Page 24 of Deacon

“I get to say anything to Ava that you say to Deke. Remember that.”

“What you don’t know can’t be repeated.”

“Do you really think I don’t have ways to get him to tell me whatever I want to know, should I be determined to find out? Do I need to remind you of all the things you talk to her about that you don’t tell anyone else?”

Color drained from Cowboy’s face. “Has she been telling you things I’ve said to her?”

“No. But I’m not a kid just discovering life. I have a bit of experience and know more than you’ll want me knowing.” She held out her plate. “Can I get another slice?”

Deke watched as Cowboy got up and served her another slice, handing her the plate and the cheese before holding his hand out for Deke's plate.

Wow. He must be feeling bad about what happened to Lisa today because he served them both without argument or complaint. He went back to his chair, and they continued to chat about different things. Deacon was on guard that Cowboy didn't ask for more details about today. Lisa had been over it enough and while they would likely talk about it more, it wouldn’t be tonight.

18

“We should do this again,” Lisa said, once more curled up next to Deke. “Only next time you need to bring Ava. I’ll come up with some kind of game we can play.”

“Not the games again,” Cowboy said as he hauled the pizza into the kitchen.

“Why not games? We can play and talk, and it’s fun!” She wasn’t sure if she’d actually find games but teasing her brother about them was fun.

He gave her a warning look but didn’t argue. After giving her a hug, and shooting Deke a warning look, he left.

“That went better than I’d hoped,” Deke said once the door closed, and they heard his boots step off the porch.

“I thought so too. Probably because he decided it had to happen today and he was taking it easy on me.”

“Possibly. I was watching for him to get too aggressive, but it never happened.”

She turned so she could see Deke’s face. She liked to watch him while they talked. His expressions gave her a better idea of what he was thinking, even if he wasn’t ready to tell her.

“When was the last time you went to your place?”

Deke frowned. “Yesterday. I had to grab a few things for today’s ride.”

She winced. “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to interrupt club time.”

“It’s not like you planned it, or even did it on purpose.” He lifted one shoulder, dismissing her concern.

“Anyway. Do you have any plans to go back to your place any time soon? To sleep I mean?”

Deke’s frown turned to a scowl. “Am I invading your space? Do you want a little time to yourself?”

“No! Not at all. I could have worded that better. I don’t want you to go anywhere. In fact, I’m headed in the other direction. I want you to stay. Indefinitely.”

“Are you sure? We haven’t been doing this for very long. What if you get tired of me or decide we just don’t match?”

Lisa couldn’t help the smile that curved her lips as she shook her head at him.

“I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?” Deke looked confused.

“I’ve loved you since I was fifteen.”

Deke opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out. After a moment he tried again.

“I know that was when the way you followed Cowboy around changed. I noticed that you were there more when I was, and that you paid more attention to me. I’m glad you didn’t start chasing me harder until you were older, though.”

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