Chapter Eleven
As a rule, Violet didn’t spend muchtime in town when she went out on a date. For one, there were all those overprotective family members. And two, it wasn’t easy to spend an evening getting to know someone when everyone knew your name and had no qualms about interrupting just to see how you were doing.
Tonight was no exception.
“Violet,” her cousin Ethan said as he approached their table.
“Ethan,” she drawled, mimicking his chiding tone.
“Who’s your friend?”
Grinning, she glanced across the table at Simon and mouthed “Sorry” before smiling up at Ethan. “He’s my future husband. In fact, we’re gettin’ ready to run down to city hall to tie the knot. So if you’re here to talk me out of it”—she peered down at her wrist, as though checking her non-existent watch—“you’ve got about thirty seconds.” She looked up at him. “Go.”
Simon snorted.
Ethan didn’t sound impressed. “Really?”
“Yep.”
As he was studying her, probably trying to determine whether she was full of shit, Ethan’s husband Beau approached.
“Hey, girl,” he greeted, holding up his beer as though toasting her. “What’s up?”
“She’s about to run down to city hall to get married to this guy,” Ethan said, his tone betraying nothing.
“Is that right?” Beau glanced between her and Simon. “You need a witness? I’m free tonight. See, my husband promised to take me out, get me drunk, then take advantage of me. But here he is”—Beau peered over at Ethan—“gettin’ all up in everyone else’s business.”
Simon chuckled, then stood up, holding his hand out for Ethan and Beau. “Simon Jennings.”
Beau’s eyes went dinner plate wide. “TheSimon Jennings?” His gaze darted to her. “That’s him?”
Violet laughed. “That’s him.”
Beau transferred his beer to his other hand, then wiped his palm on his jeans before shaking Simon’s hand. “It’s … wow. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“What the fuck?” Ethan asked, glaring at his husband.
Simon shifted his hand toward Ethan, putting Ethan in a position to return the gesture or look like an asshole. Good thing Ethan wasn’t an asshole. Most of the time.
“Ethan Walker.”
“Cousin, right?” Simon asked, looking at Violet for confirmation.
“Yes. This is one of Travis’s brothers.”
Simon’s expression smoothed out. “Very nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Ethan looked at Beau. “I think.”
“Why doesn’t anyone say Travis is one of Ethan’s brothers?” Beau mused, smiling around the lip of his beer.
Violet giggled. “Good question.”
Beau winked at her, grinning as he turned his attention to Ethan. “Simon’s the host ofHavoc Your Way, a podcast Violet talked me into listenin’ to. It’s pretty damn addictin’.” He looked at Simon. “Good job on that.”
Simon huffed a laugh. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Beau gestured to Ethan. “Despite what his face is sayin’ right now, my husband’s not an asshole.”
