Page 24 of Blood & Ash

“Got a date with that sweet piece that started last week at Cooters & Hooters. I don’t do whatever in the fuck it is you’ve got going on here.”

“I’m not worried. I’ve got Buck and Lenora watching them.”

“Fuck. He’ll be asleep after his third beer.”

“That’s why I have Lenora serving him nonalcoholic. His old ass doesn’t know the difference.”

“Couldn’t pay me enough to deal with all that.” He shakes his head. “Sure you don’t want to run them all off and come out with me? I’m sure Krystal has a friend or two.”

“Nah, I promised Ashley I’d stick around for cake.”

“Fucking hell,” he mutters, then punches me in the nuts.

I double over. “Oof. What the fuck was that for?”

“Making sure you’ve still got a set.”

“Go before I murder your ass in front of Ashley’s friends.”

Goose holds his palms out while backing away.

Yeah, I’d be afraid to turn my back right now too if I were him. Fucker.

“Eek!” Ashley claps her hands, jumping up and down at the sight of her birthday present sitting in the driveway. “Be so for real right now. This is for me?”

“Figured you were tired of bumming rides. It’s time you got your own.” We just got back from her pool party at the clubhouse. I had a couple of the prospects wash and wax the jeep I’ve had at the garage for a fixer upper project that I never got around to.

“You’re the best.” She tugs me into a hug, pressing her face to my chest, and I reciprocate the gesture.

“It’s not a big deal. It’s used and has some miles, but it’s a good starter vehicle. If you back into something, it won’t be the end of the world.”

“I love it, but it’s too much.” She goes up on her toes as I move to release her. “Thank you.” Her lips meet the corner of my mouth, and I step back immediately. “I can’t thank you?”

“You can, but not like that.”

“Okay. It’s only weird if you make it weird, Blood.”

“I don’t want you getting the wrong idea.”

“Did you think I was coming onto you? Gross.” She scrunches her nose up and I feel like an asshole.

I’ve ruined what was meant to be a nice moment.

“You’re hot. Way hot, but I know better, and you used to hook up with my sister. It gives me the ick.”

“Good.”

She holds my gaze, her chinks blooming pink.

I swallow the lump in my throat. Goose is right. I need to spend time with chicks my own age.

“Don’t stay out too late.” I hand her the keys. “Be home by eleven. I’ll be checking the cameras later, so I’ll know if you try to lie.”

“You won’t be here?”

“I’m going out. Martina has Ash for the night at her place, but that doesn’t mean you can sneak that ass grabbing shithead over.”

“What?”

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