“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Tilly murmurs. She turns to me with a rueful expression. “Well, I guess we’ll have to take a rain check. You can take me back to the shop and we can try again another night.”
I almost laugh. There’s no way I’m letting her go that easily.
“Not a chance, sweetheart. I didn’t pay ten thousand dollars and scare off your creepy landlord just to drop you back at your shop because of a busted pipe.” I put the truck back in gear. “Change of plans. We’re going to my place.”
“I thought you said you lived in Wyoming.”
“I do. But I’m staying at my brother’s ranch while I’m in town for the fight. Audrey’s a great cook, and I know for a fact she made enough food for an army tonight.” I pull out of the parking lot. “We’re going there.”
Tilly stares at me like I’ve just suggested we fly to the moon.
“You want to take me to Reign and Audrey’s house?”
“That’s what I said.”
Tilly’s eyes pop wide. “But I can’t just show up at their house unannounced. They’re my customers. Audrey comes into my shop every week. What is she going to think when you walk in with me?”
“She’s going to think I have excellent taste.”
“She’s going to think I’m some kind of stalker who followed you home.”
“Pretty sure I’m the one who did the following, sweetheart.”
“That’s not—” Tilly huffs out a breath. “This is completely different from going to a restaurant. A restaurant is neutral territory. This is your family’s home. I’d be intruding on their evening, eating their food, and making everything super awkward.”
“Audrey loves company. And Reign won’t care as long as you don’t wake the baby.”
I bite back a grin. She’s so goddamn stubborn. So determined to find reasons why this won’t work. And it’s doing absolutely nothing to diminish how badly I want her.
“Tilly.” I stop at a red light and turn to face her fully. “You’re overthinking this.”
“I’m thinking about it the appropriate amount.”
“You’re spiraling.”
“I’m being reasonable.”
“You’re adorable.”
That stops her. She opens her mouth, closes it, then narrows her eyes at me.
“D-don’t try to distract me with compliments.”
“Is it working?”
“No.”
I grin at her. “Liar.”
Tilly glares at me, but I can see her resolve weakening.
“This is insane,” she mutters. “First you pay ten thousand dollars to take me to dinner, then Gary shows up, then the restaurant is closed, and now you want to take me to your brother’s house.” She throws her hands up. “What’s next? A meteor strike? A bear attack?”
“No bears at the ranch. Reign keeps them away.”
She laughs despite herself, a startled sound that makes my chest tight.
“If I agree to this,” she says slowly, “and I’m not saying I am, but if I do, you have to promise me something.”
