Chapter 20

Gideon didn’t blame him. Jesse never reacted well when Gideon held information back from him. Their lines of communication were better than they’d been in the first few years they’d been together, but clearly, they still had lapses.

He tried not to clear away the plates before they were empty, but when Dominique announced she and Cory were calling it a night, Gideon had to fight not to be the first one to get to the front door. He shook Cory’s hand and brought up the rear of the group as they walked them out.

After closing the door, Emma turned to Jesse and said, “So, since Gideon cooked, do you want to wash or dry?”

“Let’s not clean up just yet,” Gideon said before Jesse could respond. “I was thinking we might go out for a drive. Maybe go to Osaka Garden and walk off dinner.”

Jesse nodded. “Yeah, if you don’t mind leaving that mess, then I don’t, either.”

“I think a walk sounds lovely,” Emma said. “I could use some fresh air.”

“Good. I’ll get my keys.”