Page 10 of Honey Trapped

“My frand.” Lennon shoots off the back patio, barefoot into the grass toward Ace coming from his side with a weed eater.

“Hey, Lemon.” He almost cracks a smile.

“Wennon,” she huffs, throwing an attitude with her hand on her hip.

“I don’t know, bud. Your face looks like you just licked a lemon.” He chuckles and she comes marching toward me.

“Didn’t realize you two were out here. I’ll come back later.”

“Oh, its fine we were getting ready to go for lunch at the place in town the Dairy whatever.

“Dairy Bar.”

“Do you want anything? I mean I don't mind picking something up for you. That is if you want me to.”

“I wouldn’t turn down a chocolate shake.” He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a money clip.

“No. My treat. For...um cutting the grass.”

“Babe,” he starts, and my heart skips a beat at the sound of the endearment coming from him all raspy and sexy. “I own the place. I take care of it regardless. Let me buy you ladies your lunch to make up for last night.”

I nod. “Do you want to come with us?”

“Just bring me back a shake.”

“Will do. Thanks, Ace.” I snag the fifty-dollar bill from between his fingers.

Lennon and I pass through the house so I can grab my keys and force her to put some shoes on her feet.

I check the mail and relief floods me when I see that its empty then lock up. I go to buckle Lennon in her car seat when I notice I have two flat tires.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

“Come on, kiddo.”

I go around the side of the house and go through the gate just as Ace is about to fire up the weed eater.

He raises a brow at me. “Forget something?”

“I have two flat tires, so I guess I won't be needing this.” I go to hand his fifty back, but his eyes have grown dark as though a storm is brewing in his gaze. “Next time.” I shoot him a weak smile,shrinking back from the murderous expression spreading over his features.

“Gimme’ a minute.”

“Um. Okay.”

He digs his cell out of his back pocket of his jeans that fit him just right. Ace has a nice ass for a grump. “Stud? Yeah. It’s Ace. You busy? Right. Got a car at my place needs towed in. New tires. Where’s the prospect? Need him to pick up lunch. Dairy Bar.” He pauses and looks at me. “What do you two want to eat?”

“You don't need to do that.”

“Lennon, whatcha eat? Chicken?”

She nods.

“Three chicken strip baskets. Three chocolate shakes. Right. Thanks, man. Yeah. Bill it to me.” He ends the call and before I can speak, he’s making another call. “Don't honey me. No, Eileen. I’m not calling to apologize. Want to know what the hell is wrong with you that you’re going around slashingtires like you’re in grade school? Yeah, I know it was you. How? You just told me by asking about Norah’s car. Fuckin’ ridiculous.” He shoves his phone back in his pocket. “Listen, Stud is gonna pick your car up and take it to the garage. Get you sorted. Lunch is coming.”

“Thanks, but I can't afford all that with the car.” I made it this far by selling anything that wouldn't fit in my car when I fled Nashville.

“Servicing it is on me. Eileen will be paying for the tires.”

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