"Just playing the part." But I don't move my arm, and she doesn't pull away.
We make it through produce, dairy, and frozen foods before we encounter Tony from the bar.
"Dawes! My man!" He claps me on the shoulder with enough force to make me wince. "Treating our girl right?"
"Doing my best," I say.
"Good, good. So, when's the wedding? June? July? I'm betting on July. Lake thing or mountain thing?"
Steph chokes on air. "Wedding?"
"Well, yeah." Tony looks confused. "You two have been circling each other for months. Now that you're together, you might as well lock it down, right?"
"We're taking it slow," I interrupt, squeezing Steph's waist. "No need to rush."
"Slow. Right," Tony nods sagely. "Smart. Build that foundation. I respect it."
When he wanders off, Steph buries her face in my shoulder. "I'm going to die. Actually die."
"You're fine."
"He asked about the wedding, Kevin."
"Small-town logic." I can't help but smile at how flustered she is. "We're dating, therefore we must be planning the rest of our lives."
"This is insane."
"This is Evergreen Lakes."
By the time we make it to checkout, we've been congratulated six more times, asked about our future plans twice, and informed by the cashier that we're "the cutest couple she's seen all week."
In the parking lot, loading groceries into my truck, Steph leans against the tailgate and laughs. Actually laughs, full and genuine, as if the absurdity of the morning had caught up with her.
"A wedding," she says, shaking her head. "Tony wants to know about our wedding."
"To be fair, he probably has a betting pool on that too."
She laughs again, and the sound does something warm and dangerous in my chest.
This is what I wanted to see—Steph relaxed, happy, not looking over her shoulder every five seconds. And if playing her boyfriend in public is what it takes, I'll do it for as long as she needs.
Even if it kills me.
My phone rings while we're putting groceries away. Martinez.
"Dawes."
"Got an update for you," he says, voice grim. "Elliott's lawyer is making noise about a lawsuit. False arrest, excessive force, the usual bullshit."
I step into the living room, lowering my voice so Steph doesn't hear. "How serious?"
"Serious enough that the chief wants a meeting. Elliott's family has money and connections. They're pushing back hard."
Anger flares hot and fast. "He grabbed her. I witnessed it."
"I know. And your statement is solid. But these guys play dirty, and they've got resources." Martinez pauses. "Watch your back, Dawes. And keep an eye on Steph. Guys like Elliott don't like losing."
After we hang up, I stand there for a minute, staring at nothing.
