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I knew Alex was considering retirement, but I really didn’t want to ask.
As the waitstaff placed a variety of appetizers on the long table, we all settled into easy conversation while they came around to take our dinner order. Preston excused himself and slipped into the kitchen at one point, most likely to assist Stella with our large order. Austin and I both ordered the same dish as last time we were here, but this time, his arm reached around to rest against the back of my chair, providing some much-needed support just when I needed it.
After dinner, we shared our story with everyone and watched their eyes pop open when I described our wedding. Austin left out the details of that fateful night in Chicago, choosing only to say our timing wasn’t right.
“Have you told your brother?” Simon asked as he sipped his Irish coffee.
I looked at Austin, who nodded. “Yes. He, um... didn’t take it as well as we’d hoped.”
“Give him time,” Jesse added. “Carter’s a good man. He’ll get over the shock.”
I attempted a smile, though it felt forced. “I hope you’re right. But he’s upset about more than just me. He’s thinking about the NHL expansion deal.”
“Is it exclusive to Chicago?” Aidan asked. It was clear his lawyer’s brain was kicking in.
“I’m not sure,” Austin responded. “He didn’t give me a chance to ask.”
Aidan looked at Marcus, then back at me. “If I can help, let me know. We have some connections in the Chicago area that may be able to help.”
So did I, but I nodded as the wait staff began serving dessert I rarely indulged in. But this was a special occasion. It felt like our wedding reception with everyone we cared about. But Carter’s absence weighed heavily on me.
Before I could get the first bite into my mouth, two police officers walked in the front door. My fork hung in the air as they stopped to talk to a server, who pointed toward the table.
He turned and approached with wide eyes. “I’m sorry to interrupt, gentlemen, but these officers are looking for Mr. Rowan and Mr. Wentworth.”
I looked at Austin, who looked back at me. He leaned in, then whispered, “No more fucking against the glass, sweetheart. Our fowl neighbors got us in trouble.”
CHAPTER 38
AUSTIN
My joke did not ease Greer’s growing anxiety. But as the two men approached the table, I noticed a few things.
One, they were not wearing the Portland PD’s uniform. Close, but no cigar.
Two, they were ... shiny. And it reminded me of the way the Commander glistened the other night when we walked in on them.
And three, this had that fucker’s name written all over it.
Glancing over at Dreamboat, he was intently watching me like a hawk. Not one ounce of concern on his face, nor did my so called best friend attempt to come to my aid.
The fucker. This was exactly what I thought it was.
Payback.
Retribution.
Or just Dreamboat being Dreamboat.
Reaching over, I put my hand on Greer’s thigh and patted it. “It’s going to be fine, babe. I’ll take care of it.”
I stood from the table as the room fell silent. “I’m Austin Wentworth, officers. What’s this all about?”
Both men looked at me, then to Greer. “I’m Officer Hardman and this is Officer Stiffwood. Are you Mr. Rowan?” the super shiny one asked. He looked like he’d gone a little overboard with the body oil.
I glanced over and raised an eyebrow at Dreamboat, who still sat there like he didn’t know what the fuck was going on.
Greer cleared his throat and stood. “I am. What’s this about, officer?”
