Page 50 of Love Is Ale You Need

“You didn’t have to do that,” I say as I walk past and out to the parking lot.

“It’s a date and I always pay for my dates.”

I spin around, walking backwards. “This wasn’t a date. I can’t have you buying me tires. Or anything. You shouldn’t even be buying me a table.”

Trey grabs my hand, halting my progress. “I did it because I wanted to. And when I asked if this was a date, you told me if I say so and I’m saying so.” He shrugs. “Plus, your old tires were shit. I didn’t want to find out you were in a car accident because you blew a tire or lost traction.” He tugs me closer so we’re chest to chest. His thumb brushes over my cheek sending a flutter to erupt in my belly. “Just say thank you. And if you want, you can pay me back in orgasms.” He smirks.

I bark out a laugh. “I’m not prostituting myself for tires.”

He rests his forehead against mine, dark steely gray eyes with swirling flecks of silver meet mine. “But is it prostituting if I’m giving you the orgasms? Because that’s equally enjoyable.”

I'm unable to hold back my smile. It’s like a permanent fixture whenever he’s nearby. “Thank you.”

Trey always distracts me from any problem I’m having. He spins it around and lightens the mood. He makes it easy to forget how many obstacles I face on a daily basis. I guess, to me, it’s just life. I don’t know how to handle anything else. He’s thrown my world completely off its axis. I’ve spent so many years doing everything myself, it’s hard to accept help. I lift my gaze, and his eyes are soft and sincere. He’s doing this because he wants to. Because he cares. But it’s hard to convince myself of that. I tamper down those feelings because I know he won’t have it any other way. Brick by brick he’s managing to tear down my carefully constructed wall, and it’s terrifying because at the end he’ll be gone, and I’ll be left in the rubble. Alone. Again.

SEVENTEEN

KHAKIS DON’T GET YOU LAID

Trey

The gash in her tire didn't look like it was caused by debris on the road—it appeared intentional. Sure, it’s a possibility something from the road caused it, but my gut says otherwise. I contemplate if I should say anything to Rylee or not, since I don’t have proof. I don’t want to cause any extra stress in case I’m wrong. She doesn’t have any enemies. None that I know of, anyway.

While changing her tire, I inspected the others and all of them had almost no tread. Since we were going to the tire shop, I was buying her four new tires. The ones she had were beyond unsafe. They were approaching dangerous, and I want to make sure she and Abby are safe. No way was I going to have it on my conscience if something were to happen when I could prevent it. She’d never take my offer, so calling it a date was my excuse. She can be mad at me, but I wasn’t taking no for an answer. Not on this. But I knew deep down, she wouldn’t be mad at me.

I didn’t know what she would say when I asked to meet her daughter. It’s a big step, like meeting the parents, but I want to be involved in every facet of her life. I can understand her hesitancy, so maybe I can twist it so it’s less like a date and more like two friends hanging out.

I close the fridge, screw off the top from my bottle of water, and swallow a gulp. Staring at me is a birthday invitation to Adventure Land. Sunday at three o’clock. This might be the perfect opportunity to meet Abby. I pull my phone from my pocket, find the correct number, and press call.

“Hey Seth. So, about the birthday party…”

“Oh yeah. Parisa wants me to ask you if you got the birthday present list for Maddox?”

“I did, and don’t be surprised if I bought everything on the top half of the list.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know. It’s just what I do.” I tap my fingers on the counter. “But also, I wanted to ask, is there an option for a plus one. Technically plus two for the party?”

“What do you mean?”

“I want to invite Rylee and her daughter. If that’s cool?”

“Yeah man, that’s cool. We have plenty of food, probably too much. She’ll just need a ticket, though.”

“I got it covered. Thanks. I’ll see you on Sunday.”

I hit end. One problem solved. Now on to the next, though I suspect this one will take a little more convincing. If anything, I’m up for the challenge. I pull up my messages and type on the screen.

Trey

Good morning gorgeous. What are you wearing right now?

It’s 7 a.m. and I know Rylee hasn’t gotten up yet, so I’m hoping she’s wearing some skimpy pajamas that I can picture for the rest of my day.

Miles

Khakis and a navy blue polo. Beautiful.

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