Stone put his hand on his chest as it suddenly tightened. It felt like someone had sucked all the air from his lungs. He couldn’t even gasp for breath because he was incapable of moving, his eyes tracking the only woman he’d ever loved as she walked up to the hostess.
Holy Jesus. She looked the same as she had back then: long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, big brown eyes, and those perfect,perfectlips. Her face was more contoured, her cheekbones more prominent—the result of age—but she still looked as young and as sweet as the girl he’d given his heart to. And yes, she was still the most beautiful girl he’d ever laid eyes on.
“Earth to Stone,” CJ said, waving a hand in front of his face.
His gaze slid to his brother. “What?”
CJ glanced over his shoulder. When he turned back, he was grinning but not making eye contact.
Stone forced his gaze to remain on his brother. “What’s that look for?”
“Nothin’.”
Stone kicked him under the table.
“Ow. Fuck,” CJ hissed, his voice low. Even as he glowered, he didn’t stop laughing.
Stone leaned forward. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“I was just thinkin’ about somethin’.”
“About what?”
“Somethin’ that happened a long time ago.” CJ’s idiot grin got bigger. “Long,longtime ago.”
Stone frowned.
“I saw y’all,” CJ said, his voice lowered to a whisper. “Right before you three went into the barn. And didn’t come out until thenext day.”
Stone sat back, wide-eyed.
“Don’t worry. It wasn’t my business then, and it ain’t my business now.”
Stone pushed his coffee away, his eyes sliding to Stevie. He couldn’t help himself. The second he saw her, something raw and untethered churned inside him. A hunger that hadn’t been sated in years. Like then, he was starved for her, and it only took one look.
Only then did he realize Nico was standing behind her, that little dog in his arms.
Were they wearingmatching coats? What thefuck?
He forced himself to look at the table, the floor, his brother. Anywhere but at the two people waiting to be seated.
CJ glanced back.
“Stop lookin’,” Stone hissed.
“If it’s any consolation, they’re watchin’ you the same way you’re watchin’ them.”
Of course, Stone had to look, and CJ wasn’t wrong.
This time, when CJ turned, he motioned for them to come over.
“Jesus Christ. What the hell are you doin’?” Stone whispered harshly.
“Figured you needed some company.” CJ tossed his napkin on his plate. “I’ve gotta get home and get some sleep. Thanks for breakfast.”
Stone snarled. “I wasn’t buyin’.”
CJ’s grin grew too wide for his face. “You are now.”
