Page 113 of Music City Diaries

Bubba hadn’t been as quick, and I wondered if it had more to do with protecting me or his stubbornness. He was folding in small ways, giving me hope that he’d come around eventually and accept Maddox as a brother.

Nothing physical had developed between Maddox and me yet. In some ways, I needed more from him before I gave him my body again. But mostly, I wanted the guys to accept him fully, honoring the bonds I’ve built with them.

As I watched Brooks and Maddox work on a car together, it felt like this was possible. That this could be my life.

Grayson peeked his head into the office, pulling me from my daydreaming. He smiled, setting off the butterflies that had taken up residence in my chest.

“Hey, Sunflower, can you pick up lunch? I thought I’d be able to get away, but the call with the tire representative is in ten minutes.”

“Yeah, no problem. Anything in particular?” I asked, standing from the desk.

“I called it into that Chinese place you like so much.” He winked, walking closer to pull me into his arms.

“This feels like a bribe,” I teased.

“Me? I’d never stoop to such measures to get you into my bed. I’m a man of honor.”

Giggling, my eyes felt like they were leaking emotion all over the man. “You keep telling yourself that, Pretty Boy. You’re all tease.”

He bent down, whispering low into my ear. “I thought you liked it when I made you come so hard your legs shook? Or was I mistaken?” Grayson lifted his eyes, daring me to say no.

“Yes, well, that has nothing to do with honor,” I said, trying to recover. My pussy throbbed from his words, the ache growing the longer he looked at me.

“I promise tohonoryou with several orgasms. How about that?”

I cleared my throat, nodding. “Yeah, that could work.”

He smiled, leaning down to kiss me. “Hurry back.”

Taking the keys from his outstretched hand, I waved to the others as I headed outside. Shielding my eyes, I hurried to the truck and lifted myself up into it. I’d gotten more comfortable driving the machine since I’d been with the guys. But I still preferred my bike. The thought of carrying containers of Chinese food while driving wasn’t a good one, though, so I’d suck it up and use the truck.

The garage wasn’t far from the strip mall I’d gone to the first day. I pulled in, avoiding the pawn shop. That place still gave me the creeps.

Parking a little closer, I hurried across the lot toward the restaurant. My stomach growled when I walked in, the smells sending me into a hunger frenzy.

“Hi,” I chirped when I spotted the kind woman from my first visit.

“It’s you!” She smiled, waving me forward. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been great. Thanks again for looking out for me that day. It was very kind.”

She waved me off, her cheeks heating. “Same order?” she asked.

“Actually, a call-in order for PB Mechanics.”

“Oh, he is a very nice man. Good tipper.” She winked before walking back to grab the bags of food. “Good choice.”

Laughing, I thanked her and took the food from her, promising to come back with Grayson someday. I wondered what she’d think if she knew I was with three guys.

Smiling, I waved as I headed out the door laden with two bags of food. Walking carefully, I focused on each step I took as I approached the truck. A chill ran down my back, and I looked up, searching it out. Nothing stood out, but I quickened my pace, wanting to get back to my guys.

Tossing the food into the backseat, I climbed in and pulled out, barely stopping to put my seatbelt on. Once I was out of the parking lot, my heart slowed, my chest easing the further I drove. I didn’t get far when the truck tilted, a grinding sound filling the space.

“Shit,” I cursed, pulling off to a side road. Climbing out, I grabbed my phone and called Bubba since Grayson had his work call. He answered in one ring, making me smile.

“My Queen,” he said, his voice soft and husky.

“I love when you call me that,” I said, smiling. “So listen, it’s probably nothing, but the truck made a weird sound when I left the Chinese restaurant. I pulled off onto that side road. Can you come and check it out? I don’t want to drive it more if something’s wrong.” I walked around the front, looking at the tires. When I got to the rear one, I saw what was wrong.

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