Page 13 of Wizard's Spitfire

The day flew by all too fast. I had a surprisingly good time. So did Ma, Pops, and the girls. Valentina is mooning hard over Wizard, while Lucia can’t take her eyes off Crab. There’s only a two-year difference between them. Francesca, my fun flirt, teased Tully until his face was red as a beet half the day.

“Are you ready to roll, Ma?”

She smiles at me. “I am. I’ll round up the girls if you round up Pops.”

“So, you’re taking the easy job?”

She smirks at me. “You betcha.”

I do a quick scan of the perimeter. When I don’t immediately spot Pops, I head inside. Wizard gave me a quick tour of the bottom floor when I needed to use the facilities earlier. I hurry through the kitchen to the hall, then into their bar, Lagniappe.

I hear a few whistles and calls. Likesexy mamaorMILF. It makes me blush, but I don’t hate it. Pops finds me before I can find him.

“You’re causing quite a stir, Charlie girl.”

“It’s not my fault they all need glasses.”

“Hey, don’t talk bad about my girl,” Wizard says.

Surprising me by putting his arm around my shoulders.

“Your girl?”

“If I don’t claim you, all these neanderthals will start a chest thumping competition. It sounds hot, but it’s not. Not outside of romance novels.”

“What do you know about romance novels?”

“Stormy writes romance novels. Stormy St. James.”

“Does she write the Valhalla Marauders series?”

“She does indeed.”

“Charlotte, I have the girls corralled. Hustle, Hurl, and Honda are escorting them to the van. They wanted time to talk triplet stuff. Whatever that means,” I hear Ma’s voice behind me.

Wizard’s next words floor me.

“Gina, would it be a terrible imposition if I kept Charlie a few more hours? I promise to bring her home safely.”

“Only if you promise not to drink and drive,” Gina replies.

“Cross my heart,” Wizard says.

“Pops, are you ready? I’ll need your help with the girls.”

“I’m ready, Gina.”

Wizard turns to me. “It’s about to get wild. How about we go somewhere for dinner? I know this great Italian place.”

“I’m not dressed for anything fancy.”

“You’re dressed just fine. I’ll grab an extra helmet from the garage and meet you out front.”

“I need jeans and closed-toed shoes.”

“I’ve got some jeans that will fit, and I think we’re close in shoe size. You can see if mine or Tawny’s fit. I’m Athena, by the way,” a stunning Creole beauty says.

“Pleased to meet you, Athena. I’m Charlie.”

---