Everyone nearby had fallen silent. Peake’s mustache twitched. “That’s ridiculous! You’ve made a mistake.”
Agent Lam gave a hard smile. “I don’t make mistakes.”
The uniformed officer stepped forward and reached for Peake’s elbow. “This way, please, sir.”
Landon’s eyes were wild. A flush worked its way up from his shirt collar, his usual polish oozing away. He resisted long enough that the officer reached for the cuffs hanging from his belt. With a smothered curse, Peake gave in and allowed himself to be led from the room. Guests in the close vicinity parted to allow the trio to leave.
“Good decision,” the special agent murmured evenly. She sought out Jackson, gave him a brief nod, and followed along behind, boot heels tapping sharply on the wooden floor as she left.
Alistair ran shaky hands over his face. “God, what have you done?”
“What I should have done before now.” He had no regrets. “Chief Martinez from Pine Springs will be in touch with you soon. I suggest you think about what you’re going to say. He’s a decent guy but I wouldn’t advise you to hold out on him.”
Jesus Christ, this night was turning out to be a lot.
He was suddenly desperate for Leah’s unique brand of comfort and reassurance; he craved being inside her orbit. She was his strength and his purpose. How had he not seen it until now?
Jackson left his father without another word, feet slowing as he gradually neared the bar. Leah, with her back to the room, was unaware of his approach. Her spine was a little less straight now, her elbows propped sloppily next to an empty shot glass. Riotous curls flowing loose, she outshone every primped and lacquered person in the room. Pausing behind her shoulder, Jackson looped a strand of black hair around one finger, so lightly she didn’t even feel his touch. He let it fall again, digging around for the right words, the right place to start.
Leah finally turned her head. She looked up at him, her eyes glazed and softened by alcohol. She listed a little to the left. It was pretty obvious she’d missed all of the drama of Peake’s arrest. “Oh, Jax. I’m the worst date ever.”
“How d’you figure that?”
She blinked at him steadily. “I meant to be so elegant and charming you’d have to eat your words. I wanted you to be blown away.” Her downturned mouth was endearing.
“Job done, I’d say, Raven.” He leaned one hip against the bar, relaxation easing through his bones.
She ignored him. “But then your dad was a dick and I shouted at your parents and my hair fell down and I drank so much to try to blot it all out that I thought it would be best to stay over here.” Leah searched his face with shadowed eyes. “I’m kind of sorry I embarrassed you but I’m also not sorry I said what I said.”
“You haven’t embarrassed me, Leah.” His voice was gruff. “You couldn’t if you tried.”
She looked confused. “I didn’t try. I promise. I tried to be the best date you’ve ever had.”
“And you succeeded. Best. Prettiest. Most memorable, by far.”
Leah shook her head, unconvinced. “Not true. Not true at all. That’s the drink talking.”
Jackson laid an unsteady hand over his heart. “I swear it’s true. I’ve hardly finished a drink all night. I’ve been rubbing shoulders instead.”
She studied his hand so closely her eyes nearly crossed. “I wish you’d rub my shoulders.”
He had a sudden need to clear his throat. God, she was adorable. “What have you been drinking, Raven? You were sober when I left you.”
Leah brightened. “You need to meet Lucas. He’s my new friend. He gave me a Fireball.” She waved over the bartender, hitting herself on the nose in her exuberance.
“Not just one, by the looks of it.” Jackson kept his tone shy of accusatory but his glare was sharp enough that Lucas the Bartender raised both hands in easygoing surrender.
“I cut her off after the fourth. She’s been drinking shots of apple juice for the last fifteen minutes and she hasn’t noticed yet.” The bartender grinned, saving the empty glass from Leah’s elbow.
She propped her chin on her hand. “Look at the two of you getting on so well. I knew you would because you’re both so clever. Lucas is the best cocktail maker in all the world, Jax. You should see him make the ombré one that’s darker at the bottom—it’s amazing! And Jackson is brilliant at everything, Lucas. Honestly, there’s nothing he can’t do.”
Jackson rubbed his ear. “I think it’s time to go home, Leah.”
“He is a super high-powered property-developing executive person—” She stumbled over the words and waved her hand. “But he can also fix things and make things and change lights. And he knows about tires. And he’s the best bodyboarder I’ve ever seen.” She was unstoppable.
Lucas didn’t bother to hide his laughter. “Wow. Your boyfriend sounds quite the catch.”
Jackson shot him a dirty look but there was no heat in it. He felt absurdly proud of being the object of her praise. If only he possessed the same generous spirit she did. If only he was that kind of person.
