Page 8 of Blake Marshall Says He Needs Me

“Shelby said it started with a w. Don’t act like weed wasn’t what popped into your head,” I said defensively.

“Fair enough,” Charlie laughed. “You were the only one brave enough to say it, though.”

“Story of my life,” I sighed. I leaned against the kitchen island and folded my arms over my chest. “This what we’re doing tonight?” I asked.

Wilder slide a beer to me. “Drinking and watching a movie sound like a good night to me.”

“I brought chicken,” Charlie added. “Seemed like the right thing to do. I did leave the girls with a twelve-piece and two dozen biscuits, too.”

“I’m sure Shelby is in heaven,” Wilder chuckled. He nodded to the beer. “You not drinking?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Not into it tonight.”

“Fair enough,” Wilder laughed. “I’ll drink your share.”

“Careful,” Charlie laughed. “You’re gonna pass out and dream about sheep.”

Wilder flipped off Charlie and reached for the bucket of chicken. “Better than owning fifty dozen chickens.” He grabbed the bucket and the beer he slid to me. “Now, let’s watch a movie before I need to go out and check on Ba for the night.”

“You check on the sheep?” Charlie laughed. “He’s a sheep. As long as he’s got grass to munch on, I’m sure he’s fine.”

I glanced knowingly at Charlie. Wilder bitched about Ba, but he was the one always checking on him and whatnot.

Wilder wouldn’t admit it, but he was into the whole farm life Shelby was wanting. I was down with it, too, as long as it stayed in the pasture and not in my house.

“I just make sure he’s okay,” Wilder shrugged.

Charlie shook his head. “Sure, man. I know the little dude probably appreciates it.”

“Maybe Shelby should look into getting the guy a friend,” I suggested.

“Don’t put that on me, Blake. If she buys Ba a friend, he’s going to stay with you,” Wilder threatened.

I motioned toward the pasture. “Dude, there is plenty of room for Ba and a friend.”

“And you can call him first name Lamb, last name Chop,” Charlie laughed. “Or Ba Ba. And for each lamb you get after them, you add another Ba.”

“You guys are so damn funny,” Wilder sneered. “Get in the living room and don’t even mention another sheep, or I’m gonna start talking about stuff you guys don’t like.”

“Come on,” Charlie called. “We’re just having fun.”

“Yeah, you know you love Ba,” I laughed. Even I enjoyed having the little guy around.

“Oh, if we’re just having fun, then let’s talk about the sleepless nights you’re about to have, and for more fun, we can talk about Shannon, huh?” Wilder looked from Charlie to me. “Fun, right?”

Wilder pointed at Charlie.

“I’m well aware that I am going to get zero sleep in the next couple of years, so we do not need to talk about it, okay?” He grabbed the box of biscuits and headed to the living room. “I would like to talk about Shannon, though.”

I held up my hands. “I’m done.” I did not want to talk about Shannon any more than I had the past four months. “How about we do not talk and we enjoy some chicken?” I suggested.

Wilder slapped me on the back. “The sooner you talk about her, the sooner we’ll stop bringing her up.”

I rolled my eyes and moved into the living room. “What do you want to know?” I grunted. I flopped onto the couch and grabbed a leg from the bucket of chicken. If they were hellbent on talking about Shannon, then I would give them what they wanted.

“You really lose your virginity to her?” Charlie asked.

“Yes,” I grunted.

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