Page 68 of Time to Bounce

Grimacing at the rude wake up call, I went to the door and opened it—but only after looking out the peephole to make sure it was who it was supposed to be.

After my brother had made that mistake and gotten shot for his troubles, I’d always made it a priority to know who I was opening the door to.

Opening the door, I said, “Where’s Tyrone?”

Callena smiled and pushed into my home uninvited.

I moved to the side to allow her entry without having to touch her, then closed it behind her when she said, “Wow, this place is beautiful. I would’ve thought you were an open floor plan type of guy, though.”

I didn’t respond, instead heading back into the kitchen.

Garrett and Boss were leaning against the counter straight across from us when we came in.

Callena’s eyes went to Garrett, and she paused, “Oh, I didn’t know you’d have company.”

“You called and told me you were coming over, and had very important news, at seven in the morning. I’m not quite sure why you would expect my house to be empty,” I pointed out.

Callena shrugged. “I guess I just thought it was early.”

“And early means people would be here from the night before,” I said. “Tyrone?”

“Oh, he’s coming,” she hedged.

Garrett pushed off the counter, and his eyes went to something over my shoulder.

I turned to find a sleepy looking Athena in my hallway looking at Callena, who’d moved closer to me at some point.

Her eyes went over my shoulder to see Garrett. “Uh, would you mind dropping me off at my place? It’s on the way to your work. I heard you talking about needing to go.”

Garrett looked at me before saying, “Sure.”

I gritted my teeth. “I was going to take you.”

And I hated that she was giving off a ‘stay the fuck away from me’ vibe right now.

What the hell?

“Yeah, but you look pretty busy.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And I need some work clothes. I forgot to bring them, and my boss, although cool, doesn’t like it when we show up not looking ready for work.”

I’d heard about her immediate boss, Blane. He was a good guy when he wasn’t stressed, but seeing as his job was very stressful, he made a lot of people nervous with his spasticness.

“I really do need to talk to you,” Callena put her hand on my arm.

I pulled away from her and walked over to Athena, who backed away.

I stopped and frowned. “Athena?”

She looked at Callena, then shook her head. “I’m gonna go. Have a good day, Gable.”

Then she was turning on her heels.

Her hair still stuck up in the back, letting me know that this was a very hasty retreat.

Goddammit.

Mother.

Fucker.

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