Page 13 of The Rowdy Ones

He snorts out a laugh. “Like just now? What a surprise.”

A small giggle escapes me. “I had no idea. I’m so bummed now.”

“Mom, learn to warm a lady up first before you drop bad news on her. Sheesh.”

Gwen chuckles at our exchange. I realize I’m still holding Weston’s hand. With more heat flooding my cheeks, I tug my hand free and stuff it in my jeans’ pocket.

“Destiny’s waiting on her ride, but I thought we could have coffee first. Want some, honey?”

Weston makes a gagging sound. “Pass. Got a Coke instead?”

As Gwen busies herself, I carefully step toward where I remember the seating area to be. My shin bumps the coffee table, letting me know I’m close. I shimmy around it and sit on the sofa. Then Weston plops down beside me. He’s a big guy, much bigger than me, and I nearly collapse into him since he’s so close and weighing the cushion down.

“Sorry,” I choke out, scooting a bit farther away.

“I’m not.”

The flirty tone in his voice sends butterflies dancing in my belly. He doesn’t give off terrible vibes like Jace did. Plus, he’s Gwen’s son. I bet he’s a great person. As terrifying as it is, I make a vow to myself that I’ll give these people a fair shot to be my friends. I’m tired of letting my fear control me.

“This looks painful,” Weston says, gently touching my wrist and turning it upward. “Get in a fight while chopping veggies?”

I appreciate him making light of it.

“Something like that.”

“Put my number in your phone,” he says softly. “Maybe you can tell me about it sometime.”

I think I’d like that.

Where is she?

It’s already ten past four and Destiny hasn’t come out. I’m tempted to go on a hunt for her.

And embarrass her?

I scrub my palm over my face and force myself to breathe. This morning, when we took her to see Gwen, she’d looked so determined. Dare I say excited? I’ll be damned if I’m the one who takes that away from her.

Destiny deserves something good in life. Something that’s all hers. She’s had shit thrown at her for a while now. I want her to be happy.

At least I was able to come pick her up alone. I don’t have a license or any sort of identification for that matter, but I do know the chief of police, Will Knox. If I get pulled over, I’ll have Uncle Atticus call his brother Will and get me off the hook.

I drum my fingers on the steering wheel and glare at the front doors, willing Destiny to appear. Still nothing. Annoying. My phone buzzes, distracting me.

Wild: Do you have anything nice to wear? I mean, the whole lumberjack vibe will be someone’s yum, but I have a reputation to uphold. If not, borrow something of mine.

Glancing down at my red-and-black flannel under my coat, I frown. I was just going to wear what I’m wearing. Regular clothes. Having to be something I’m not has a spike of anxiety shooting through me.

Evan never cared about what you wore…

Don’t think about him.

Don’t fucking do it.

My mind wanders to a time when he ripped at my shirt so hard, buttons flew everywhere. We’d both laughed through our kiss that quickly turned to moans.

And now my dick is hard.

For fuck’s sake.