“You don’t know shit, Jaxson Briggs,” she hissed.
“I know that you’ve got the whole family up in arms because you’re out flauntin’ around with somestranger.” He said the last word as though it was the same thing asserial killer.
“Jesus Christ, Jax. I wasn’t flauntin’ anything.” She lowered her voice and gritted her teeth. “We are on a date.”
It took effort not to punch him in the nose. It wouldn’t surprise her if Simon snuck out the back and disappeared forever. She’d never metanyonewho wanted to go to a wedding, much less while on a date with someone they just met.
“Stop buttin’ in my business,” she snarled.
“No promises, kiddo.”
Before she made a scene, Violet stomped over to the bar, calming herself as she went. She stood a few feet behind Simon while he paid Rafe for their food and drinks.
While he waited, his eyes skimmed the room and zeroed in on the table they’d been sitting at. His forehead creased.
“Hey,” she said, hoping he was merely curious where she went and not trying to figure out a way to disappear without her knowing.
He held out his hand to her as he’d done earlier. It was natural to put hers in his and let him pull her in. He pressed a kiss to her temple and then turned his attention back to Rafe so he could sign the credit card slip. It was then she realized he was left-handed. An interesting little tidbit of information.
Simon passed the slip and pen back. “Tell Holt I’ll catch up with him in the mornin’.”
Rafe glanced her way briefly. “Will do.”
With her hand firmly in his, Simon led the way out to his car.
She figured this was the point in the night when he offered to drive her back to her car and suggested he see her tomorrow. She definitely wouldn’t blame him.
“I’m really sorry about my cousins.”
“They mean well.”
Violet snorted. “I’m not so sure about that. I’ve been dealin’ with that my whole life.”
When they reached the car, Simon stopped, pulling her into him. “All I can say is I guess they’ll have to get used to me hangin’ around you.”
“Yeah?”
He nodded, leaning down. “Yeah.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.”
Swoon.
This time, Violet didn’t reprimand her silly heart for the giddiness that consumed her. Why should she? She was pretty sure it was too late. She was too far gone already.
•••••
After leaving Moonshiners, Simon took Violet home. During the drive, he could tell she was antsy or frustrated or both. She kept wringing her hands in her lap and sighing, although he wasn’t sure she realized she was doing it.
“Thank you for dinner,” she told him as he helped her out of the car.
“I don’t consider fried pickles and cheese sticks dinner,” he teased. “But you’re welcome.”
Taking her hand, he walked alongside her toward her front door.
“Next time, we’ll try somewhere outside of town,” he told her. “At least until I learn all the names and faces of your kin.”
