Page 9 of Ash

But when her gaze locked with mine, my skin buzzed from the heat in the blue depths.

“This is Deedee,” I introduced the older woman. “She’s Rock’s old lady.” My chin bobbed toward the counter where he was working on receipts.

Turning back to the sweet woman I’d known since I was a prospect, I asked, “How’s things your way?”

Deedee laughed. “Zeke’s got his tail up. But what else is new?”

I tilted my head and glanced behind her at Rock, chuckling. “He’s all hat and no cattle.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Can’t argue with that.”

“He ain’t got nothin’ to fuss over. You’re shinin’ brighter than a diamond in a goat’s ear.”

Deedee’s face reddened, and she giggled before looking at Nora. “Silver-tongued devil, ain’t he? I swear, this boy could talk a cactus into blooming.”

“I’m guessing I would agree with you if I knew what you were saying,” Nora laughed. Then she looked between us again. “I know you’re speaking English, but…”

I laughed and ignored when Deedee’s eyebrows flew up and got lost in her hairline.

For fuck’s sake, I wasn’tthatgrumpy.

“Deedee is from Texas,” I explained.

Nora canted her head and stared at me. “That explains her accent and interesting vernacular. What about you? That doesn’t sound fake.”

I shrugged. “Grew up in Texas. I can whip it out when I want to.”

“Interesting.” The heat was back in Nora’s eyes, and I swallowed hard.

“How about two cheeseburgers with the works?” Thankfully, her question reminded me that we weren’t alone because I’d been real damn close to losing control.

“Sounds good,” I grunted, adjusting myself under the table, hoping to make things a little more comfortable in the groin. It didn’t work. My shaft was so fucking big and hard, I wouldn’t have been surprised if my long, thick cock burst through the zipper.

Deedee sauntered off, and I tried to think about anything that didn’t involve a naked Nora.

“Not complaining, baby girl, but you gonna tell me why the long face at the French restaurant?”

Nora stiffened, then sighed. “It reminds me of my life, I guess.”

Confused, I asked, “Your life?”

“Yeah. My parents…well, I grew up wealthy. My dad is the mayor of the town where we live. I spent my life in restaurants like that. Being the perfect daughter. Wearing the right clothes. Eating the appropriate food, with the correct silver.” Her nose screwed up in disgust before she admitted, “I had a freaking ‘coming out’ party!”

I chuckled, and she threw me a death glare. “It probably sounds ridiculous to you, but?—”

“Actually, I was laughing because I know how you feel.”

“Pardon?” She blinked her big blue eyes, observing me with skepticism. “You had a coming out party?”

Snickering, I shook my head. “Cute, little smart-ass,” I muttered. “Nah, but my father is a Texas senator. I was born with the proverbial silver spoon in my mouth. Or silver rattle.”

One corner of my mouth lifted when she giggled.

“My parents would do just about anything to cement their ‘family values’ platform. Including having a kid.”

Nora frowned and shook her head. “I’m sure they wanted?—”

“Nope.” I went on to tell her about my choices and how I ended up where I was. Happy and free.

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