He lifted a brow. “You’ve seen my family?”
She rolled her eyes, but because she was drunk, the action was slow and slightly awkward. “Well, after those girls were talking about the articles, I had to look you up. Andboy,did you come off as a player.”
His fingers tightened around his beer. Because, yeah, the media had loved to snap shots of him in Houston. And during the year he was there, he’d let them. He’d let them write whatever they’d wanted. Hell, he’d encouraged it. Anything toget the message across to his parents that he wasn’t for sale. He was living life on his terms.
“I haven’t dated anyone since leaving Houston.”
“Well, that’s because there’s a lack of gorgeous society women in Deep River.”
“Nah, that’s not the reason.”
She studied him, like she was trying to figure out if he was being honest. “What is it then?” He started to answer, but then her palm slammed over his mouth. “Don’t answer that. If you say what I think you might say, then I’ll catch feelings. And if you say anything else…” She shook her head. “Don’t answer it.”
Gently, he gripped her wrist and tugged it down. “I think you know the answer.”
Her gaze shifted to his fingers around her wrist, then back to him.
Yeah, she knew. She had to.
He’d been intoxicated with Polly since the day he’d first stepped into Bloom. And she felt it too. She just wasn’t ready to admit it yet.
Maggie touched Polly’s shoulder. “Ready to go? Ethan’s hopping into my car because he came with Joel.”
“I’ll take you home.”
Polly swung her gaze back to him at his statement. “No.”
“Why not?” Then, quieter, he asked, “Scared?”
“Of what?”
He lifted a brow.
She straightened like she was preparing for a challenge. “Fine. I’ll go with you.” She turned to Maggie. “I’ll go with him.”
Connor turned to Raven. “I’ve got my truck here if you need a ride home?”
Pink tinged her cheeks, and she shook her head. “No. It’s okay. I’ve got a ride home. But…thank you.”
Joel set a hand on the small of Polly’s back. “Let’s go.”
8
“I’m tired.” As if to prove it, Polly leaned her head back against the passenger-seat cushion and closed her eyes. Somehow, the truck still swirled. “Wake me when you get to my place.”
Joel’s deep rumble of a chuckle slipped into her bones. Yes, it went that deep. But right now, that didn’t worry her.
It felt good to relax. Like she’d been tense for so long, for so many reasons, but now, sitting beside Joel with the beer still swimming through her veins, she could just let it all go.
She was in that between space of awake and asleep when Joel’s gentle voice whispered through the quiet. “We’re here.”
No. She wanted to sleep. To let the hum of the engine and the forest scent of Joel keep her in the safe little bubble.
Her door suddenly opened and then Joel was beside her. She hadn’t heard him park or climb out.
“Where did you come from?” She frowned.
He offered her one of those panty-wetting smiles. “A long line of poor choices and good cologne.”
