Page 98 of Love in the Storm

“He said we can all work on it. He even said he’d take me when you’re working or hanging out with Lyric. Isn’t that awesome?”

Asa glanced at Dawson, who gave him a thumbs-up. Smooth move sliding in some time for him to spend with Lyric, but she’d been going with them to the garage and seemed to like watching and listening to Jacob talk about the ins and outs of car mechanics.

“That is super awesome,” Lyric said. “Our present isn’t going to measure up.”

Jacob gasped. “You got me something?”

Asa ruffled Jacob’s hair. “You really thought we didn’t get you anything for your birthday? It’s waiting at home.”

“Let’s go!” He started to run off before doubling back to tackle Dawson in a bear hug. “Thank you for my present.”

“It’s my pleasure, kid. You’re the best man for the job.”

Jacob ran back past Asa and grabbed his hand. “Come on. We gotta go.”

“I’ll be right there. You go say your good-byes to the people who are still here.”

The quick pace of Jacob’s footfalls bounded down the hallway, leaving Asa with Lyric and Dawson.

Asa clapped a hand on Dawson’s shoulder. “Thanks for that.”

“Anytime. I can take him over there tonight if you want.”

“Actually, he’s staying with Danielle’s parentstonight, but I bet he’ll be ready to head to the garage by sunrise.”

Dawson wiggled his eyebrows. “Does that mean you two get some alone time? In case you can’t tell, I’m trying to move this train along.”

Lyric chuckled and wrapped her hands around his arm, scooting closer to his side.

“I was hoping she’d let me take her out on a date,” Asa said.

“A date? What is that?” she asked sarcastically.

“When a man and woman want to find out if they love each other?—”

“We already love each other,” Lyric said.

“Well, in that case, he just buys you dinner and takes you stargazing or something equally romantic.”

Lyric looked up at Asa. “I’ll take a rain check on the stargazing until after the weather warms up. It still gets chilly at night.”

“Dancing?” he asked.

“Oh, are you going to Barn Sour? Can I come?” Dawson asked.

Asa tilted his head. “Seriously?”

“Come on. The more the merrier,” Lyric said.

Okay, it seemed Lyric had a double dose of kindness tonight because Asa wasn’t as willing to share her during the stolen moments they had alone.

“I might see if Olivia is up for going out.”

“Yes!” Lyric said. “I think she’s still here if you want to go find her.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Dawson said with a wink. “See you two later.”

Lyric slid her hand down Asa’s arm to grab his hand. “I need to get back to cleaning up. I’ll have to go back to Betty’s to change before we go out.”

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