Page 18

“What question was that?”

“What you’re up to today.”

“Just heading over to my parents’ for brunch and then working at the bar tonight.”

He sighs. “Are you driving right now?”

“Yes.”

“Seriously?” he groans. “Are you just going to ignore the fact that I’m a cop?”

I giggle, switching my phone to the other ear as I turn down my parents’ road. “What are you going to do, Officer Wheeler? Hunt me down?”

“Don’t tempt me,” he growls and I laugh, my heart racing at the thought of seeing him again.

“I’m sorry,” I say, trying my best to sound sincere. “Do you want me to go? I could hang up right now…”

“No, don’t do that.”

Pulling up in front of my parents’ house, I sigh because I know I’m going to have to hang up but I really don’t want to stop talking to him.

“Well, I just got to my parents’ so I’m going to have to go.”

He sighs. “Okay, baby. I might stop by Moe’s to see you tonight. I’m not sure I can wait until tomorrow. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about taking a girl out on a date… ever.”

All the air whooshes out of my lungs and my eyes grow wide, my heart pounding a beat in my ears. We haven’t even gone out yet and this man is sweeping me off my feet.

“I don’t know what to say. You’ve rendered me speechless,” I tell him and he chuckles.

“Well, that wasn’t my intention but I can’t say that I don’t like it. I’ll see you soon, Emma.”

I nod. “Bye, Ryan.”

Hanging up the phone, I sink back into the seat and close my eyes, unable to wipe the huge smile off my face. My heart feels light, like it’s floating away. Ryan is so damn charming and it’s crazy but I feel like I’m already falling for the man.

A loud bang echoes through the car and I jump, a yelp flying out of my mouth as I slam my hand over my heart and open my eyes. Tucker stands on the other side of the glass, his head thrown back in laughter, and I narrow my eyes at him. What a pain in the ass.

“What’s got you so happy, Emmy?” he asks as I climb out of the car. I slam the door shut and shrug, struggling to keep my face neutral.

“Nothing.” The last thing I need are my brothers on my case about Ryan.

“This about the guy who bought you new tires the other day?” he asks and I turn to him with wide eyes. Who the hell? Moe… of course.

“No,” I grumble and he laughs, throwing his arm over my shoulders.

“Liar.”

We walk into the house, the smell of bacon, eggs, and pastries greeting us and my stomach growls. One thing I hate about living on my own is that I don’t get nearly enough of Mama’s cooking anymore.

“Who’s a liar?” Daddy asks, coming toward us.

“Hi, Daddy,” I say, smiling as I pull myself out of Tucker’s grasp. He smiles down at me, his blue eyes twinkling as he wraps me up in a hug and I breathe in his signature motor oil scent. Most people wouldn’t find the scent comforting but he’s owned his own shop for as long as I can remember and it’s always something I’ve associated with him. His salt and pepper hair is pulled back into a ponytail and his goatee looks like it needs a good trim.

“Hey, baby girl.”

“Emma’s a liar,” Tucker says, cutting into our exchange and I shoot him my best glare but he just grins at me. Ass!

“This about the young man Moe was just telling us about?” Daddy asks and I scoff, rolling my eyes. Of course everyone knows about Ryan already.