Page 66 of Double Take
“Good idea.”
She followed him into the kitchen where everyone was gathered around the huge table in the middle of the room. Steph eyed them with questions in her gaze but, thankfully, refrained from commenting. Lainie had no answers for her anyway. Mr. Cross sat at the far end of the table. As soon as James entered, his gaze dropped to his plate. James’ mom shook her head and sighed.
In spite of that, James’ siblings made the meal a lively affair, and Lainie could honestly say she enjoyed it when she wasn’t thinking about her house or Savannah.
After dinner, Dixon left to take care of Jericho and Lainie helped with cleanup. She glanced at the kitchen clock, anxious to get it over with.
Steph sidled up to her. “What was that in the den with James?”
Steph was rarely good at waiting for an appropriate time to talk, although she’d done an admirable job of it earlier. “Nothing. He gave me some bad news, I was upset, and he hugged me. That was it.” It really was. Wasn’t it?
“Oh.” Steph stepped back and frowned. “I’m sorry. What kind of bad news?”
“Someone vandalized my house.” Blew it up was more accurate, but she’d settle for the less severe sounding description.
“Oh no!” Steph hugged her, then released her. “I’m so sorry. You’re really having a tough time right now, aren’t you?”
“I am, but James is helping me and I really need him to do that. So, please, don’t read anything more into that scene in the den. It wasn’t what you’re thinking.” Or was it? She didn’t know what it was. Well, she knew what it was on her part, but James’? She didn’t want to project feelings onto him that weren’t there.
“Okay. Fine. But I can’t say I’m not disappointed. Keep me updated?”
Disappointed? “Um ... sure.” An easy promise to make since she doubted there’d be much—if anything—to update. The thought depressed her.
“Great. Now, I’m going to go see if Dixon needs help with Jericho. One day, I’m going to run away with that horse.”
“Better not. If Dixon catches you, he’d have you arrested and thrown in jail.”
“I’m worried.” Her expression said otherwise. “And I’m praying that there’s something between you and James. Nothing would thrill me more.” Steph’s laugh echoed behind her, and she waved before shutting the kitchen door. Mrs. Cross bustled into the kitchen and checked the oven. Lainie just noticed the delicious aroma of cookies baking.
Before Lainie had a chance to process that last comment from Steph, James stepped into view, caught her eye. “I think we should stay here for the night. It’s late and there’s nothing we can do before tomorrow.”
Heat found its way into her neck once more, and she couldn’t help wondering if he’d heard Steph’s parting comment. Then again, did it matter? Right now, she had other stuff to deal with. Not a crush on her best friend’s brother. “Are you sure? I mean, the whole reason for bringing me out here was in hopes he wouldn’t know where I am. But he does, so...” She honestly had no idea where she should sleep tonight. Stay here where she was the safest she was going to be and possibly bring danger down on a family she loved? Or go home and walk into danger all the same, and at least James’ family would be safe?
“Not the whole reason,” he murmured with a glance toward the den where his father had settled into the recliner, the remote in hishand and football on the screen. He sighed, then cleared his throat. “In the meantime, why don’t we have a distraction?”
“Such as?”
“Scrabble,” Steph said, walking up with a gleam in her eye.
Mrs. Cross chuckled from behind her.
He flinched and held his hands up. “No way. Why would you even suggest that? I thought you were helping Dixon with Jericho.”
“He didn’t need me, so ... Scrabble?”
James’ jaw jutted and he crossed his arms. “No. I feel quite sure she still studies the dictionary for fun.”
Lainie huffed. “You’re as bad as Allison, and I only started doing that so I could beat you.”
Steph laughed. “I’m game. I’ll see if Keegan and Dixon are in.” She slipped out the door once more.
James’ father stepped into the kitchen and his eyes locked on the three of them. He seemed about to say something, then shook his head, hooked a right, and walked down the hall.
“Dad? Hold up.” James hurried after the man.
Mrs. Cross cleared her throat and set a tray of cookies on the table. “If there’s going to be Scrabble, I imagine you could use some of these.”
“They look amazing,” Lainie said. James rejoined them, his face tense, jaw tight. His father must have rebuffed him. Lainie placed a hand on his, her heart hurting for him. “Just have fun, James.”