“Um, did you not see her man? She’s living with hotness,” Jade replies. “Sorry, Ramsey, you know he’s hot,” she adds.
“He’s very handsome.” I smile at her. I’m not worried about her hitting on him. Sure, she might be closer to his age, but I know what we have, and I’m confident in that. It feels really damn good to know that what we have is solid and that others can look, but I’m the one snuggled up to him in bed each night.
“He’s also ass over heels in love with you. Sorry, ladies, my brother is off the market,” Palmer adds. She winks at me, and I smile. I appreciate her backing me up, but truly, I don’t need it. Not with Deacon. It’s taken me some time to get here, but I know without a shadow of a doubt he’s one of the good ones.
“Here you go.” Tabitha places three draft beers onto Hannah’s tray, and she’s off. “Ramsey, girl, what are you doing here on your night off?” she asks.
“Oh, you know, just hanging out,” I reply. “We came to hear the band. It sucks that they had to cancel.”
“Yeah, Hank was worried what it would do for the crowd, but everyone seems to be sticking around.”
Before I can respond, I feel strong hands grip my hips. I know it’s him without even looking. “I’m going to the restroom. Stay together or where the guys can see you.” Deacon kisses my cheek. “Love you,” he whispers, but not really judging by the awws coming from my friends.
“You two are serious, huh?” Tabitha asks as Deacon walks away.
“I’ll say since she agreed to move in with him today.”
“Wow. That’s a big step,” Tabitha comments.
“Do you blame her?” Jade asks.
“If any of the men at that table asked me to move in with them, I’d be all over it,” Palmer states.
“Come on. You have to tell me which one you have your eye on. I can hook you up,” I tell them.
“Oh, or let me do a photo shoot.” Palmer claps her hands together. “Ask Ramsey… it works like a charm.”
“That’s how you met Deacon?” Jade asks.
“Yeah. This one,” I point to Palmer, “convinced me she needed my help to boost her career. Little did I know she was setting me up the entire time.”
“Hey, the photo shoot was gold. Pure gold. And I have gained some clients from it,” she boasts. “Admit it. This will be a great story to tell your grandkids one day.”
“And I’m sure you’re going to be right there telling them that it was all your idea and that you’re responsible for their existence.” I laugh.
“Damn right.”
“Six bottles,” Hannah says, slapping her tray down. “My feet are already killing me.”
“Coming up,” Tabitha tells her. “Hey, Ramsey,” she starts, but Deacon is back, sliding up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. “Never mind.” She waves it off.
“What is it?” I ask her.
“Nothing. I was going to tell you how lucky you are. Go have fun. I’ll catch up with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, we’re on shift together next Sunday. You can tell me all about this new adventure with your man then.”
“Okay. Then we can talk about finding you a man.” Tabitha isn’t someone I hang out with or even talk to outside of work, but she’s a good coworker, and I blame myself for us not being close. I’ve had my walls up for far too long.
“You coming back to the table?” Deacon asks.
“Yes.” I turn to look at him, and he presses his lips to mine. He releases me, laces our fingers together, and leads me back to the table. I hear Palmer and Jade talking about how sweet he is before we get out of earshot. I smile all the way to the table and for the rest of the night. Time with friends and Deacon is something I want more of. It’s definitely time to focus on changing my career.
twenty-two
Deacon
It’s Wednesday afternoon, and I’m buried deep into this deposition. My stomach growls, reminding me that I walked out of the house this morning and left my lunch on the counter. I can’t even be mad at myself because the reason I forgot it was because I was kissing Ramsey one last time before leaving for the office.
It was worth it.
I need to take a break and go grab something, but then I can also work through and get home to her sooner, which sounds like a much better idea. I look up at the sound of a knock at my door. To my surprise, Ramsey is standing there holding my lunch.
“Hey. Come in.” I stand and go to her. I bend to kiss her lips before taking the offered bag.
“I thought you might be getting hungry.” She smiles.
“For you,” I say, bending to kiss her again.