“Tyler?”
Amy’s voice breaks into my reverie, and I snap back to the party. “What?”
“Brownie? Cookie? Both?”
“Cookie.”
Amy hands me a plate and settles on the picnic table bench next to me. “Everyone’s having a good time?”
“The best.” I nudge her. “You love this, don’t you? Running the inn, making people happy with baked goods and fresh linens.”
“More than I dreamed.” A gentle smile lights her face.
I have to find a way to make this place safe so she can stay. But all the security in the world won’t keep evil from her door if it truly wants her.
“You like Gabe,” Amy says.
“He fits in surprisingly well.”
She leans close. “I think he and Katherine are pretty vanilla. They don’t know—”
“Got it. They won’t hear it from me.”
“As relaxed as you’ve been tonight, I never saw this side of you at the club, only the stern Dom. I could almost forget that part.”
I raise an eyebrow and intensify my stare. “Maybe I should remind you.”
She giggles. It’s cute, but it’s nerves and not an invitation because she stands and takes my empty plate.
Stone finally returns to the deck. “Hey, Amy. Did you save me a cookie?”
She hops up and puts a cookie on a plate for him.
“Thought you didn’t like sweets, dude.” Alex smirks.
“I don’t. Except for these.” Stone bites into the best chocolate chip cookie on the planet and moans as he chews.
Amy has a happy, glowing smile as she disappears back inside with Katherine.
“Who were you on the phone with?” I ask Stone.
“Few calls. Have someone looking into rentals of gray sedans.”
“That’s a long shot.”
Stone grunts his agreement.
“What are we doing now?” Blake asks, hyped up on video-game chatter and sugar.
“Early night.” Stone’s phone buzzes. He checks the screen. “I have some errands to run tomorrow. And…” Stone stretches his legs in front of him. “We should find the nearest club because if we all start looking like this sad sack over here”—he hitches his thumb at me—“ain’t none of us going to be worth a shit.”
“Hey.” I’m not that pathetic. Yet. “You guys can do what you want, but I’m in no position to start something, not even casual. Not as long as I’m here helping my…sub.”
“Is she your sub?” Stone’s steely gaze demands honesty.
“No.” I sigh. I hate that he’s seen right through me. But Amy’s made it clear she’s no longer interested in that role. And I’m not at all interested in a vanilla relationship with anyone. Which means that once she’s safe, we’re over. And until she’s safe, my right hand is my new best friend.
“Are we taking Amy?” Alex asks.
