“Thank you.”
The code word is pretty damn useless to me. I mean every word of what I say to Savannah: every touch, every look, it’s all real. But I’ll happily say “buttercup” a thousand times over if it means she’ll believe me when I call her beautiful.
“We should probably head back out there,” Savannah says. “People might notice if we’re gone too long.”
I nod, taking her hand and guiding her back to the main part of the tavern. Bonnie is tucking into her birthday cake, laughingabout something with her gaggle of friends. I catch sight of Thorne and Aria in the far corner, wrapped up in their own little world. Nobody seems to be muttering about me and Savannah anymore, and it’s easier to relax now that I don’t feel like such a fucking spectacle.
“Sav?” a voice calls from behind us as we reach the middle of the room.
I feel Savannah twist beside me, looking around. “Hey!”
I follow her lead, turning to see her hugging a redhead I don’t recognize. Then she pulls back and says, “Josie, this is Clay.”
The redhead looks at me, then back to Savannah. There’s a knowing glint in her eye.
“Nice to meet you, Clay,” she says brightly. “You don’t know me yet, but I’ll probably be maid-of-honor at your wedding.”
Savannah groans. “Please don’t listen to her.”
“I’m just kidding!” Josie laughs, not sounding like she’s kidding at all. “Anyway, it was good to see you both, but I’m on my way out now.”
“Already?” Savannah asks.
“Yeah, sorry I can’t stay longer, but Willa is sick and they’re swamped at the diner. I said I’d help now that I’ve seen Bonnie.” She reaches out to squeeze Savannah’s hand. “Call me later, okay?”
Savannah nods, lowering her voice as she leans toward Josie. “Hey, guess who Clay’s younger brother is.”
“Who?”
“Brewer.”
Josie’s mouth falls open, her face turning the same color as her hair. She looks up at me like I just performed a miracle as she says, “You’re related to Lumbersnack?”
I frown. “The hell is a Lumbersnack?”
Josie slaps a hand to her mouth. “Oh crap. Please don’t tell Brewer I called him that.”
“You know my brother?” I ask.
“No!” Josie squeaks. “Not really. I…sorry, I have to go!” She looks frazzled as she scurries away through the crowd, heading for the door.
“What was that about?” I ask Savannah, trying to figure out what my brother has to do with any of this.
She smiles, shaking her head. “Long story. Don’t ask.”
Then she squeezes my hand, and my questions melt away to nothing. All my focus is on Savannah’s warm fingers, her skin soft against my calloused palm.
“I love this song,” she says with a sigh.
I was too busy looking at her to notice the music, but sure enough, Elvis is crooning overhead, barely audible over the noise.
“Wise men say…
Only fools rush in…”
A few couples are slow-dancing across the floor. I’ve never been much of a dancer—not even back when I had two legs—but I’d do anything for an excuse to hold Savannah against me.
“Want to dance, sugar?”
