“Then why are you sweating?” Kinsey points to the droplets on Chance’s forehead.
Chance winces and pulls out a handkerchief that was probably ironed and straight when he first got the suit. But now? It’s a crinkled testament to his nerves.
“As sure as I am, there’s always the possibility that she secretly hates me or that she’s not ready or that she doesn’t even want marriage anymore?—”
“None of that will happen. She’s going to say yes.” Renthrow squeezes his shoulder.
“Thanks.” Chance glances around me and then his eyes dart across the room. “Where’s Riley? Didn’t she come with you?”
“She’s on her way.”
A grin explodes on his face. “Hey, make sure you treat that lady right.”
“That’s a given. But why the warning?”
“Because, from now on, Riley Carter ismynon-biological sister.” Chance grimaces. “Not in the way you two were. I just mean that if you or Riley fell into the water, I’d save Riley.”
Renthrow barks out a laugh.
I stare at Chance in shock.
“She’s family now. You mess with her, you mess with me. So… don’t mess with her.”
“I didn’t plan to, but thanks for the reminder.”
Chance pats me on the chest and moves on.
Kinsey arches a brow. “What was that about?”
“Riley took care of a problem for him. Didn’t you hear?” Renthrow says.
“Oh,that?”
“What happened?” I probe, wondering if they’re referring to Riley and Layla. I still haven’t gotten an update from Riley about this afternoon.
Kinsey shrugs. “I don’t know the details. Rebel asked me to do a favor for Riley, so I did.”
“What favor?”
“She wanted my dad to come down to The Tipsy Tuna.”
“Isn’t your dad the sheriff?” I have no idea how I’m aware of that information, so the gossip in Lucky Falls is both robust and subtle.
Kinsey nods.
“Did she say why?” I wonder.
Kinsey shakes his head.
“So you just… asked your dad,the sheriff, to go down to The Tipsy Tuna because Rebel asked?”
Kinsey looks at me dryly. “Do I need another reason?”
I think of Riley asking me for a favor and realize I wouldn’t need another reason either. “Nah, it makes sense.”
At that moment, the subject of our conversation steps through the door and my heart starts pounding loud enough to drown out the music.
“Riley!” I bound over to her as if she’s the puck and I see an opening on the ice.
