Page 70 of Here's to Now

“Have you met Haley yet?”

The mention of the woman I spent last night inside captures my attention, and then it sends me into a downward spiral consisting of image after image of a naked Haley and a naked me wrapped together. The last three months have passed in a blur, almost every day including some form of nudity with Haley. Whatever spurred us together that night was the best thing that’s happened in a long time—for the both of us. She’s smiling again, and I’m able to breathe. It’s been relieving in more ways than one.

I turn to Hudson, cocking my head sideways. “Huh?”

“Haley Kamden? She’s Rae’s sister. I don’t think you two have met yet.”

Oh, Hudson. Let me count the ways I know the woman. I know her know in missionary, from behind, on her knees with my dick in her mouth. Hell, I even know her in reverse cowgirl. Do Iknowher? Like you wouldn’t believe.

I must hesitate too long in my answer because Hudson lowers his brows and leans forward, his larger frame intimidating me. “Have you?”

“No,” I say too swiftly.

However, Hudson must buy it because he moves back, putting more space between us. “Right. Well, she’s joining us for lunch with Rae.”

In a surprising move from my boss, Hudson decided to close the shop down for the rest of the day and take us all out for lunch at Vern’s. Luckily for his wallet, only three of us employees could join him, the others having decided to head home early and spend some time with their wives and kids.

The biggest shock though is Haley and Rae coming together and joining us. They’ve barely spoken since Rae moved in with Hudson the day I slept with Haley for the first time.

“She…is?” He throws me another odd glance, which I definitely deserve, because I’m acting like a total fucking moron right now.Act cool, Gaige.Right. Easier said than done. “Cool,” I say casually…I think.

“Is she as cool as Rae?” Tucker, who is finally back from his tour, asks. “Because, dude, you fucking scored with that one.”

I want to tell Tuck how Haley is beyond amazing, but I refrain. Even though we’ve moved beyond “just friends”, we still haven’t come clean about knowing one another. Why? It’s fun, especially with this new…thing between us. Keeping it private and ours is better than anything else we have right now. We don’t have to be “on” with one another; we just are. So, we’ve kept it hidden, soaking in its freedom as long as we can. Besides, it’s not like we push away our friends or stop doing other things we were doing; we just spend the nights together whenever our schedules allow. No harm, no foul.

Hudson reaches over and smacks Tuck upside the head. “Of course she’s not, dickweed. My girl is one of a kind.”

“You can say that again.”

“My girl is—”

“One of a kind,” Tucker says. “We get it.”

Hudson smiles proudly. “Anyway, you assholes better be on your best behavior—especiallyyou, Gaige. Don’t scare her off with your scowling.”

“Actually,” Tuck cuts in, eyeing me closely, “ever since I came back, he hasn’t been scowlingenough. I’d like to think it’s because his favorite roommate has returned, but I believe something’s up with him. I think he’sseeingsomeone.”

“Shut the fuck up,” I hiss.

“Who is she?” Tucker pushes.

“No one, you dick. I’m not dating anyone.”

“Everything cool at home?” Hudson, the father of the group, says instantly. His back is straight and I canfeelthe curiosity pouring out of him.

“Yep. All good. I’m taking the kids out again this weekend for ice cream.” I chuckle lightly. “Wow. It feels surreal to say that. Just a couple months ago I wasn’t even permitted to stay there for more than a few hours without Mercy trying to find my ‘angle’ after everything that happened with Gunner.”

I’ve noticed lately that whenever things are going well with Haley, shit is right with Mercy. It’s like the two are roped together—or maybe I’m the link. Maybe whatever happens with Haley spins me into this whole new person, giving Mercy a new outlook on who I am.

Yeah. No. That sounds dumb.

“She’s a tough old broad. I don’t envy you,” Tucker says, taking a sip of the soda in front of him.

“Who’s tough?” Rae says as she pops in out of nowhere.

“Hey! You’re right on time,” Hudson says as he scoots over, allowing room for Rae to squeeze into the oversized booth with him.

My eyes land on the beauty with her hands stuck in her back pockets standing at the end of the table. I barely talk myself out of jumping from the booth, wrapping my arms around her, and giving her one hell of a greeting.

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