Page 23 of Stick Play

“Lovely.”

I wink at him. “I had a bit extra. Not enough for a meal, but definitely an evening snack.” I set the bag on the table. “It’s on the house.”

“That is awfully kind of you. You’ll have to let me thank you somehow.”

I grin, his words reminding me of how I’m always trying to thank Ash for all he does for me.

“Just knowing you’ll enjoy it is thanks enough.”

I leave him to his meal and check my phone as I head to the kitchen to help Carla clean up. We get only a few stragglers in the next half hour, so I head back out to clear the gentleman’s dishes. Worry gnaws at me, but I didn’t tell Ash he had to check in. I don’t want to call and have him think I don’t trust him to handle all three kids.

A loud noise on the front window, right where Grant is sitting reverberates through the café. I swivel and the second I see Ash there, tissues stuck into both nostrils as he points an accusatory finger at Grant my heart nearly stops.

What the heck is going on?

8

Ash

What the ever-loving fuck is my dad doing at Gina’s café. I tear off my glove, tap on the window, hard, and his head lifts. “What are you doing?” I ask even though I’m sure he can’t hear me through the glass.

He gives me a wide, innocent look—but I know him well enough to know he’s up to something and that something is no good. I shake my head, and swear to God if he’s messing around in my life, and of course he is, I’m going to strangle him.

My gaze leaves his and meets Gina’s as she walks toward him. Her steps slow, and when her eyes go wide with worry, I remember I have two tissues shoved up my damn nose. Dad just shakes his head at me, barely worried, because it’s nothing he hasn’t seen before.

Gina comes running to the door as the kids press their lips to the window and blow. They’re laughing and joking and Tate is practically falling over from exhaustion, as the door flings open and Gina stares at me in shock.

“Ash. What the heck? Are you okay?” She rubs her arms as a gust of cold wind rolls down the street.

“Yeah.” The only thing hurt is my pride. Okay, and my nose. It fucking hurts too, but I’m too embarrassed to admit it. That’s what I get for acting like a big kid, but dammit, the sledding looked fun.

She steps closer, her head bobbing around as she examines me. “Is it broken?”

“No. Yes. I don’t know.” I’d broken my nose before, numerous times, and it always hurt like hell. Probably more than it hurts right now. I touch it and wince. “I don’t think so.”

“Come in, come in.” She ushers us all in, and the kids kick the snow off their boots before they trudge inside, bringing a burst of cold air with them. The delicious scent of coffee reaches my nose and I guess that’s a good sign that I can still smell…and breathe.

“I want hot chocolate.” Tate’s eyes are drooping in their sockets and I’m a little worried he’s going to faceplant on the floor any second.

Gina points to the corner. “Yes, you three grab a booth and get out of your wet coats.”

They all collapse at a table, and Gina calls for Carla, asking her to bring three hot chocolates and a glass of water with ice.

She examines me again going up on her toes, and her breath is so warm on my face, it makes me sleepy, and aroused. “What happened?”

“A bump happened,” I grumble, more focused on my grinning father than Gina’s concern. He’s going to hear about this from me when we’re alone. What does he think he’s doing anyway? When I went to his place and he wasn’t there, I should have known he was up to his meddling ways. I never should have called him last night to let him know I had to stay over at Gina’s.

He wipes his mouth with his napkin and stretches his arms over his head, like he’s not in a hurry to go anywhere. Seeing me with a nice woman and a handful of kids is all he’s ever wanted.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“Ash,” Gina scolds. “He’s a customer. Can you remove those tissues so I can have a look.” She takes my arm. “Actually here. Sit down.” She guides me to the table beside my father’s and starts lightly pressing my nose.

I try to jerk away. “It’s fine.”

“Stubborn.” Dad chuckles. “Told you so.” He leans toward me, to examine my nose.

“What’s that?” Gina asks, her eyes narrowed in on me, as she picks up a napkin, and dabs it in the water Carla just set down.

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