Page 7 of Seduction

“Yeah. Me, too,” I add wistfully.

“Where you at with that, man? You’ve been kinda quiet.”

“I just can’t do the mindless sex anymore, Gage. I need a connection. I need more.”

“I know what you mean. I didn’t realize something was missing until Raven.”

“Yeah. And Stony View is a tiny fucking town.”

“Between you and me, we’ve probably been through every woman here.” He chuckles.

“Close,” I agree.

“Don’t worry, man.” He slaps my shoulder. “You’ll find her.”

“I hope so.”

“Come on. Let’s go.”

I walk ahead of him, pushing the doors and stepping out into the bar. I look to the main entrance, my eyes meeting Ellen’s as she walks in. She quickly averts her gaze, and I watch as she makes her way over to Chopper and Mikey. She doesn’t stay, only collecting her son and trying to leave quickly. I stop her, blocking her before she can make it through the doors.

“Hi, Ellen.”

“Hey. Excuse me.”

She attempts to move around me, but I extend my hand, stopping her again. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.”

My gaze flicks to Mikey, and I reach for him. He comes happily, giggling as he leaves his mother’s arms. He’s a little replica of his mom, brown hair and blue eyes just like hers. His personality is all Eddie, though.

“Ice-tie!”

“Hey, buddy! Did you have fun with Grandpa?”

“Ya! We rided on his bike!”

“You rode on Grandpa’s bike?” Ellen grins, correcting Mikey’s grammar, unbeknownst to the kid.

“Ya! Can I have one, Momma?”

“Not yet, baby.”

“Please?” he begs.

“Maybe when you’re older.”

“Yay!” He turns to me, eyes wide in excitement. “I’m getting a bike, Ice-tie!”

“Cool! Tell you what. When you get that bike, I’ll teach you to ride it. What do you think?”

“Ya!” He nods eagerly.

“We should talk about last night,” I tell Ellen as I turn to her.

She takes a deep breath. “Look… I’m sorry. I was….” She shakes her head. “Emotional. I said some things I shouldn’t have. I was missing Eddie, and I took it out on you.”

“I understand. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”