Page 6 of The Frock Up
I'd nicknamed the woman from the dress store burger babe in honor of her underwear. I was still kicking myself that she'd left before I'd got her number. But it was the first time Kat, my sister-in-law, had come to visit me with my newest nephew and I'd been determined to convince her that I was the best choice for godfather.
Burger babe's face stared up at me, hauntingly stunning. Something moved in me, an almost aching yearn that began radiating in my gut, setting my teeth on edge.
Well, damn.
I hadn't been this distracted since… since…
Never.
I ran fingers through my hair, staring at the rough sketch.
"Well fuck. What do I do now?"
Chapter Three
Ash
"This is a terrible idea."
"It's not," I said, grinning at my sister-in-law. "It's a great idea."
Kat raised an eyebrow. "It's not. It's very creepy."
"Psh." I waved a hand in her direction. "It's romantic."
Hayden, my eldest brother and Kat's husband, shook his head. "I have to agree with my wife. It's creepy as fuck."
I made a face. "You're the kind of guy who thinks cleaning up poop is a romantic date. I'm not sure you get a say."
Hayden tossed a pillow my way. "Once! And it was part of the town's efforts to improve the local dog park."
"You still made me clean up poo and called it a date," Kat said with a grin. "You're lucky I still love you."
A wet sound came from Louie, the baby letting out a little sigh.
"Speaking of poo." Kat kissed his cheek then handed him to Hayden. "Your turn Daddy."
Hayden grinned, carrying Louie down the hall, his voice carrying as he praised his son for his bowel movements.
"Is he congratulating Louie on a poop?" I asked, baffled by my brother.
"Yeah, don't question it. Just go with it." Kat rolled her eyes. "You should see how he is with the other kids. He showers them in constant praise. I worry for their future."
We exchanged a laugh as Hayden's voice floated down the hallway. "I heard that!"
Kat sobered; her gaze sharp as she considered me.
"What?" I asked, feeling suddenly exposed.
She tilted her head to one side. "You're different, Ash. You've returned to the Cove different."
Yeah well, a billion dollars and a trillion responsibilities will do that to you.
"I'm seven years older."
"Not to mention a billion dollars richer," she said with a grin.
"Yeah." I shrugged, that strange yearning feeling crawling under my skin.
