Page 24 of Coming Up Aces

“We can borrow Brick’s truck.”

“Brick?”

“Sorry, Branson. Brick is his biker name.”

“He and Lynette seem like nice people. I didn’t sense that she’s a shifter.”

“Lynette is human, and they are one of the best couples I know, and I know many. As for the garden,” Ace tapped the diagram. “Could we make it wider to include more rows?”

“Absolutely.” Rayna picked up the pencil and sketched how it would look. “I didn’t want to dig up half your backyard without asking.”

“It’s not like I use the space for anything. The more garden, the less mowing I’ll have to do.”

“I love to mow. Honestly, I love anything to do with the outdoors. It stems from my childhood. I couldn’t help Gran cook since I sucked at it, so while she was in the kitchen, I took care of the yardwork.”

“Who does that for her now?”

“She does. Gran might be close to three hundred, but she’s active and able to do anything she pleases.”

“That’s wonderful. Say, what time does the garden center close?”

Rayna glanced over at the stove. “In about an hour.”

“Let’s place an order for everything you need, and I’ll ask Branson to pick it up in the morning and deliver it to you while I’m at Oasis. I shouldn’t be gone all day, and when I get home, I’ll help.”

“He won’t have a problem with me being here?”

“Not after I explain who you really are and why you’re staying with me.”

“If you’re sure. I don’t want to cause trouble.”

“Branson and Lynette take in those who need a place to hide out, so he’ll understand.”

Ace led Rayna to his office and booted up his laptop. He had her place the order with the garden center while he called to ask Branson if he minded picking up their order after he explained who Rayna really was. Branson had questions, and Ace answered them all honestly. Once he was satisfied they could trust the agent, Branson said he was glad to do it.

With that taken care of, Rayna asked, “What do you normally do at night? Do you read or watch TV?”

“I drink and look at the stars. It’s not very exciting, but…” Ace shrugged. He wasn’t an exciting male.

“I could use a drink.” Rayna winked at him, and something fluttered in his gut. Plenty of people flirted with him. Hell, Kristoff had, but never had Ace felt a stirring from a wink.

“Then follow me.” Ace led her to his den where he told her to pick her poison.

She opted for tequila and asked, “Do you have limes in the fridge?”

“I do. Warryck Lazlo’s mate taught me how to make delicious margaritas, so I try to keep the ingredients on hand for when I’m not drinking straight from the bottle.”

“Do that often, do you?” Rayna didn’t sound judgmental, just inquisitive.

“More than I should,” Ace admitted. “But with my shifter metabolism, I never get sloshed.”

“I’d love for you to teach me the recipe. I do love a good margarita.”

“No time like the present.” Ace grabbed the Casamigos Blanco, and they retreated to the kitchen.

“You’re talking about Kerrigan, right?” Rayna asked as she settled next to Ace to watch.

“Yeah. How did you know?”

---