Page 18 of Blame it on the Kiss
“Payton wrecked you man, and now you’re after her best friend’s brother. Seems to me Cooper might make life more difficult for you, not easier.”
Bryce let that sink in before letting the burn of alcohol slide down his throat and his attention wander back to Honor. She had her arm propped up on the bar, her cheek in her hand and her focus on whatever Drew was saying.
“I could sit in on the meeting.” Danny said.
“Fine. I don’t want you worrying that pretty head of yours.”
Danny glared at him.
“Bye, Midge. Everything was great.” Above all the voices in the busy restaurant, Bryce heard Honor’s. He looked over his shoulder to see her hugging the owner of the establishment before walking out the door, Drew at her side.
Bryce turned back around. He ignored his tense shoulder muscles and glanced down the bar to where Honor had sat. Something small and shiny gleamed atop the counter. She’d told him she hated carrying a purse, but it looked like tonight she’d brought one—and forgotten about it. He jumped to his feet.
“Dude, I’ll be back in a few.”
Bryce grabbed the purse before he could talk himself out of it and hurried out the door. The crisp night air slapped him in the cheeks, reminding him to slow his hasty steps so as not to seem too eager to catch up with her.
A flash of yellow caught his eye from the sidewalk. Honor’s strapless dress clung to her torso before falling from her waist to her ankles in a soft, loose, almost sheer material. She looked like a goddess sent from the sun to shine on everyone. Drew lifted his arm and angled it toward the back of her shoulders.
“Honor!”
She twisted around. “Is everything okay?” Lines creased her forehead as she stepped toward him.
“I think this is yours?” Bryce held up the silver bag.
More than forgetfulness flashed in her pretty eyes. Relief did, too. She held his gaze like an invisible string had them hooked together. “Yep. That’s mine.” A small impish grin put a twinkle in her eye.
“And Drew, Julia’s looking for you. It seemed pretty urgent.”
“I just said good-bye to her.”
Bryce shrugged.
“It’s okay,” Honor said when Drew gazed at her with disappointment. “We can talk tomorrow.”
“I’d like that.” Drew leaned forward in a move to kiss Honor’s cheek.
Only Bryce’s arm and the small purse in his hand accidentally, but not really, blocked his attempt. “Sorry, dude. Your clutch, Honor.” Bryce held it up in front of her. He only knew the word ‘clutch’ because of his grandmother.
Drew frowned and backed away.
“Goodnight,” Honor called out. Then to him she said with a soft voice, “’Night,” before turning and walking down the sidewalk.
He caught her elbow before she’d taken more than a few steps. “Are you walking home?”
“Yes.”
“It’s,” he glanced at his watch, “nine o’clock.”
She shrugged out of his hold and continued on her way. “The Boogeyman doesn’t come out until ten, so I’m good.” The humor in her voice made it impossible to let her go.
“I still can’t let you walk home alone.” He matched her strides.
“I thought we’d already established what a safe town I live in.” She spoke to the concrete, her head tipped down and away from him. He got the feeling she didn’t want him to see how much she liked his good manners.
Not that manners had much to do with his walking her home. He pulled out his phone to text Danny he wouldn’t be back.
“True, but my mom raised me better than to let Boogeyman Bait tempt fate.”
