Page 13 of Whiskey Kisses

Except for my nephew. Liam’s perfect.

“Still a space cadet, I see.”

I’ve been so caught up in memories that I haven’t been listening to Evie as we walk through the cramped alley leading to the sidewalk.Space cadet. I’d be a zillionaire if I had a dollar for every time someone called me that or something like it. “Sorry,” I mumble, guiding her to my left as a group of guys passes on our right.

We pause on the busy sidewalk, illuminated by the glow of signs and streetlights. There’s a lot going on. People wandering around with drinks, their conversations mingling with the bluegrass from a nearby bar. The roar of two Mustangs posturing at the red light. Street performers dancing for a small crowd at the end of the block.

And then there’s Evie in her chunky black boots and ripped jeans. Her silky, green tank top dips in the front, revealing a healthy hint of cleavage. She’s got line tattoos all along her right arm, too, but I can’t make out what they are in this light. I try not to smile, but … she’s so cute now. The tiny diamond in her nose glints as she makes a face. “What?”

I shake my head. “You want to grab a drink?”

“We just had drinks.” She waves at the alley leading to the Honey Hive.

Something fried and delicious wafts by, instigating a growl in my stomach. “How about a bite to eat? What’s good around here?”

“You know,” she begins, glancing over as someone catcalls from a passing car. “I probably shouldn’t be hanging with you, considering.”

“Considering what?”

“Whatever’s going down between your family and mine.” She folds her arms, like she’s protecting herself.

I’d like to say that has nothing to do with her, but of course, it does. Still, I take a step closer. “Let’s put all that aside for tonight.”

She narrows her eyes. “Why?”

“Because I’m hungry, and I’m guessing you know all the late-night spots.” I tamp down the urge to give her arm a light punch. We’re not kids anymore. “I want to hang out.” Her face goes slightly red. “With you.” Even redder.Interesting.

“You like Thai food?”

“I love it.”

“There's a great little Thai place a few blocks over.” She lifts her chin, a hesitant smile playing at her lips. “Best drunken noodles in the city."

“We driving or walking?”

“We can walk,” she says tentatively, like she’s still not too sure about this.

“You sure? I’m parked pretty close.”

“Yeah, come on.”

“So.” I walk beside her, matching her brisk pace. “Evie Knievel.”

“Oh, for the love.” She casts a sidelong glance my way, one side of her mouth tugged into a wry smirk. “Not that awful nickname.”

“You love it.” I grin. “You still obsessed with manga?”

A snort bursts from her like she wasn’t expecting that. “Not as much these days, but it’ll always be my go-to for comfort reading.”

“Your collection was insane back in the day. Do you still have all of them?”

“Tucked safely away in my closet,” she affirms with a soft grin. “You still into jiu jitsu?”

My heart thumps. It’s like thinking about an ex-girlfriend I’m not over, a sweet and sour mix of longing, regret, and hope. “Yeah, and MMA. I teach and compete back in Boston.”

Evie gapes at me. “Are you serious?”

“Yup.” I rub at my arm, the phantom ache tugging me to tell her everything. “But I’m recovering from a serious injury, so I haven’t been able to fight in nearly a year.”

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