Stuart stepped closer to Jai and gently took his arm. “What say you and I go see if the bartender can whip us up a cup of coffee, okay?” He kissed the side of his cheek. “And you don’t have to be nervous. They’re not that impressive.”

Ryann and Maddie were once again alone. Maddie seemed to take this as another opportunity to get closer to her, and she welcomed it, stepping into her arms and sighing against her chest. Though she wasn’t tall—slightly above average—it was still a rare thing that another woman was this much taller than her, and she’d certainly never dated someone this tall. She decided then, wrapped in her arms, that she liked Maddie’s height a lot. Here, tucked into her like this, she relaxed again, warm and comfortable.

Hearing a funny sort of squeaking sound, she opened her eyes. Janet was standing in front of them, hands over her mouth, eyes wide.

“Ohmygoshyoutwoaretogether!” she said, speaking so quickly the words ran together.

Maddie laughed. “What was that?”

“Yes. We are,” Ryann replied, grabbing Maddie’s hand.

Janet laughed and clapped her hands. “I’m so happy for you two! I was hoping you’d start dating.” She grimaced slightly. “I’m sorry. That makes me sound like I was fantasizing about you. No—that sounds even worse. I mean, when I saw you together last week—”

Maddie held up a hand. “We know what you mean. And thanks. We’re happy about it, too.”

Janet seemed relieved, her shoulders relaxing. “You also look great together, especially tonight. Did you plan these outfits? They’re amazing.”

“No,” Ryann said. “Happy accident. This one cleans up nice.”

Maddie pulled her a step closer. “And this one is always gorgeous.”

Janet batted her eyelashes, making both of them laugh.

“You two are seriously dreamy.” She put her hands together in a mock prayer. “So which one of you is moving?”

Ryann’s stomach dropped, the blood draining from her face. One glance up at Maddie was enough to see that she’d reacted similarly, that easy smile no longer on her lips.

Janet whitened, too. “Oh, gosh, guys. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“You couldn’t know,” Maddie said, subdued. She met Ryann’s eyes and shrugged. “We…just haven’t really talked about it.”

Maddie’s expression was bleak, and Ryann’s stomach clenched. The scotch soured in her stomach, and she was suddenly hot all over—whether from dread or anxiety or nausea or all three, it was hard to tell. She had to look away from Maddie’s sad expression, suddenly afraid she might start crying.

“Oh, man, guys,” Janet said. “I really stepped in it, didn’t I?”

“It’s okay,” Maddie said, a little quickly. “Don’t worry about it. But you’ll have to excuse us. Ryann and I are going outside for some air before dinner.”