Page 61 of Truck Off

“And how exactly do you have it covered?” she whispers.

“You’re going to tell me everything. Once I know the story, I’ll devise a plan to deal with Charlie. Either way, he’ll never threaten you again.”

She pulls her head back, so our eyes meet. “And why will I tell you everything? You’re not exactly my favorite person.”

This woman. She has me all tied up in knots. She has no idea how much her feistiness turns me on. “Because we’re playing for answers, and I’m gonna kick your ass at pool.”

She snorts. “Doubtful. But I’m looking forward to watching you try.” Then she pushes against my chest, putting distance between us. I immediately miss her heat. “Break the rack, Pollyanna.”

My grin grows as I slowly back away and head to the front of the pool table to kick off our game. Just as I lean over to position my stick in front of the cue ball, Ash rounds the corner and enters the game room with a pretty brunette next to him. They’re close, with their hands linked. My eyes immediately dart to Clara.

The hurt that takes over her expression has me cringing. Ash is such an idiot.

Before anyone can say anything or even acknowledge that Ash is here, Clara pushes to her feet. “I’ve gotta go. I forgot my mom asked me to help her with something.”

She pushes past Lina and is almost to the doorway when Ash grabs her arm. “Don’t go. I want to introduce you to my girlfriend.”

Clara forces a smile and looks at the woman beside him. “Sorry. Please forgive me, but I have to leave. Maybe next time.”

Clara pulls her arm free and disappears into the main room of the bar before Ash can stop her. He turns to us with a confused look on his face. “Is she okay?”

Sophia shakes her head. “Ash, you are truly a blind dumbass.”

Then she takes off after Clara.

“What did I do?” he asks, looking even more confused than he did a moment ago. “What just happened?”

“Nothing, man. Nothing.” Liam rubs his hands over his face to stifle a groan. Then he smiles and walks toward them with his hand held out. “It’s Andrea, right?”

“Yes.” She smiles and takes his offered hand. “It’s so nice to finally meet you all. Ash has told me so much about his family. I feel like I know you already.”

Ash makes the rounds, introducing Andrea to everyone. We all welcome her, despite the impact her presence had on Clara. It’s not Andrea’s fault Ash is an idiot.

Lina steps up next to me and leans in close. “Is this a Mutter thing?” she asks.

I raise my brows, not following her train of thought. “Is what a Mutter thing?”

“That you’re all dumbasses? Anyone with eyes can see that Clara has a thing for him. He has to know that.”

I sigh. “Sadly, he doesn’t. And no, it’s not a Mutter thing. It’s a man thing. We’re all dumbasses.”

“Clearly.” She shakes her head and then shoves my cue stick at me. “Come on, Pollyanna. Let’s get this game started so I can kick your ass.”

I press my hand to my chest and scoff. “You wound me.”

She rolls her eyes. “I did no such thing. Now break ’em.”

Lina moves to the opposite end of the table while I lean over to position myself for the break. Instead of watching the ball, I lock my eyes with hers. She’s trying to hide it, but there’s a hint of humor dancing behind that stare. She’s enjoying herself and that pleases me immensely.

I take my shot. The cue ball hits the rack with a loud crack and the balls spread out around the table. Three go into various pockets—two stripes and a solid.

“Looks like it’s stripes for me.” I grin as I take my next shot. I make the next two shots before I miss.

Lina steps up to the table, calling out her first shot with barely a glance at the position of the balls. Before that shot even hits the pocket, she’s calling out her next shot like a practiced pro. She does this over and over again until all her balls are in the pockets.

She turns to me and grins. “Eight ball, corner pocket.”

She points her stick in the motion she intends to send the ball and then leans over in front of me, pointing her ass right at my crotch. She gives it a seductive shake, causing me to groan. A deep, throaty laugh escapes her right as her stick hits the cue ball. The cue ball ricochets off the side rail and hits the eight ball with a loud clunk. Seconds later, the eight ball sinks in the corner pocket.

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