Page 38 of Double Trouble

“Hey, you can just drop me at Tanner’s.”

“Ooh, okay,” Aislynn says, not missing the opportunity to make it awkward. I put a hand over my face as Mad plops back down against me.

We’re at my apartment within ten minutes, and Aislynn gives us a wave as we hop out. “Have a fun night and use protection.”

“You too,” I tease, getting a stunned look from Tristan. I know he’s gay, but the joke lands well with Aislynn, who tosses her head back and laughs.

We grab our boards and my camera from the truck bed and tell them both thanks a million times before they head off. Mad curls in on herself, running her hands up and down her arms. It may be summer, but nights can still bring a chill to anyone in short shorts.

I kick her board into my hand and carry all our stuff toward my apartment. I’m on the second level, so we climb a few stairs before she offers to take her board so I can get my key in.

I really hope it’s not a disaster. My desk is covered in cords, and I’m pretty sure there’s a basket of unfolded laundry sitting on my couch. I did take the garbage out this morning, at least.

“Tanner,” Mad says through a laugh, and I give her a sideways glance, my hand on the doorknob. “I promise, I don’t give a shit what your place looks like.”

“Now who’s reading minds?” I tease, then hold my breath as I push the door open.

I flick the light on to my apartment, my stomach a nervous knot as I watch her reaction. She’s in my space now, and I wasn’t expecting it and had no time to plan for it either. I was right… I have a laundry basket on my couch… but Hawk must’ve knocked it over, and all my clothes spread out on the floor. My desk is covered in clutter—cords, flash drives, and empty Dr. Pepper cans and bottles. My helmet sits on the floor near a pile of shoes I try to kick to the side, like that’ll help hide them.

Mad’s eyes are lit with amusement as she takes in the small space.

“What?” I ask, bracing for the assessment.

“Nothing.”

“Come on, I can take it.”

She tilts her head toward me. “It’s not nearly as bad as you made it seem.”

Bull shit. “There’s crap everywhere.” I throw out a hand to my mess.

“But it doesn’t smell. And that laundry looks clean.”

“It is… but you haven’t seen the bathroom yet.”

“I’ll hold it.” Her eyes trail down to my leg, and I feel a couple of claws dig into my knee. Before he makes the climb, I pick up my cat and hold him in my arms.

“Who’s this?” she asks, reaching for his ears.

“Hawk.”

“As in… Tony?”

“The very same.” He meows and climbs up to my shoulder, nibbling on my ear. “He’s a bit clingy.”

“And very handsome.”

“Careful,” I warn as she continues to rub the guy. “He attaches easily.” Something we have in common. I pry him from my shoulder and move him to the couch, shaking my head at the mess he made of my clothes. I crouch down, gathering up the piles. “So…” I ask Mad, “why don’t you want to go home?”

Her smile fades, and she toys with the hem of her shirt. “Can we… not talk about it tonight? I mean, I just had a killer day, boarding and being with you—”

“Car breaking down…”

She wrinkles her nose at me. “Despite that, it’s been the best day I’ve had in a while, and I’d rather not think about my family right now and how much they piss me off.”

I let out a laugh and set the now-full basket on the other side of the couch. “Okay. So, movie?”

“Or we could get to know each other better.” She takes a step toward me, setting her hands on my chest.

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