I was glad to see she didn’t wear a sundress for once—my personal favorite—but then she turned around, and I could make out the outline of her perfect, round ass. I can’t decide if this is worse or not. My mood was already sour, and she’s grinning like a damn Cheshire cat as we pull up to the restaurant.
“Try not to let him see you when you come in. Maybe wait, like, ten minutes, till he and I are seated.”
I put my truck in park, eyeing her before I turn off the engine without a word. I get out and walk around to her side, opening her door for her.
“Hello? Earth to Sam. I need you to agree.”
