Rise (Rise & Fall Duet #1) - Grahame Claire Page 0,31

He’d just whipped up a smoothie like a magician. Or he’d transported Beau with technology none of the rest of us had.

“You taste it first. Both of them.”

He lifted a brow. “In case I poisoned them?”

“Yes.”

He drank from both tumblers, though I couldn’t tell what he thought of the drink.

I didn’t really think he’d contaminated the smoothies, but it was fun to make him jump through hoops.

He held open an arm. “Still here.”

“Maybe it’s time-released.” I snatched a cup from him and handed it to Eric before I grabbed the other.

I gulped down the thick liquid. It was fruity and sweet and cold.

“Yummy!” Eric said.

“Took the words right out of my mouth.” I slurped again. “Where’s yours?”

“I can wait.”

“That wrong number called Sis twenty-seven times,” Eric blurted between sips.

Lincoln scowled. “That’s bordering harassment.”

“I’m sure it was nothing. They won’t call again.” I shot him a warning look to shut it. The sooner Eric forgot about the entire incident the better.

He grunted but got my message and let it go.

“What time is it? We can’t be late to feed Pepper’s doggies.”

I checked the clock. “We’d better jet.” I flicked my chin at Lincoln. “Thanks for the pick-me-up.” I held up the tumbler.

“Do you want to sit up front, Lincoln?”

“I’m sure he has other things to do.”

“The back is fine.”

Lincoln and I spoke at the same time. I didn’t have time to argue with him and by the determined set of his jaw, he’d probably win anyway. And there were twenty-seven reasons I didn't have the emotional energy to fight him.

Without waiting for my agreement, he circled the van and climbed in the back. I threw the van in reverse, took another sip of my smoothie, and retraced the path we’d taken. I inched up to the gate and it slowly lifted.

Guessed we weren’t trapped after all.

Chapter Eighteen

Lincoln

“I thought I was the only one who rode in the back of vans.”

Teague slapped my shoulder as I exited. My body was stiff from the awkward arrangement, but in a few minutes, I’d be all right.

“I couldn’t let you keep that pleasure all to yourself,” I said dryly.

“At least I have dogs in ours. They make good pillows.”

“Teague,” Pepper said, appalled.

“What? Lucky burrows behind me. He’s a pillow.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled. They had an easy way about them. The only other people I’d been around who came close were Daniel and Vivian Elliott.

I didn’t know if most people had relationships like that because my experience was limited. Considering divorce rates, I doubted they were.

“How are you, Lincoln?” Concern marred my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s pretty face. I appreciated her discretion and care.

Lexie would’ve point blank asked me if she wanted to know, but she hadn’t mentioned a word of the near arrest.

“Excellent.”

Teague punched me. “You’re with family. You don’t have to act like you didn’t just spend an entire day with lawyers.”

I surveyed the people around me. Besides my brother and Pepper, Miss Adeline, Lexie, and Eric surrounded the van.

Teague and Beau were my family. Now Pepper and Miss Adeline were because they were important to Teague.

Lexie and Eric?

I wasn’t going to consider that in front of them.

And my response had been my “family” answer. Out of everyone, I wanted them to worry the least. If I continued to project I was excellent, perhaps someday I would be.

“It wasn’t so bad.”

Pepper furrowed her brow. “We’ve spent time with those two. Not a lot and it was . . .”

“Nuts,” Teague finished for her.

“I was going to say interesting, but nuts works too.”

“Mr. Zegas presented me with a bill before I left.” I respected his forthcomingness.

“He doesn’t play when it comes to money.”

“I wouldn’t pay them if they can’t keep you out of jail,” Lexie said.

She and Miss Adeline had been speaking, and I didn’t realize they’d been listening to the conversation.

“Smart woman,” Miss Adeline said. “By the way, how was ice cream?” She waggled her eyebrows.

“He said it was the best he’s ever had,” Eric said.

Miss Adeline snickered. “I bet he did.”

Lexie flashed the older woman a stern look, but it was useless. My face got hot, even though I realized she was just giving us a hard time.

“You’ll all come inside, won’t you? The dogs would love to see you.” Pepper grabbed one of the boxes of food.

Lexie handed Teague, Eric, and me one, and we followed Pepper and Miss Adeline inside.

“Why’s Beau pissed at you?” Teague asked as we trailed behind.

With the busy day out of the office, I hadn’t had much