Page 56 of Sentinel's Kiss

“You got this, wild child.”

She forced a smile. “If I was really a wild child, we’d have done it in the elevator.”

“Day ain’t over yet.”

His grin should be illegal. But it centered her a bit. And when she saw her brother she ran into his arms.

“How’s Dad?” she asked.

Jeremy held her tight. “He’s not out of the woods yet, but the doctors are hopeful.”

“Is Mom in there with him?”

“Yeah. Where were you? And who is that?” Jeremy asked.

Ashley straightened up and wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand.

“Josh Lehmen,” he said, holding out his hand.

Jeremy shook it.

“We were in Pennsylvania on a news story.” Ashley didn’t like the way her brother was eyeballing Josh.

“So Josh here is someone you’re interviewing?” Jeremy asked, jerking a thumb at him.

“Where are Layla and the kids?” Ashley broke in.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Josh said.

Ashley slumped. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of him, just that she didn’t want to bring this level of drama right now.

“How long has this been going on?” Jeremy asked.

“It’s a recent development.” Ashley ran her fingers through her hair. “Is Layla here?”

“They’re all back at the house.” Jeremy turned to Josh. “I’m sure you’re a really nice guy, but my parents can’t see you.”

“Jeremy,” she said furiously.

“I get it.” Josh leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Give me a call when you’re done here and I’ll come by on the bike to pick you up.”

“You’re not getting on a motorcycle with him.”

Just kill me now.

Ashley closed her eyes. “Jeremy,” she warned again through her teeth.

“Do you know that the last time she was on a donorcycle, she nearly got killed?”

“I broke my leg. I took the exit too fast.” She grimaced apologetically at Josh.

“You know how to drive a bike?” Josh grinned.

“No, she doesn’t. She went flying over the handlebars.”

Josh winced. “Somebody needed to teach you how to brake better.”

“Well, that somebody isn’t going to be you. I’ll bring my sister home.” Jeremy crossed his arms over his chest and glared up at Josh.

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