She looked back at me quickly, like she hadn’t expected me to agree.
I held her gaze, because she did deserve it.
She deserved ice cream and a break and a sister who answered her phone.She deserved a hell of a lot more than being trapped in the middle of our nightmare.
But for now, I could give her this.
A ride.
A few baby cows.
Ice cream.
A few minutes where she got to smile without forcing it.
McKayla’s expression softened for one dangerous second before she turned and headed toward Pearl with her arm looped through Shay’s.
Prime stepped beside me and crossed his arms.“You’re staring.”
I didn’t look away.“No shit.”
He chuckled.“At least you’re honest about it now.”
“Don’t start.”
“Oh, I’m starting.”
I finally looked at him.“You wanna keep your teeth?”
He grinned.“There he is.”
I shook my head and headed toward the window.
The girls were already deep in discussion about flavors, with Pearl insisting that ordering vanilla at a homemade ice cream place was a crime and McKayla arguing that vanilla was only boring if the person eating it lacked imagination.
Anchor looked like he wanted to be mad but couldn’t quite manage it.
Shay ordered something with chocolate, caramel, and enough whipped cream to make Prime raise both eyebrows.
I stood beside McKayla while she studied the menu like it was another investigation.“Need help?”I asked.
“This is a serious decision.”
“You found a guy in hours of footage, but ice cream is what takes you down?”
“Yes.”
“Good to know.”
She glanced at me.“What are you getting?”
“Chocolate.”
“Basic.”
“It works.”
“So do socks with sandals, but that doesn’t mean they’re right.”
