Her brows lifted as she scanned the screen. “You up for that?”
“I guess it depends on if she still thinks I’m being unfaithful to Jase.”
“Who is it?” Boden asked, moving in close.
“Kay inviting me to dinner.”
Pain lanced through Serena’s eyes. “She’s wrong, Laik. Jase would want you to be happy. He never would’ve wanted you to put your life on hold because he wasn’t here anymore.”
My throat burned. “I don’t think he would either.” I glanced up at Boden. “And I think he’d like Boden. Even if he is a hovering stalker these days.”
Boden’s mouth pulled down in a frown. “I thought you liked being around me.”
Serena stifled another laugh.
I patted his chest. “I do. I just don’t need an armed escort to take me to pee.”
Boden had gotten an expedited concealed-carry permit and had taken to carrying a gun with him each day. Every time I caught a glimpse of it, my stomach twisted, a reminder that someone was out there watching. Waiting.
Boden brushed the hair away from my face and pressed a kiss to my temple. “You can never be too safe. I should probably follow you into the shower tonight, too. Safety in numbers.”
Serena let out a little squeal. “I can’t take it. You two are gonna make me combust.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t encourage him.”
Boden nibbled the column of my neck. “I’ve got all the encouragement I need right here.”
“Well, then, good thing I’ll be at dinner without you.”
Serena raised her hand. “I volunteer to switch places with you.”
A laugh burst from me, the first in over a week. And it felt so damn good.
Boden pulled up to the Grangers’house and put his truck in park. I leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I shouldn’t be too late.”
“Just call whenever you’re ready, and I’ll be here in five.” His phone dinged in the cupholder, and he swiped it up. His jaw tightened as he read. “It’s from Hayes. He said they picked up Ray at a hunting cabin. He had a rifle and a scope with him. But he’s not talking.”
I let out a breath that felt as if it had been trapped in my lungs for months. “I hope this means it’s over.”
Boden leaned his head into mine. “I hope so, too. They just need to get him talking.”
“Hayes will get him to open up.” He had an unassuming way about him when he wanted it. Ray would be spilling his secrets before he knew what had happened. I linked my fingers with Boden’s, squeezing. “I feel like I can breathe again.”
“I’m glad, but until we know for sure, I want you to be cautious. No going anywhere by yourself.”
“You take overprotectiveness to a new level.”
Boden chuckled and gave me a quick kiss. “You love my overprotective ass.”
I pinched the side of his butt. “You do have a great ass.”
“I’ll let you get your hands on it later tonight.”
“Don’t turn me on before I have to go to dinner with people who are basically my second parents.”
Boden grinned. “Serves you right for giving me a hard time.”
I shook my head and opened the door. “See you in a few hours.”