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The lanes beside them erupted in cheers and Mari flinched at the sudden sound.

Instead of letting her go, Heath stepped in toward her and wrapped his arms around her.

It was a protective gesture and one that had to be more instinct than thought.

It was too quick.

Too much like a reflex to be a conscious decision.

It felt… good.

It felt right.

Mari knew if she didn’t move away from him and soon, she was likely to make a fool of herself.

Then, it was too late.

Heath leaned closer and she closed her eyes, wondering if he was going to kiss her.

She felt his beard brush against her cheek and heard his voice warm and rumbling in her ear.

“Is there any chance that you’d want to go somewhere else?”

Her eyes were already closed, but now she tensed, her teeth biting into her bottom lip.

With her heart pounding in her chest and her skin suddenly warm, she could only nod her head for a moment.

Heath leaned back and looked down at her. “That’s a yes?”

Yes.

That’s what she wanted to say, but she couldn’t.

She turned her head and saw Reiko across the room at the counter sitting at the end of the row of seats.

Hoss reached across the counter and put a glass of water in front of her.

“Here.” Heath stepped away from her and a moment later she felt her hand enveloped in warmth.

She looked down and saw his fingers folded through her own.

When she looked back up at him, she saw a smile.

“Let’s see how Reiko is doing.”

Her eyes widened at his words.

Had he seen where she was looking?

“You’re driving her tonight, right?”

She nodded. “I am.”

His smile deepened. “We’ll make sure she’s got a safe ride home.”

Heath started across the room, and she was there at his side.

The distance between the lanes wasn’t that big, but she enjoyed every moment of the walk.