Page 13 of Honey Trapped

I get a good vibe from Gianna. We click.

“I wouldn't volunteer if I did. She’ll be a huge help to me. Erik is a ball of energy. I’m counting on Lennon to entertain the little booger.” She laughs. “She probably already knows him from the daycare.”

“It’s just I’ve never sent her to anyone's house before. I’ve not tried to date since her father and I’m...”

“Hey, you’re nervous. I get it. I do. You’re young and gorgeous though. Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you can’t live a little. Tell you what. I live behind the clubhouse. You get there and decide it’s not for you then you can come hang with me for a little while.”

“Wait. I don’t even have my car.”

“Leave that to me. Stud will have your car ready by tonight. I can take Lennon home with me now. Ace will be coming to the Roadhouse anyway. He can give you a lift.”

“Ace hates me.”

“What gives you that idea?”

“He’s grumpy and moody.”

“Ace needs laid. He’s had a stick up his ass ever since Eileen pulled that shit on him from what I hear.”

“I can imagine. I had the not-so-great pleasure of meeting her last night.”

Her eyes widen. “No way. She was here?”

“I woke up early this morning or late last night or whatever to loud voices, and I was worried they’d wake up Lennon. So, I kinda went over there and told them to keep it down.”

“He actually let her inside?”

“Technically she was standing in his doorway. She seemed to have the impression that I’m sleeping with him which makes no sense considering I only met the dude yesterday.”

“How long have you been living here?”

“About a month or so. I guess he was out of town. We had dinner at his sister’s last night.”

“Hold up. You and Ace had dinner at his sister’s together?”

“Yeah, but it wasn't like that. I bumped into her at the store. She invited Lennon and me and he just happened to be there. It’s not like we planned it or anything."

“Interesting.”

“Not really.”

“You get Lennon a bag together in case you decide you want her to spend the night. No judgment. I’m just saying if you and my brother hit it off you never know where the night could take you. I’m going to let Stud know what’s up and arrange for Ace to give you a ride tonight.”

“Okay. If you’re sure.”

“Trust me.” Gianna puts a palm to her baby bump. “You might meet your Mr. Right tonight. Stud and I got together fast. It’s just the way things work around here. These men are hard to resist. Even Ace.”

“I doubt that,” I say, but she’s already going downstairs. “Right,” I whisper to myself.

Two hours. I can give it two hours. One drink. Two tops.

“Lennon, how do you feel about going to Gianna’s for a few hours to play with Erik?”

“I go pway. Take my doll.”

“Yeah, baby. You can take your doll. You want to get Hammie a carrot?”

She nods and takes off.

---