Page 68 of August

“Cheer up, buttercup,” August said, winking at Ghost. “We get to spend the day together.”

“Just what I always fucking wanted. A sausage fest.”

“Don’t lie, dude. I can see right through you.”

Toth groaned. “Oh, man. C’mon guys. I don’t want bloodshed in the Tahoe.”

“Can we hurry already?” Ghost grumbled.

“On it.” Rami pulled away from the curb and merged with traffic. In minutes they were on I-5. In just over an hour, they’d be in Anacortes.

August couldn’t fucking wait.

CHAPTER 21

To say that being babysat as a grown-ass woman was annoying and degrading was an understatement. The laptop was hot on Gigi’s legs and she’d been keeping herself busy talking to Ivy.

Her sister was with their parents right now. Rami hadn’t wanted to leave her home alone while he went to San Juan Island, nor had he wanted her to stay at the safe house. Which was too bad because Ivy’s company would’ve made the whole uncomfortable wait so much more tolerable.

Alas, she didn’t want to endanger her sister, either. Even though August had assured her she was perfectly safe, the twins’ being in the same place might be too much temptation for the cartel. So they’d settled for an hour-long phone call, during which Ivy had practically tried to plan Gigi and August’s wedding.

Ridiculous.

Nonetheless, Gigi’s cheeks still tingled from laughing so much and probably freaking glowed from the conversation. August wasn’t ready to propose. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe that. But she was happy with how comfortable and easy their relationship was, ring or no ring.

Time would tell.

She stretched then stood and paced to the window. The sun shone brilliantly. Buildings blocked out some of the harbor and mountain views, but the sight was still breathtaking. She wanted to feel the sun on her skin. To be outside strolling with August, holding his hand as the leaves changed colors.

That wouldn’t happen today. But that didn’t mean it would never happen.

For now, she’d focus on cooking. Her grocery order would be here any minute, and then she’d start peeling and slicing potatoes. She was going to make cheesy scalloped potatoes. One of her family’s favorites, the recipe had been passed down from her grandma, and it’d been almost a year since Gigi made it. She’d serve pan-fried chicken and asparagus with it.

They still had brownies left over for dessert, but she really wanted to feed August’s soul after what would surely be a stressful day, so she’d ordered a ton of apples for apple crisp.

Her stomach growled. Turning, she went out to the kitchen. She hadn’t even said hello to Taschen, which was kind of rude, but she’d been busy on the phone and he likely had better things to do than chat with her.

“Hey.” Taschen lifted his head from his computer as she rounded the island. “Hope I’m not bothering you.”

She waved him off. “Not at all. Thanks for being here.”

He scoffed. “You and I both know neither one of us wants to be here right now.”

She smiled, and her annoyance at being left behind softened. “That’s true. August was pretty adamant I stay here.”

Taschen propped his chin on his fist. “Probably smart. They’ll be quick.” He looked at the clock on the wall. “Aren’t you expecting groceries?”

“Yup. Should be here any minute.” She told him what she was making and his eyebrows rose, making the scar on the side of his face stretch an inch.

“Damn, that sounds good. You’re making me hate single life.”

She chuckled. “Well, I’ve got leftover tikka masala and brownies. Are you hungry?”

“Hell yeah I am.”

She grinned and went to the fridge. A few minutes later she had a plate heated for him.

“You’re not having any?” he asked, as he swept a pile of chicken and rice onto his fork.

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