settle myself protectively around her.
Locking eyes with the two Malone brothers, I try to read them. They have to know their brother arrested Evelyn, but they’re in good spirits and rib me like they usually do.
Evelyn gives a little tug on my shirt and I lean down to hear her soft voice.
“Where’s the restroom?”
I point to the far corner of the bar. “Here, I’ll take you.”
She places a hand on my arm. “I’m perfectly capable of walking across the room. Stay and order me another drink.”
I look down and see she’s downed her entire drink. My girl is more than nervous.
Getting a hold of the bartender is easy and I order another round for us all. Evelyn scoots off the stool and I watch her tight and toned body sashay across the room. She pivots around crowded tables, moving lightly, and disappears down the hall leading to the restrooms.
“Ace got bit by the love bug.” Grayson elbows me in the ribs.
“He got bit real good.” Grady responds in a sing-song voice.
They both gyrate their hips and pump their arms. It’s a dumb thing we did growing up when any of us got soft on a girl. I punch Grady in the shoulder.
“Stop it.”
“He’s got it real good. Uh-huh, Uh-huh.”
I hit him again. “Ha-ha, not funny.”
“Have you kissed her yet?” Grayson turns his back to me and wraps his arms around himself as he makes kissie noises. He’s a bit overly suggestive with the groping. I’m about ready to pop him too. The two of them are teaming up on me.
“I mean it.” I practically growl out the words, which only proves their point.
Grady points at me and laughs. “You have, haven’t you?”
“The real question is whether you’ve fucked her yet. That woman is fine, fine, fine, and oh so easy on the eyes. You picked a good one.” Grayson turns back around, huge, sheepish grin plastered all over his face. He takes a swig of his beer, as if I’m going to answer.
“That’s my girl you’re talking about.”
“Well, there you have it.” Grady gives me a one-two punch in the gut. “He’s soft on the girl.”
I lock Grady in an arm bar and give a jab to his gut. We’re playing—almost. I’m not keen on them talking about Evelyn like this. He twists out of my grip and gives a shake of his head.
“Dad said you came for a visit.” Grayson’s tone changes. He’s digging, but I’m pretty sure he already knows what I talked to his dad about. He wants a reaction, something to confirm how far I’ve fallen, but I give him nothing and wait him out. “Considering she’s here, I’m assuming things went well with the judge?”
“She’s out of jail if that’s what you’re getting at.”
Grayson’s eyes pinch. “Look, you know we love you like a brother, and we respect the hell out of you…”
“Yeah?” What’s he getting at?
“If you really believe her story, we’ll back you up.” Grayson gives a sharp nod.
“Will you?”
“I’ve never heard Grant so pissed. He told us all about arresting her. Said it left a bad taste in his mouth.” Grady joins in, telling me something I already suspected.
“Because I questioned him?”
“Because it’s the first time you ever stood up to him. He thought he was going to have to take you in as well. If it’s any consolation, he trusts your instincts, but the investigation…” Grady’s words trail off.
“Pete’s investigations are a joke. He goes for the easy close and doesn’t take the time to really look.”
“She made first page news in the Gazette.” Grayson piles on bad news.
“Fuck.” But I should expect it. In this town, any news is juicy gossip and quick to spread. It’s faster than a wildfire. “How bad is it?”
“Considering she’s an out of towner, and the extent of the burn, people are calling for blood. What did you do to get Judge Simon to let her out?” A scowl fixes on Grayson’s face. He’s not happy about this either.
I rub at the back of my neck. “I gave him my word I’d watch out for her.”
“Watch out?” Grady gives me a look. “As in how, exactly?”
“As in not letting her out of my sight.”
That’s not exactly the conversation I had with the judge, but it’s pretty damn close. I gave him my word I wouldn’t let her leave town. I don’t know how much control I have over that, but she’s my responsibility. The kicker is she doesn’t even know it, yet.
“What can we do?”