I must have missed the barista calling my name because the next thing I know, Jamie's nudging a cup into my hands and ushering me toward Violet. Just when I think he's not going to play along with my game, he plunks himself into a chair at a table a few feet away from our woman.
I follow and sit beside him so I can see her. "God, she's adorable," I murmur, watching Violet stick her tongue out in concentration.
Jamie hums in agreement, and when I glance at him, he's also riveted to her. Legs spread wide beneath the table, his thigh presses against mine. When he shifts and puts an arm around the back of my chair, I have to will my dick to calm down.
"How long do you think it will take her to notice?" I ask after a moment.
Jamie shrugs and lifts his black coffee to his mouth. He jerks, body flinging upright. "OW! Fuck!" Jamie sputters and sets his coffee down.
An old woman gasps and glares, immediately annoying me, but what makes me groan is Violet's eyes on us. "Damn it, Jamie."
"Shut up. Holy ass that hurt," he growls as he wipes his mouth.
Violet stands with a furrowed brow and walks toward us. "What are you guys doing here?"
Reaching out, I wrap an arm around her hip and drag her closer. "Hi, baby. We were about to place a bet on how long it would take you to notice us, but Jamie ruined it."
I can feel Jamie glaring daggers at the side of my face, but with my head tipped back and Violet staring down at me with humor twinkling in her eyes, I don't care.
"How long have you been here?" V runs a hand through my hair, petting me.
Pouting, I sigh. "Like thirty fucking seconds."
"I'm fine. Thanks," Jamie deadpans.
Violet giggles quietly and reaches for the top of his head too. She plucks the hairband from his hair and smiles dreamily as it cascades around his shoulders. "Do you need a water?"
Thankfully, Violet's attention takes some of the growliness out of his tone. "I'm okay, my love. Thank you."
"Come home with us?" I ask, batting my eyelashes up at her. "He's cranky today and I might need your help to release some of that...energy."
The old woman near us gasps once again and stands abruptly. Violet doesn't seem to notice or care, totally focused on us.
"Why are you cranky?" she asks him, stiffening a bit. I run my hand up and down her side, trying to get her to relax again. "Did something happen?"
I can practically feel the anxiety rising and shoot a look at Jamie.Start talking, I demand with a glare.
He glances at me and softens his gaze. "Nothing's wrong. We can talk about it later."
Violet’s breathing increases. If I weren't physically attached to her, I might not have noticed but I do, and Jamie can fix it so I kick his foot beneath the table. He has been incredibly uptight since I stopped at the tattoo shop to ask him to hang out. I didn't plan on watching him, and if I had known he was in a mood, I wouldn't have. Honestly, I feel bad and like he might be mad at me, but logically I think something else is going on.
He proves me right. "My mom and dad called me this morning. They want to meet you officially." Jamie sighs and rubs his face. "I told them I would ask you if that's okay, but they were pretty adamant that it's been long enough. And..."
"And?" Violet questions, leaning into me nicely.
"After everything that's happened, they want to make sure you're doing okay. They will be here in a few days..."
"Oh," Violet mutters. "Okay. Do you want me to meet them? I mean you don't sound enthused about it, and I don't want to overstep?—"
Jamie shoots up out of his chair, thank god because I was about to shove him if he didn't get his shit together. That delivery was poor at best.
He gathers her close, dislodging my hold but it's fine. "Of course I want you to meet them. Hell, I've wanted it to happen for three years, Sweets. I'm just worried this will be too much for you. Everything is going so well and I don't want to push too hard for more."
"Aww, you're sweet," she coos and rises onto her toes to kiss him gently. "I'd love to meet them. Don't worry about me. I'm a pro. Just ask Nate. I cried all over his mom’s living room."
I laugh with Violet, and Jamie shakes his head with a grin. "If you're sure," he whispers.
"I'm very sure." Violet beams and turns her attention to me. "You get started on helping our man relax. I'll be right behind you." With that she kisses Jamie one last time and saunters to her table.
