Page 87 of Brandt's Rule

“No, not really. One of the inspectors on the job wants me to sign off on some paperwork and I forgot that was today.”

“How do you…”

Brandt tapped his temple to indicate that Barron had sent him a telepathic message. “He can’t call me. I gave you my phone, and you don’t carry it,” he teased.

“I don’t like that it’s your private telephone and when it rings, they’re expecting me to answer it.”

“They’re not expecting you to answer. They’re expecting me to answer.”

“Then take it back. I can reach you just like Barron does, and most likely more clearly.”

“Fine, but I hate you not having one.”

“I’ll get one, at some point.”

“Bailey might want to call you, and how’s your friend going to call you if you don’t have a phone?”

“You’re right,” Tempest said thoughtfully.

“Tell you what. Why don’t we drive into town, I’ll drop you off at the coffee shop to hang out with Bailey, then I’ll go deal with the inspector and come back for you.”

“I’d love that!”

“Let’s go, then,” Brandt said, taking his mate’s hand in his and leading her back to their home.

~~~

Tempest opened the door and stuck her head in the coffee shop. “Anybody got a couple of hours to spend with me?” she called.

Bailey’s head popped up and she was wearing a huge grin. “Tempest!”

Tempest opened the door the rest of the way and stepped inside with Brandt right behind her.

“Technically, we’re still in our newly-pre-wed phase, but I have to go to work for a little while. Tempest wanted to visit,” Brandt said.

“Yahh,” Bailey said. “Like I’d have it any other way! We can go get something to eat, and we can watch a movie, and we can talk about everything! Newly-pre-wed sounds like I need to be brought up to speed.”

Tempest looked at Brandt. “Would you mind?”

“Only a little. I know you need your friends, too. But I have to say, I’m a little jealous that you’d rather hang with Bailey than me,” Brandt teased. “What’s she got that I don’t?”

Bailey laughed. “A girl’s point of view. Somebody that listens to all your secrets.”

“I listen to all her secrets!” Brandt said defensively.

“It’s not the same as a friend, though,” Bailey and Tempest both said at once.

“Fine, fine, you win. I’ll see you at home,” Brandt said, laughing as he kissed Tempest. “I have some shopping to do anyway.”

“Shopping for what?” Tempest asked.

“It’s Christmastime. Don’t ask me what I’m shopping for,” he said, pausing at the door to look back at the two women.

“I’ll drive her home after the movie,” Bailey said.

“Alright. Y’all be careful. Tempest…” he looked directly into her eyes while he tapped his temple.

“Okay. You be careful, too,” Tempest said.