When he pulled into her driveway a few minutes later, they were talking horseshoes and the propensity they had to become a weapon. She was laughing when he pulled into her driveway, and still smiling after he walked her to the door. Once she went inside, he climbed back into his truck and drove away.
Amanda glanced over at Dante’s house. She thought she’d noticed a light on, but it was dark. She waited another minute, hoping that maybe he’d heard the truck leave, which would signal her return.
Still no light.
Disappointment mixed with uncertainty. Amanda chewed her lower lip, wondering if she should go over and knock lightly on the door. But what would she say? “Hello, I’m here for a booty call?”
She shook her head. Even though thatwaswhat she was looking for, she couldn’t just go over there and say that.
Could she?
No.
Sighing, she locked the door and headed toward her bedroom, glancing at her dress and her pretty fringed footwear. She was a little bummed that her dress wouldn’t end up on the floor like the other one, and she’d been looking forward to knocking some boots.
Hopefully, tomorrow that opportunity would arise.
Chapter Nine
Saturday morning, Dante arrived at Holden’s with Noah and a lot less pep in his step than previously. He gripped the phone in his pocket, his mind on the text and photo Carter had sent him last night. A photo of Amanda having drinks with some white dude with dimples. They looked really cozy, too.
His chest tightened and stomach clenched.
Granted, he’d never claimed they were exclusive, but he hadn’t thought it necessary. He believed it was a given. So technically, this was his fault. He should’ve been clearer. Which meant he had no right to feel betrayed or upset.
But he did, and he had the tightening in his body to prove it.
He might’ve hidden his discomfort from his son, but his buddy was another story. The guy missed nothing. So, Dante wasn’t surprised when Holden pulled him aside after Noah disappeared into the kitchen to make pancakes with Emily.
“What’s going on?” Holden asked, cutting right to the chase. “What’s in your pocket that’s got you so wound you look ready to snap?”
He blew out a breath and showed his buddy the text and photo.
Holden’s brows rose then lowered. “What did she say when you asked her about it?”
“I didn’t,” he replied. “Haven’t seen her since I picked Noah up at daycare yesterday.”
He’d heard her come home last night and when he saw it was a truck, he shut off the light and went to bed. Then tossed the entire night.
“Then you need to talk to her first. Don’t let your suspicions get ahead of you. I’m betting there’s a perfectly good explanation for this.” He tapped the phone. “And it isn’t what you think.”
God, he hoped so, because what he was leaning toward wasn’t good.
“Look, I’ve only known Amanda a few months, but she isn’t the type to cheat. So, you can get that out of your head right now,” Holden said. “Talk to her.”
He nodded. “I know. My gut is telling me she didn’t do anything, but did this guy have to be white with dimples?” He shook his head and shoved his phone back into his pocket.
Holden laughed.
Dante frowned, aggravation prickling his spine. He didn’t see what was so funny. “Glad you’re amused.”
“Oh, I am.” His buddy continued to smile at him.
It wasn’t like the guy to be so callous.
“Why?”
“You haven’t met her parents yet, have you?”
