“I get it. I felt that way the first time I laid eyes on Gigi.” He snaps his fingers. “Happened just that fast.Bam.Never looked at another woman after her.”
“She’s got a kid,” I admit softly.
“A kid.” He lifts a brow. “Your buddy’s kid?”
“Yeah.”
He’s quiet for a minute, rocking on his heels, and I take another drag off my cigarette.
“That bother you?” he asks.
“Not a bit. She says the boy is just like Ryan.”
“The kid needs a father. Why not you, huh? You ready for all that?”
“Yep.”
“Really?” He drags out the word. “Because it’s not fair to get involved with this girl and her kid if you aren’t planning to stick around. I’d think long and hard on that.”
“I get your concern, but I already have. I’m not afraid of commitment.”
“You barely know this chick, and do I gotta remind you she was about to jump off a bridge not long ago? She may have emotional problems.”
“Then I’ll help her with that.”
“Brother—”
“TJ, I appreciate your concern. I do, but I’m doing this.”
“Okay. I just hope you know what you’re doing, man. She is a stripper. That doesn’t bother you?”
“No.” It’s a lie even I don’t believe.
TJ pulls a pack of smokes and shakes out a joint. “You got a light?”
I pass him my lighter. “You want to know something freaky, TJ?”
“What’s that?” He lights it and passes it to me after taking a drag.
Dropping my cigarette, I grind it under my boot and take the joint. “I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like Ryan put me on that bridge. That he keeps putting her in my path for a reason. First the bridge, then the cemetery, now here. You believe in shit like that?”
I pass the joint back, and he studies the glowing tip. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
My phone chimes with a text. I pull it out and glance at the screen. It’s Heather, and I grin.
HEATHER: Good morning, Cody. Are you up? I had fun last night.
I smile, and TJ glances at me.
“I take it from that stupid grin on your face that text is from her.”
“Yup.” I tap out a reply.
ME: I’m up. Standin’ next to my bike, thinkin’ about how good it felt havin’ you on the back of it with your arms around me.
HEATHER: I really had fun last night. I think you won the bet. I’m addicted to riding now, and it’s all your fault.
ME: Can I come over?
