Page 61 of Thrust & Throttle

“Getting you to take any kind of help. Jesus, it took you years to ask Savage and I for shit without feeling bad.”

I thought about what he said and then nodded. “Yeah, okay.” I served myself some pasta.

“So, getting back to these little Dukes you mentioned…”

“Forget I said anything.”

“Not likely. You mentioned kids.”

“Not really. I mean, I mentioned them in the generic sense. Not the actual sense. I’m not ready.”

“Ready for the actual kids or this conversation?”

“Duke,” I sighed. “Please.”

“Fine. I’ll let it go. For now. But just think of a little Duke with your hair and my dimples. Tell me that doesn’t do things to you.”

“It does nothing to me,” I lied.

“Okay.”

“Don’t sayokaylike that!”

“Like what?”

“Like you think I’m lying.”

“Youarelying.” He grinned. “I know your tells because Iknowyou. And you’re thinking about it.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“You’re ridiculous,” I said, but I couldn’t stop the laugh.

“I am.”

I was about to take a bite when my phone rang. “Sorry,” I said around my fork.

“Like you have to apologize.”

“Right.” He was a biker and constantly getting calls. I looked at my phone. “It’s Savage.”

“Answer it,” he said.

“And say what?”

“Whatever you want.” His eyes bored into mine.

I pressed the answer button. “Hey.”

“Where are you?” he asked.

“I’m out to dinner with a client,” I lied, wincing when Duke’s jaw clenched.

“Damn, sorry. I wanted to see what you were up to.”

“Why? Are you bored?”

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