Page 52 of Nevada

I admit, one of the reasons I haven’t brought a girl home is because my mom’s living with me. That was before Star. Everything I did was pre-Star.

“I am feelin’... stuff for her.”

She can’t help her smile. “Well, that’s a good thing. Just don’t jerk her around.”

“Thanks, Mom. Wise words of advice from a woman who’s been with one man her entire life. Speakin’ of which, how’s Hustler?”

“Why can’t you call him by his real name? I like West much better.”

I smile to myself, waiting for the coffee to pour. “Uh, huh. Maybe because we’re bikers?”

“So, Asher is much nicer than Nevada, it’s why I chose it when I was in labor with you for two whole days, young man.”

I got my name because I took Nevada. Literally. I won big at the roulette table on a boys’ trip and the name just stuck ever since. That’s how I was able to buy my business and start things up three years ago.

“You can call me Asher all day long, Mom. I don’t mind.”

She rolls her eyes. “Anyway, West is fine.” She pulls her robe together at the nape as I frown. Is she… blushing? “He’s actually a real gentleman, not like?—”

“My father?”

Her eyes meet mine. “I was going to say other men. I really don’t think you young people understand how hard it is to date when you’re my age.”

I laugh. “You’re forty-five, that ain’t old. And since when were you datin’?”

She gives me an unimpressed look. “Forty-five may as well be ninety-five these days.”

“You’re a fox, Mom. In fact, I think I should screen all your potential dates.”

She sits at the kitchen island, a soft smile on her lips. I feel for her. She always wanted more kids but they were never blessed with any more. Sometimes I think my parents only got married because Mom was pregnant at eighteen. Maybe that’s why they stayed together as long as they did. I mean, they loved each other, but they just grew apart. My dad has always been married to his job, so it was always me and my mom doing stuff when I was a kid.

“Potential dates, as in plural? I don’t think so. I’m fine being by myself.”

“Ma, it’s been two years. It’s time to spread your wings. You just have coffee in a well-lit place during the day and don’t give him any details. Then if that goes well, you progress to lunch, then dinner and so on.”

She shrugs. “Dating isn’t as easy as you make it out to be. Things have changed since I was younger.” I add some half and half and then pass Mom her coffee. She takes it gratefully. “Thanks, honey.”

“So what’s up with West?”

She blows into her mug, taking a sip before she places it back down.

“Nothing’s up. We’re friends.”

I snort. I know from what Bronco just told me about his friend that that’s just a cover.

“You don’t like him?”

“Sure, he’s… nice.”

“Nice?”

“He’s very charming, but I’m not really sure I’m his type.” She puts a hand over her eyes momentarily, a soft blush covering her cheeks. “I’m not sure I should be discussing this with my son.”

“Why not? I might be able to help. By the way, I told him to treat you right.”

“He told me.”

I frown. “He told you?” So much for ‘bro code.’

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