“I didn’t think so.” She turned her attention back to James as they approached the other pair.
“Why would you even bring her to a place like this?” James was demanding.
The guy who’d been sitting next to Tori must’ve taken off.
Tori folded her arms across her chest and met James’s hard glare calmly. “Your sister is a grown-ass woman. Maybe you should start treating her like one.”
James bristled. “What, you think I’m too overprotective?”
“Well, that’s the understatement of the century.”
“James”—Kristen caught her brother’s arm—“what has gotten into you?”
James’s attention shifted to her. “Why are you doing this? You don’t need to dress like that or go to places like this. It gives people the wrong idea.”
“Oh boy,” Tori muttered in a you’re in for it now warning.
Kristen struggled to hold on to her temper. “I know you didn’t just try and shame us for our clothing choices. And if we want to go to a dive bar, that’s our choice, too. I know you like to watch over me, but this is a little much. Even for you.”
James paused and took a literal step backward. Color stole up his neck, and he cleared his throat.
“You’re right.” He glanced away from them and at Blake briefly. “I’m not sure why I had him follow you. Or why I’m here now.”
Blake clapped him on the back. “Hey, man, your heart was in the right place, no matter how awkward the execution.”
“Can I apologize by buying you guys some drinks and an appetizer?” James offered somewhat lamely. “Maybe we could all go grab coffee somewhere and catch up.”
Kristen shook her head. “Tonight’s not exactly—”
“Tonight’s perfect.” It was Tori who answered. Her arms were folded across her chest, manicured purple nails digging into her arm as she stared down James. “I think this is a great idea.”
“You do?” Kristen and James asked the question at the same time.
How was this a great idea? Kristen bit back a groan. That meant she’d just thrown away another evening of trying to find a guy.
“Okay. Let’s do this, then.” James named a coffee place Kristen had never heard of, but the other two chimed in with agreement.
“Let’s leave my car here,” Tori suggested, “and just take two instead of three.”
“Or maybe even one?” Kristen countered. “We could all carpool.”
“Two cars.” Tori grabbed her purse from the booth and gave a hard smile. “And I’ll ride with your brother.”
Kristen tilted her head and blinked. “You’ll what now?”
“Okay.” Blake drew out the word and gave a small nod. “So, we’ll meet you there, then?”
Tori nodded to James and headed to the door. He followed. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“What the hell was that?” Kristen glanced at Blake as they headed out the door.
“Not sure, but it was weird.”
They settled into his truck a few minutes later.
Kristen watched her brother and Tori climb into his SUV. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Yeah?”