Page 42 of Wild Card

Bash just does something to me. Even now, when agitated with Clyde and me, a delicious pressure curls behind my hips, and I try to keep my lips from curving up in a smirk. Much like that night in the airport, his surliness amuses me. It lacks venom. It’s like a mask.

Sure, Bash and I are mostly strangers, but I can tell he’s all bark and no bite. I grew up with bite. And this? This isn’t it. Thisis stern on the outside and soft on the inside. This is a man who bristles and grumbles but folds when it matters. And if I had to bet, I’d put money on Clyde’s little heist working—and Bash won’t even stay mad at him.

Clyde adjusts in the bed, moaning like he’s in pain, one sun-spotted hand reaching across to lie across his abdomen. “She’s already been helping me,” Clyde says with a wince. “I don’t trust anyone else.”

I chuckle now because I’m going to give Clyde a goddamn Oscar later. He knowsexactlywhat he’s doing. But I quickly swallow my amusement when Bash’s head snaps in my direction.

Clyde isn’t the least bit put off, though. He carries on unperturbed. “Just because you gave me a kidney doesn’t mean that you’re the boss of me now.”

“Thank god,” Bash grumbles. “That’s a terrifying fucking prospect.”

I bite my tongue. I really, really should not laugh right now.

“She’s got nowhere to live. Nowhere to go. You’ll be working—gone, with fire season starting soon. You won’t even notice us.”

Bash’s gaze bounces between us. “Nowhere to live?”

I shrug. “I need to be out of the apartment here by the end of the month and haven’t made plans for where I’ll go next. I’ve put out some feelers and have started looking online, so I doubt I’ll be around for longer than a month or two. The timing is probably perfect if you really do need someone to help with Clyde.”

He glares at me like I’m a problem that needs fixing. And that feeling I’ve spent years running from—the one where I worry that I’m an inconvenience—rears its ugly head.

Of courseBash doesn’t want me in his home. If I stop and think about it, it’s unfair to even ask. He’s just forged arelationship with his son. Me living at his house? Red freaking flag.

So I tell myself what I always do.

On to the next stop.

Maybe this was meant to happen.

When life gives you limes…

“You know what? It’s okay. I can probably find something right away.” I slap my hands together as I turn to Clyde. “I’m very self-sufficient. I always land on my feet, and this will be no different.”

Clyde is about to interject, but I hold my finger up to silence him. “You will find someone more appropriate. I don’t want to burden you or Bash with?—”

“No. You’ll stay.” Bash’s deep voice cuts off my awkward ramble, and I freeze. For that matter, so does Clyde. In time, we both turn to look at him. Flushed cheeks, downturned lips, and crossed arms. “Two months. Not more.”

It’s not so much of an offer as a demand. One I don’t know how to respond to, nor do I get the chance. Because before I can come up with any other words to say, Bash gives a sharp nod and marches out of the room, filling out his sweats just as well from behind.

“Quit gawking at his ass,” Clyde whispers, making me snap my gaze away.

“I’m not. I’m looking at his back.”

Hegiggles. This grizzled old man giggles. Like a little girl.

My eyes narrow, and now it’s my turn to cross my arms and look down my nose at him.Suspicious. “Are you in pain?”

“Me? No. I’m on more drugs than I’ve taken in my entire life. I can’t even feel my face.”

I suspected before, but the truth of it dawns on me at once. At best, he’s stirring the pot. And at worst, he’s trying to play matchmaker. “You’re being a little shit-disturber, aren’t you?”

The man’s lips twitch, and he waves me off. “I’m just a frail old man, not long for this world. Let me get my kicks in where I can.” I shake my head at him in disbelief and he peeks my way with a wink. “Plus, his shit could use a little disturbing.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

BASH

The doorbell rings and I have to talk myself into walking toward it. Because I know who’s on the other side.