Page 27 of Stone Cold Bad (Stone Brothers #1)
TWENTY-TWO
JADE
A my and I watched as Colt walked out the door in his tool belt and work boots. In an impromptu role reversal, women whistling at the construction hottie, we both made impressive attempts at a catcall. Colt stopped in the kitchen doorway and wiggled his ass before walking outside.
The door had barely shut when Amy reached over and took my hand. “Oh my god, I’ve never seen him like this. That boy is smitten, crushing, batshit crazy, whatever the hell you want to call it. How does it feel?”
I picked off a piece of pastry. “How does what feel?”
“To break through that stone exterior. Shit, you’re the first girl to ever do so.
Many have tried, believe me. I’ve even had girls become my best friend”—her air quotes followed—“just to get close to Colt.” She sighed and sat back.
“Wish I knew your secret. I had that date with Brock, the beer delivery guy. All I could think about was that stupid giant, Hunter. And he’s so fucking rotten to me all the time. ”
I pressed my hand over hers. “Amy, when you’re not looking, that man is keeping a close eye on you. Colt told me no other local guys would get near you because they’re afraid of Hunter. That shows how much he cares about you.”
“Yeah, sort of like having the plague. No one will get near me, but at the same time Hunter treats me like an annoying pest most of the time.”
“Then maybe you need to be the ice queen for awhile. Show him that he takes you for granted too much.”
She seemed to be mulling over my words. “I might try that. Brock asked me on a second date, but I haven’t decided. Maybe I’ll give it another chance.”
“Good idea.”
Amy’s phone buzzed, and she pulled it out of her pocket. She groaned with frustration as she answered. “Hey, Mom.”
She rolled her eyes and swirled her finger around by her temple.
I felt bad for her having to deal with her mom’s health all by herself.
It couldn’t be easy. “No one sprayed poison on the bananas, Mom. Just eat one. You’ll be fine.
” Her brows creased together, and she shook her head.
“All right. I’ll come home right now and make you a breakfast that hasn’t been tainted by poison.
” She put the phone in her pocket. “Good times, huh? I’m living with a crazy woman, and you’ve got a crazy man offering a bounty to find you.
But, at least you have Colt. I’ve got no one. ”
“That’s not true. You’ve got me, and I love having you as a friend, Amy.”
She reached over and hugged me. “You’re right. Enough of my pity party. I’ve got to go home and save my mom from the tiny green men who are lacing her fruit with cyanide. Now that you have a phone, we can talk anytime. I’ll call you later.”
I walked her out and sat on the small fence surrounding the backyard. Colt was up on the roof with a roll of black paper. Some of the shingles had been removed. They were stacked next to him.
“Where’s Amy heading?” he called down.
“Her mom thought someone put poison in the bananas.”
He shook his head. “Amy has the patience of a fucking saint.”
“Yeah, and not just with her mom.”
He glanced down at me. “What do you mean?”
“What the heck is the deal with Hunter?”
“Oh, that. Not sure. I never really know what’s going on in my brother’s head, but I can tell you, if Amy found someone else, he’d feel it like a kick in the gut.
” He hammered down some of the black material.
“Speaking of Hunter— he texted that he needs some help at the boat. He’s been working on the engine, and he needs another pair of hands.
” He looked over the edge. “I was hoping Amy was sticking around a little longer. Do you think you’ll be all right alone for a few hours? ”
“I’m sure I can manage. I was going to look through some of those old dusty boxes. Noddy had some cool stuff.”
“Good idea. And when I come back, I’ll start a fire.” He lifted a brow. “I’m looking for a complete repeat of last night.”
“A repeat?”
“Well, maybe I’ll mix it up a little to surprise you.”