Page 59 of Ride the Lightning

Royce blew out a whistle. “I can’t really tell you much, and what I know is tainted by Eddie. He used to make a lot of scathing remarks about Jerry’s Christianity. Looking back now, my old man just seemed jealous of Jerry’s life. My aunt Tipsy had always said nice things about Jerry. Namely, she’d say my mom married the wrong Locke brother. I trusted my aunt’s instincts more than anyone’s. I should get to know Jerry better now that he’s back.”

Jonah perked up. “He’s moved back to Savannah?”

“Yeah. Jace ran into him recently. Jerry and his wife are both retired now. One of their kids moved to Savannah for work, and they moved too because they wanted to stay close to the grandkids. You should definitely talk to Jerry about his employees at the time. Maybe he can tell you more information about Earl’s brother and father.”

“Or anyone else on the crew Earl might’ve gotten close to while working for him,” Jonah said.

“He gave Jace his phone number, so I’ll get it for you.” Royce checked the flow of water into the drain. “I think we’re good to go now, big guy.”

They worked together to remove the old tank and set the new one in place. Royce pumped his fist in the air when everything lined up correctly, and he didn’t need to cut or solder anything.

“Maybe your luck really is changing,” Royce said.

“I deserve a break after the crazy week I’ve had.”

“It’s only Wednesday,” Royce pointed out. “Plenty more time for fuckery to ensue.”

“God, I hope not,” Jonah said. “What do I owe you for your time?”

“I don’t accept money for helping my friends,” Royce said, patting him on the back. “I will accept food or booze, however.”

“Sounds like a backyard barbecue to me,” Jonah said. “Do you prefer ribs, steaks, or chicken?”

“Yes,” Royce replied.

Jonah laughed. “How does Saturday sound?”

“I’m not aware of any plans, but I’ll check with Sawyer and let you know when I get Jerry’s number for you.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Ro.”

“Anytime, big guy.”

It felt like the most protracted few hours of his life while waiting for the tank to fill and the water to heat up so he could take a long shower. He vowed to never take hot water for granted ever again.

When he stepped out of the shower, he found Avery sprawled on his bed. “Kendall said I could come up. I hope you don’t mind.”

Kendall hadn’t been home yet when Jonah got in the shower, so he must’ve arrived minutes before Avery showed up.

“Mind?” he asked, loosening the towel around his waist and dropping it to the floor. He strolled to the bed, loving the way Avery’s gaze raked over his body.

“It was a bit presumptuous of me,” Avery said breathlessly.

Jonah stopped at the side of the bed and ghosted his fingers over Avery’s heated cheeks. He took Avery’s right hand and placed it against his hardening erection.

Jonah slid his hands in Avery’s hair and placed a kiss on his neck. “How was your day?”

Avery’s breath hitched. “It sucked because you weren’t there.” Jonah’s heart tripped over itself. “Do you really want to talk shop tonight? I can think of better ways we can spend our time together.”

Jonah popped open the button on Avery’s jeans. “Such as?”

Avery released Jonah’s balls to pull his shirt off over his head before reaching for his zipper. “You wrecked my ass good. I felt you all day, and I want you to make sure I feel you again tomorrow.”

Jonah stilled Avery’s hand so he could be the one to strip him bare. “You wrecked my world, so we’re even.” Jonah placed Avery’s hand on his chest. “Just don’t wreck my heart.”

Avery’s eyes widened as if it never occurred to him that Jonah would give him that kind of power. “Never,” he whispered.

Could it be that easy?