Page 8 of Double Trouble

“Pete’s moving out. I need extra hours at the ranch, which will suck up my board time, and I will not let you risk your job just for me.”

He makes a blah blah blah motion with his hand, and I give him a shove.

“I mean it! This one-time thing will be a one-time thing.”

“You can’t give it up, Brink.” He levels me with his gaze, turning on serious Tanner that I can barely take seriously. I try to suppress the smile creeping on my lips. “I will not let you give up something so important.”

My heart warms in my chest, and I feel the urge to give him the biggest hug, but we’re both pretty gross right now. He thinks I’m always thinking about other people, but Tanner seems to always think about me.

And he called me my favorite nickname, and he did it on purpose, damn it.

Memories of watching the old Disney movie flash in my head. Dad had passed out on the couch and left the remote in my control, and I saw Brink and his gang boarding up and down Southern California.

They skated for the fun of it—it was a major plot point—but when I realized a person could get paid to board, I thought that would be the best job ever.

I was nine years old. Here I am, sixteen years later, still chasing after that career. I don’t even care that it won’t last forever. Whether it’s an injury or age that puts a stop to it, I want to board until I no longer can.

Shit, I don’t care about the stink. I’m hugging him, anyway.

I put my chin back on his shoulder and wrap my arm around his waist, giving him a purposeful squeeze from the side. “I’m pretty sure you’re my favorite person.”

A wobbly laugh pops from his mouth, and I quickly let go in case it’s my stink that’s causing him to shake so hard.

“Does that mean you’re taking me up on the offer?” he prods.

“It’s not a yes.” I bend for my helmet and straighten to my feet. “It’s not a no either.”

“Then I’ll send you my schedule for next week.”

I kick my board into my hands and elbow him lightly in the back. “Come on. I’ve risked your job long enough tonight.”

He quirks a grin and follows my lead, and we board out of our illegal activity. Normally I’d be relieved to be leaving, but I can’t help but feel the anticipation rising in my gut for when he sneaks me in again.

Guess I am saying yes.

I’m gonna do it.

I’m gonna tell Brink I love her.

I’ll get inside, flop on my couch with my grumpy old cat and my phone, and just text the hell out of her. I’ll ask her out. For tomorrow even. I’ll hold her hand. Board all night. Kiss her on her doorstep.

Yes, tonight is the night.

I key my way into my studio apartment, and Hawk greets me the second I step inside and flip the light on.

“Hey bud,” I tell him, bending over with a scratch behind the ears. He’s too old now, but he used to prop up on his hind legs and stretch out till I picked him up. I set my board down, shut the door, then pluck him into my arms. He’s all dead weight, letting me take care of holding him upright. Lazy bum.

His body rumbles against my chest, his purrs calling to the fast cadence of my heart. “Damn, boy,” I say, my grin permanent since I left Troublemakers. “It was a hell of a night.”

I drop down on my back, the worn couch cushions providing a less comfortable landing than I’d prefer, but hey, I could’ve fallen on concrete and even that wouldn’t damper my spirits.

“She hugged me tonight,” I tell Hawk. “Legit hugged me.”

“Mrreow.”

“Right?” I settle him on my stomach and give his back a good rub. “Think I’m gonna ask her out. Just do it. No flare… just a text for a date. Thoughts?”

Hawk stretches out, his paws tapping my chin lightly before he curls them under his bulky chest. I quirk a grin at the dude and tuck my hands under my head.

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