Page 5 of Biker On The Hill
CHAPTER THREE
–RYETT –
The scent of the beef stew I made teases my nose and makes my stomach rumble.I followed Evina’s recipe which she used to make whenever my mother and I came over.The last few weeks Evina was alive she didn’t eat much, except for a slice of bread and some strawberries.She loved my Italian vegetable soup, but the last few days she stopped eating completely.
Shit.The familiar sadness flares up in my chest.Why does every little thing remind me of her?The cat jumps away from the window at the sound of an approaching motorcycle.It must be Abbott, maybe he’s hungry too.
I stroll to the door and glance through the small windows in it to see Abbott park his bike.It looks like all he did in prison was work out, because the man has a massive muscled chest and arms.He’s wearing a white tank under a leather vest, and there are a few tattoos on his biceps.
He’s ruggedly handsome.I don’t know about the thick, brown mustache, though.I’ve never kissed, or so much as dated a man who had a mustache.Where did that thought come from?He’s my best friend’s brother who’s here to crash for a few days and help me around the house.Giving my head a tiny shake, I open the door to let him in.
“Welcome,” I cheerfully state and hold out my hand.“I’m Ryett Wescott.”
He closes the door behind him and reaches out to glide his palm over mine.Tingles shoot up my arm, making my heart leap inside my chest.I’m completely captivated by his warm honey eyes.
“Abbott Halst,” he rumbles.
His gaze stays locked with mine when he inhales deep.“Something smells fan-fucking-tastic.”
“Beef stew.I was just about to grab a bowl.I made enough if you’re hungry.”
The grin fully directed at me makes my breath catch.“All I longed for since I took my first step as a free man is a home-cooked meal, a hot shower, and a good night’s sleep.”
Pointing down the hall, I tell him, “First door on your left.The room is all yours for as long as you need it.There’s a connecting bathroom you can use, and I’ve already put clean sheets on the bed.You can take a shower now, eat later, or vice versa, whatever you want.”
“I’ll drop my bags in the room and join you for dinner if you don’t mind.”His honey eyes are once more giving me his full attention.
“Great.”I return his smile.“Come find me in the kitchen when you’re done putting your stuff in your room.”
Dragging my eyes from his, I make a quick escape into the kitchen.Wow.Clearly, I didn’t think this whole roommate offer through.On the other hand, who freaking knew my best friend’s brother could ignite tingles inside my body?Okay, I have to force myself to get my mind out of the gutter and steer it toward setting the table.
Ten minutes later we both have a steaming bowl of stew in front of us and are eating in comfortable silence.
Out of nowhere Mina jumps on the table between us and releases a loud, “Meow.”
“Motherfucker,” Abbott grunts, dropping his spoon into the bowl while shoving his chair back.
I have to contain my laughter, clearly I fail when it seeps into the words, “Don’t tell me you’re scared of a cat.”
“A little warning would have been nice.”Abbott drags his chair closer to me and away from Mina.
