Page 171 of Rising Heat

“You.” A shoulder lifts. “Here.”

She doesn’t explain, and I don’t ask her to.

Half a block later, the Brass Bell comes into view. Bex slows just enough to take it in before looking back at me.

“This is the place?”

“The one and only.”

“I get why you like it.”

She reaches for the handle and pulls the door open.

“After you.”

The warmth hits first, followed by the familiar swell of conversation, clinking glasses, and somebody laughing loud enough to turn half the room’s heads.

They’re already here.

Mack looks up before we’ve taken more than a step inside, his attention finding me immediately in that way of his that still catches me off guard every single time it happens—aware, like some part of him knew exactly when I’d walk through the door.

Beside me, Bex goes unusually quiet.

“Okay…”

I absolutely do not look at her despite being able to practically hear the smile in her voice.

By the time we reach the booth, Tyler’s already on his feet.

“Finally.”

He pulls Bex into a hug before she’s fully registered what’s happening.

“We’ve heard so much about you, it feels like you’ve been here the whole time.”

Bex gives an amused look.

“Bold opener.”

“Is it wrong?”

He steps back, gesturing at the table.

“Bex, welcome to Boston. Boys, Bex.”

Coop’s halfway out of his seat already.

“Wes Cooper.” He reaches across the table. “You look fun. Drink?”

“God, yes.”

“Perfect.” He points at her decisively. “You’re my favorite person here.”

“You said that about the bartender,” Marco says from the end of the booth.

I slide in beside Mack while the table closes in around Bex effortlessly, Coop already animated about something I didn’t catch while Tyler grins at me over the top of his beer like he’s pleased with himself for orchestrating this entire thing.

“She’s going to cause problems,” I mutter.