Page 111 of Ryder

“How about we finish icing these cookies,” Manny helpfully puts in. “Before Uncle Harlem gets back and eats them all.”

That’s enough of a distraction to make him forget all about how babies are made.

Crystal gives me a ‘phew, that was close’ look and I chuckle into my hand. I don’t think we’re quite ready forthatconversation just yet.

Ade is especially affectionate for the rest of the afternoon as we thank Indigo and Harlem when they get back. Casey catches us on the way out of the shop after pulling an all-night shift.

“You know that job’ll kill you,” Pipes points out. He’s on a regular afternoon bakery pick-up for the guys in the workshop. They can’t get enough of Indi’s cupcakes.

“Really? I thought it was talking to you.” Casey gives him a sarcastic smile.

There’s no love lost between these two, even though at one point I thought the two of them had a thing for one another. I don’t know what happened, and I don’t want to know. KnowingPipes, it’s probably something to do with his revolving door. Then again, I haven’t seen him around many of the sweetbutts of late. I make a mental note to check out what’s going on there.

“Ha ha, hilarious. Why don’t you wear those cute scrubs you see on the TV?” Why he’s still talking, I don’t know.

Casey sighs like she’d rather have a conversation with a skunk than him. “Because I’m not a doctor, or a nurse, dipshit. I’m a paramedic.”

Pipes completely dismisses her tone. “Right. And the difference is?”

“Why are you so interested?” she demands, narrowing her eyes. “Thinking about a career change?”

He smirks. “Nope. I’m thinkin’ about what I need to do to get your hands on me again. Gettin’ shot isn’t out of the question.”

Again?

“What do you mean, again?” I arch an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Crystal agrees. “Are you two, uh, hooking up?”

Casey visibly shudders. “He’s delusional, obviously. I wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole.”

“Right, Case, you keep tellin’ yourself that.” Pipes gives her a side eye and she looks like she might just go right ahead and punch him. That I would pay to see. Pipes is a good guy, but his mouth gets him into trouble all the time.

“Clearly all those fumes from the workshop are going to your head, because it’ll take more than you getting shot for me to put my hands on you,” she retorts casually.

Pipes puts a hand over his heart. “Ouch. That cuts deep. I don’t really think you mean that.”

“Oh, but I do.”

“So if, God forbid, I get shot right here, right now, you wouldn’t do anythin’? Isn’t that breakin’ some kind of code of ethics?” Smartass little shit.

“The only code of ethics I’ll be breaking is knocking you on your ass.”

“You know she will,” Crystal sings. “She’s a black belt in karate. I’d give up now while you’re ahead.”

“You two good or do I need to referee?” I laugh.

This new knowledge only seems to spur Pipes on. He just won’t quit while he’s ahead. “I have a black belt in origami. Maybe we could swap moves?” He grins.

She gives him a decent amount of eye rolling before she quips, “Has that lame pickup line actually worked?”

“Not even tryin’ to pick you up, but if that’s the way your mind went, then that’s not on me.”

Damn douche canoe.

Casey ignores him, turning to her sister. “I’m free tonight if you want some company?”

Crystal smiles. “I’d like that.”

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