“Yeah, that’s a Knight in a nutshell.”
I can pick up on Sterling’s voice. “Heard that, asshole.”
“Heard that too, you halfie!” I shout back before hanging up when I realize I might’ve just shouted into my girl’s ear.
My hand pats my keys again. I could key that emo fucker’s Valkyrie right now, and we’d see who gets the last word in.
***
Footsteps echo down the stairs, then the hallway.
I glance up from the Ford in time to catch Em, basket looped over her arm, glasses slightly crooked like it’s not obvious they sneaked a kiss, or more, on the way down here.
Lix follows a step behind her, a tad slower, still getting used to trusting his balance again. He probably doesn’t think anyone notices, but I’m sure Em insisted she carry the picnic basket, because of course she could tell too.
And now, my feet are moving real fast to them, just to make sure I can catch Lix in case he pushes himself too hard.
Without Kys in his system, moving upright’s looking tougher on him. I always have the pills somewhere on me, unless I’m naked in bed with him. Pretty sure I can keep him happy horizontal.
I greet ‘em, kissing Em on the cheek, fixing her glasses, and taking the basket from her. But Lix’s eyes go past me, ignoring my smooch-mode lips for what’s behind me. Rude, but fair ‘cause the second his eyes land on his cruiser, he stops.
“Holy shit,” he whispers.
He crosses the space and reaches for the handlebar. His smile breaks wide, eyes shining, and shoulders trembling like he’s holding back a laugh or a breakdown or both. God, I hope it’s not a breakdown. I might cry with him.
“She’s perfect, Stan,” he says, shocked in a good way. “You kept her for me?”
“Yeah,” I reply. “Figured she deserved better than collecting dust someplace else.”
Lix laughs under his breath, hands on his hog. “Fuck. Thank you, Stan.”
I shrug, even though I can’t fight back my grin. “Someone’s gottabe the responsible one around here.”
Em steps closer to me, so I slide my arm around her shoulders. She leans in nice and easy, and we stand together watching Lix reunite with his ride.
Bending down to whisper in her ear, I ask, “How ya holdin’ up? Been nauseous lately?”
She turns to look at me, brows knitting. “How could you have known that?”
Shit. I shrug too fast, too casual. “Sue me for noticing you, gorgeous.”
Her gaze stays on me, and for a moment, I’m sure she’s about to connect the dots I don’t want her connecting yet.
Change the subject, Stan.Now.
“So,” I say, clapping my free hand on my thigh, so loud that it echoes. “Who you riding with today, doc?”
Lix turns back toward us, interest piqued. Em adjusts her shoulders under my arm, looking like she’s considering this seriously, like there’s actual stakes. The garage feels too quiet now, the flickering light overhead buzzing like it’s invested in the outcome.
My pulse picks up.
Honestly, this is a big fucking deal. Way more than it probably should be.Butlisten…
Whoever Em picks, it’s gonna mean something. Favorites. Feelings. Maybe messy shit.
I hold my breath, waiting, hoping she says my name, already rehearsing how I’ll act all cool about it if she does. I close my eyes, imagining me holding a shiny trophy that says “doc’s favorite dick.”
Ha ha! Take that, Lix!
