Page 88 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

Billie said, “I have to get back to work. Doc, Juliette, what can I get you? I’m bringing these guys appetizers and drinks.”

Seeley put his arm around Juliette’s. “Do you still like loaded potato skins and wings?”

“I love them. Finger food is life,” she said, parroting what they’d said as teens, earning a laugh and a kiss, which also made her a little nervous in front of everyone. She wasn’t sure how much his family knew about their current relationship, and she wanted to clear the air with Sasha. She also didn’t want to have too much alcohol since they’d taken the motorcycle, but she needed a little liquid encouragement and allowed herself one drink. “I haven’t ordered a drink in forever. What’s good but not too strong?”

“Margaritas!” Birdie said as she plopped down into a chair beside her.

“Yes!” Sasha and Sully agreed.

“I guess I’m having a margarita,” Juliette said.

“I’ll have my usual,” Doc said.

As Billie walked away, Juliette bit the bullet and gazed across the table at Sasha. “Sasha, I’m a little embarrassed and wanted to apologize for making a scene that day at the ranch when I yelled at Seeley about Lucas.”

Sasha waved her hand dismissively, her dirty-blond hair hanging loose over her shoulders. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve seen worse, and this guy”—she pointed to Seeley—“needed a kick in the ass.”

“Especially after the way he spoke to you at the hospital,” Birdie said. “I wanted to kick his butt.”

Seeley pulled Juliette closer. “Birdie gave me hell for it, and Sasha gave me crap for what I said that day at the ranch.”

“Thank God,” Juliette said with a sigh, and everyone laughed. “I thought you guys might hate me for it.”

“No way. He told us what you guys have been through, and I’m so sorry,” Sasha said. “That’s awful.”

“I’m sorry, too,” Birdie said. “You know, for all those years, we weren’t even allowed to say your name, because Doc would lose his shit, and we never knew why. Now that I know the truth, I want to kick your father’s butt.”

“You and me both,” Juliette said, noticing Seeley and the guys exchanging serious glances she couldn’t read. But she sensed they were in agreement of wanting to do the same.

“I’m really glad I finally got to meet you,” Sully said. “I grew up in a cult, and I know how it feels to have the person who should protect you not only fail to do so but put you in harm’s way. I know your situation was different, but they’re kind of the same. If you ever need somebody to talk to, I’m a pretty good listener.”

“You’re a great listener,” Cowboy said, and kissed her temple.

Juliette didn’t know the extent of abuse Sully had suffered at the cult, but Seeley had alluded to enough for her to guess, and she knew that even admitting as much as she did probably wasn’t easy for Sully. “I appreciate that, and one day I just might take you up on it.”

“We’re all here for you and Lucas,” Sasha said. “He’s a cutie, by the way. I met him the other day when he and Doc came by the ranch. He looks so much like Doc did at his age, it made my dad’s head spin.”

“Sash, Lucas thinks you’re hot,” Doc said.

Ezra hugged Sasha against his side. “The boy has good taste.”

“I heard he’s got a thing for Layla Braden,” Cowboy said.

“He does, and I’m not ready for it,” Juliette said as Billie brought their drinks. “Thanks.”

“Your food will be right up,” Billie said.

“Give me some sugar, Wildfire.” Dare pulled Billie down for a kiss and slapped her ass as she walked away, earning a glower over her shoulder.

“Layla’s a cutie, too. I could see them together,” Sasha said.

“She’s a sweet girl,” Juliette said. “Lucas spent the day with her and her family at the Real DEAL, that total immersion exploratory park. It’s supposed to be educational, but they had so much fun. They were there all day. Apparently the place has everything you can think of from hands-on survivalist activities, marine biology labs, and a bunch of other things that all have to do with science. Of course Lucas’s favorite part was the race track. He’s such a speed demon.”

“He gets that from me,” Dare said.

“Where is Lucas tonight?” Sully asked.

“Spending the night at his friend’s house,” Seeley answered. “Which means I get Juliette all to myself.” He kissed her temple.