Page 58 of When the Storm Breaks
It hit a nerve, but I took a long pull of my beer to hide the expression on my face. I’d been sharing all my goddamn life and no, I didn’t like it. I fucking hated it.
“Hey. I was just joking. I’m all yours. For three and a half more weeks.”
She was always keeping a countdown, reminding me of how much time we had together. Didn’t like that too much either. I pulled her against me and gave her a light smack on the ass. “And don’t you forget it,baby.” She laughed and I shut her up with a kiss that verged on becoming something more. “Let’s go upstairs before—”
“Hey bro. Whassup?” With a loud sigh, I released Shiloh and she bit her lip to keep from laughing. I turned around to face my brother who had just walked in like he owned the damn place. His eyes lowered to my crotch. “Forget I asked. I can see what’s up. What’s for dinner?” He ran his hand over his washboard abs which were on display because somehow, not accidentally either, his shirt had conveniently ridden up. “I’m starving.”
“You sound just like Brody.”
“I’m better looking though.” He winked at her. Fuckingwinkedat her.
I exhaled loudly. Shiloh laughed like this whole thing was hilarious. I’d love to know what these two got up to during these ‘guitar lessons.’ Second though, I’d rather not know.
Since there were three of us instead of a cozy two, we ate at the table. And just when I thought Ridge couldn’t possibly find another way to get under my skin, he did. “What time do you want to head out tomorrow?” he asked Shiloh.
My head swiveled in her direction. The fuck? “Where exactly are you headed?”
“I told Ridge I’d take him to buy a guitar.”
“And I’m going to grab her those tacos she loves so she can stay in the truck and not be mobbed by any fans.”
“Win win.” They high fived like they were best buddies.
“Hold up.” I held both hands up. “First of all, what the fuck are you talking about? Guitars cost money, Ridge.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ve got some money saved up from my birthday.”
His birthday was in February and everyone in the family had given him cash. I would have thought he’d have already blown it by now.
He took another bite of his food and grinned. “Good gumbo, Shy.”
“Thanks Ridge.”
“That’s not enough money to buy a guitar.”
“I’m more than happy to chip in,” Shiloh said.
“You sure as hell are not going to chip in.”
“Brody.” Shiloh gave me a look I couldn’t read. What the fuck was she trying to tell me?
“I’m not looking for handouts,” Ridge said, his jaw clenched. “I’ve got the money for a decent guitar, maybe a used one. But you know what? Just forget it. Thanks for dinner, Shiloh.”
He pushed back his chair, stood up from the table and strode to the door.
“Ridge, you don’t have to go,” Shiloh called after him.
“Nah, yeah, it’s all good. And don’t worry about the guitar. I’ll figure something out.”
“Meet me here at ten tomorrow morning. We’re doing this. I’m not taking no for an answer, so you’d better be here, or I’ll come find you.”
“You sure?”
“I’m positive. Tomorrow we’re going to buy you a guitar.”
He glanced at me then at Shiloh and nodded. “Okay. See you tomorrow.”
After he was gone, I sat back in my seat and looked over at Shiloh. Her eyes narrowed on me. I crossed my arms over my chest. “What?”
