“Is this another conversation?”she asked.
And her tone was one he didn’t like.
“What kind of conversation?”he asked back.
Rush stopped in front of him and Dutch gave him a one-minutefinger.
“Maybe I made an assumption,” she muttered.
“What assumption?”he pushed.
“I haven’t left your house since I entered it, I mean, inthat way.Half my clothes are at your place, you gave me three drawers, and youonly have six.All my toiletries…”
Yup.
They were That Couple.
Met.Didn’t hit it off with a bang.Hit it off with a biggerbang.Now inseparable.
He sensed his mother was moderately worried, though onlymoderately.
For his part, Dutch would probably tie Georgie to his bed ifshe tried to spend the night alone at her place.
“…I thought since I wasn’t using it, and Carolyn’s going topay rent, since I was—”
“You’re moved in, Georgie, maybe not officially, but onlybecause we’ve been busy.Let Carolyn crash at your pad.We’ll discuss how andwhen we’ll make oursitchofficial when we havetime.”
She sounded dubious, and a little freaked, when she asked,“You sure?”
He gave Rush a look, and Rush turned his attention elsewhereas Dutch gave the man his shoulder and said, “This isn’t about us.We’re solid.You slept anywhere but beside me, even if we’refightin’,I’d lose my mind.It’s about her.She did my brother dirty.Fucked with yourhead.You might be there with her, but I’m not.Not yet.But it’s not my pad.You’re okay with it, then I’m okay with it.But the minute she jacks you overfor rent, we’ll have another discussion.Deal?”
“Yeah, Dutch.”
“See you tonight?”
“Of course.”
“Rush wants a word, Igottago.”
“All right.Later, honey.Love you.”
Dutch stilled.
“Dutch?”
She was over it, she sounded casual now, calling out to himbecause he hadn’t said his final goodbye.
But she’d just told him she loved him.
He knew it was going there, for both of them.
Hell, he knew it was already there for him….and her.
But neither of them had said it.
“Later, baby.Love you too,” he replied.
“Cute,” she said and hung up.
