He stood to hold her chair for her and waited until she was settled before he took his own seat. “Everything okay?”

“Yes,” she said, smiling at him. “I’m sorry for the interruption.”

Adam wanted the full story, and he wanted it now. “Are you…”

Abby reached for his hand under the table. “Later.”

At the feel of her fingers closing around his, Adam felt like he could breathe again. Why did it matter so much to him that she’d come back? Why did it mean everything to him that she’d reached for his hand and held on, even though his parents were watching their every move? This situation was getting out of control, he decided as he disentangled his hand from hers. Time to take a small step back, out of self-preservation.

Her puzzled glance made him feel like a jerk.

Big Mac made a production out of stretching and yawning. “I’m zonked, honey. Time to take me home and put me to bed.”

“Honestly, Dad. Do you have to put it that way?”

“How else should I put it?” Big Mac asked with a mischievous grin.

Adam and his dad lunged for the check that Chelsea had left on the table. His dad beat him to it.

“My treat,” Big Mac said smugly.

He knew better than to argue with his generous father. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. McCarthy. It was so nice to see you both.”

“You, too, honey,” Linda said, kissing Adam and then Abby. “Come to dinner sometime soon.”

“I’d love to.”

Big Mac mussed Adam’s hair and kissed Abby. “Don’t stay out too late, kids.”

“Bye, Dad.” Adam was grateful his parents hadn’t asked what time he’d be home. He didn’t want to have to tell them in front of Abby that he’d see them tomorrow. When they were gone, Adam turned to Abby, thrilled to finally be alone with her. To hell with self-preservation, he thought as he took her hand. “What happened?”

“He said all the usual things—he loves me, wants to marry me, is sorry about what happened in Texas.”

“And?”

“And what?”

Adam wanted to scream with frustration. “What did you say?”

“What do you think I said? That it didn’t matter anymore. We’re over.”

Relief flooded his veins, making him feel a bit lightheaded. Bringing their joined hands to his lips, he kissed the back of hers while holding her gaze. Had he ever noticed how extravagantly long her lashes were? Or how sparkly her brown eyes could be when she was pleased with herself?

She tipped her head for a closer look at him. “Were you worried?”

Why was it that so much seemed to hinge on his answer? “Very.”

Her smile lit up her face and had him zeroing in on her lips as all sorts of erotic images spiraled through his brain, one right after the other.