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“Sure, when a non-direct donor offers a kidney, and then someone from that person’s family offers to donate to the next, and so on. They’re a nightmare to organize apparently because of all the added variables. It’s why we haven’t considered it. Our insurance ruled it out because it’s almost impossible to get right.”

“What if it could be organized and funded without the insurance companies?”

Lucas shakes his head. “I told you I ain’t taking your money.”

I grip my friend’s shoulder hard, needing him to hear me. “Lucas, don’t be a stubborn fool. I have more than I can spend. You’d do the same for me in a heartbeat, and you know it. Let me help you, please? I can put a call out on social media andhave people lining up to get tested. Let me do this for you and for Joey.”

Tears glint in Lucas’ eyes and Nico leans in and grips his other shoulder.

“Listen to him, Lucas. Let us help you. We’re family and there will surely be a time when we need you and you’ll be there.”

“I can never repay you. I can try but it would take years. But if it’s what it takes, I’ll try.”

I nod at Nico. “He’s right, we’re family, and fuck you for even thinking about paying me back. Joey is my godson and I love him, and family don’t repay shit like this.”

Lucas blinks and I feel a little choked watching my friend struggle. We’ve never been those friends to get sentimental, but we all know that one word is all it takes and we’re there for each other.

“Thank you. Let me discuss it with Sam first. I need her on board, too.”

Letting go of Lucas’ shoulder, I sit back with a nod. “Good call. Happy wife, happy life or so I hear.”

Lucas smirks as he tips his bottle up to his lips. “No truer word, my friend.”

We shoot the shit a bit longer and then we say goodbye. I know Lucas wants to get back to his son and I have my appointment with Kendal. As I walk down the street, I realize Lucas never did tell me how Laney was handling her ex-boyfriend and what her plans were for a place to live and work now.

Getting closer to Ink Tank, I hear raised voices and wonder if Rusty and Kendal are fighting again. Lucas’ brother-in-law, Rusty, is a big guy but it’s his girl Kendal with the temper. I’d seen those two fight like cat and dog verbally but the love between them is undeniable.

Pushing through the door, I hear a man screaming at a woman that she’s a bitch, just as a blonde-haired vixen barrels around the corner, running straight into me.

“Where you going, spitfire?”

4.Laney

When I liftmy head ready to tear into the stranger who had bumped into me, I never in my wildest dreams expected to have this reaction or for it to be Eddie Crowe. When his big hands wrap around my upper arms to steady me, my mouth falls open and no sound comes out as my brain processes him.

“Hey there, spitfire.”

The sexy smirk on his lips makes my belly flop and I struggle to get my brain to re-engage. God, he’s hot. Tall, broad shoulders, biceps that flex when he moves, and he’s sporting a cowboy hat to boot. This man was my walking crush as a girl growing up and not just because of his thick hair and deep brown eyes that you could drown in forever. I always had a thing for cowboys growing up and my wall was littered with posters of those wranglers with the thick thighs, and asses that you just wanted to take a bite out of, but this man and his gravelly voice had been my number one.

If my crazy heartbeat is any indication, that silly crush is still alive and breathing. My only comfort is that I now share that crush with thousands of other women who got on board the cowboy romance train and, more importantly, the Country music superstar that is Eddie Crowe.

Pulling myself together only takes seconds, but it feels like forever as I stare at the man who is still holding onto my arms like he hasn’t realized he can let go just yet or maybe doesn’t want to.

“Sorry, I should have been more careful. Are you all right?”

His voice is like melted caramel dripping over crushed glass, smooth but with just enough of an edge to make me want to squeeze my thighs together and close my eyes.

Before I can answer, I catch sight of Randy storming toward me, his face slightly puce from anger. I should feel bad for what I’ve done but the way he responded, and tried to gaslight me into making me believe it was me in the wrong, proved how right I was to get my revenge.

Petty. Yes, but then I never considered myself perfect.

“Don’t you walk away from me, Laney.”

Randy reaches angrily for my arm and, before I can pull back, Eddie steps between us, blocking him from getting near me. His arm is out to keep me there as I grip his forearm, his big body shielding me from Randy’s reach.

“You got a bit of temper there, buddy.”

Randy drags his gaze from me and looks up at the man with a frown of confusion. Rusty and Kendal walk from the back and clock us, but neither of them look surprised to see Eddie Crowe in their shop going to bat for me.