She did look incredible, something he’d been trying really hard not to notice.
“Can I get you that sweater, Bren?”
Josh reached out to help her with her coat. “She won’t need it. Car’s heated, and I have plenty of spare layers in case of emergencies. You might want to wear snow boots to walk to the car, though, Bren. Shame to ruin those pretty shoes. Unless you want me to carry you?”
Tyler seethed. “She’s better off walking. You might slip. And if you have any problems with the roads, you can call me.”
Josh looked at him steadily. “I’m pretty good at walking, and I think I can handle the roads, but thanks for the offer.”
“If it’s too much trouble to bring her home, call and I’ll come and get her. Doesn’t matter how late.”
“When I take a woman on a date, I see her home.”
A red mist formed across Tyler’s vision. “She—”
“Tyler!” Brenna’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t let us hold you up. I’m sure you have things to do. Have a good evening.”
A good evening? How the hell was he supposed to have a good evening, knowing she was with Josh?
He waited for the door to close and then groped his way to the den and reached for the whiskey bottle.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“SO WE’VE BEEN seen by at least three of the biggest gossips in the place,” Josh said mildly, “which should ensure your mom knows you’re telling the truth about dating other people.” He broke off as a woman approached their table. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Cook?”
“Sorry to bother you when you’re not on duty, Chief—” she nodded pointedly to Brenna “—I was wondering if you’re going to be running that women’s self-defense class again.”
“You need to speak to Officer Marsh,” Josh said easily. “He keeps a waiting list. He’ll contact you when a new class is planned. Probably in the spring.”
“And you don’t think I’m too old to join?”
“No, ma’am.” Josh gave her a warm smile that had Mrs. Cook beaming in return.
“Well, I’m sorry for disturbing you. You two have a nice evening now. And that dress is just perfect on you, Brenna. You look like a picture.” She walked away, bumped into a table and Brenna grinned.
“Well, Chief. It seems you have yet another admirer. So you don’t drug them or use handcuffs, you just smile at them?”
“If only it were that easy.”
He was so patient, she thought. He had time for everyone. Tyler was unapologetically imperfect whereas Josh was perfect for her in every way, and she was being ridiculous. She was turning into someone who thought the grass was greener on the other side.
If she carried on like this, she was going to die old and withered, regretting all the opportunities she’d missed and the things she hadn’t done.
“Let’s go back to your place and have sex.” She blurted the words out and then gave a squeak of embarrassment. Oh, God, she shouldn’t have said it like that. She should have flirted or at least been more subtle about it. She should have kissed him and let things take their course. When Élise talked about it, she made it sound so normal and natural, but Brenna had never felt less natural in her life.
Josh put his fork down slowly. “Now? Or do you want to wait until after dessert?”
She didn’t know whether to laugh at herself or crawl under the table. “I didn’t mean it to come out like that. I’m sorry—”
“For what?”
“For—oh, I’m so bad at this. Why do I have to be so bad at this? Everyone else finds it so easy, and I want to die on the spot.” Mortified, she covered her face with her hands and then felt
strong hands cover hers as Josh drew her fingers away from her eyes.
“If you die on the spot, you’d leave me with a whole lot of paperwork I don’t need right now.”
“You’re mocking me.”