Page 7 of Seduction
“Yeah. Me, too,” I add wistfully.
“Where you at with that, man? You’ve been kinda quiet.”
“I just can’t do the mindless sex anymore, Gage. I need a connection. I need more.”
“I know what you mean. I didn’t realize something was missing until Raven.”
“Yeah. And Stony View is a tiny fucking town.”
“Between you and me, we’ve probably been through every woman here.” He chuckles.
“Close,” I agree.
“Don’t worry, man.” He slaps my shoulder. “You’ll find her.”
“I hope so.”
“Come on. Let’s go.”
I walk ahead of him, pushing the doors and stepping out into the bar. I look to the main entrance, my eyes meeting Ellen’s as she walks in. She quickly averts her gaze, and I watch as she makes her way over to Chopper and Mikey. She doesn’t stay, only collecting her son and trying to leave quickly. I stop her, blocking her before she can make it through the doors.
“Hi, Ellen.”
“Hey. Excuse me.”
She attempts to move around me, but I extend my hand, stopping her again. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
My gaze flicks to Mikey, and I reach for him. He comes happily, giggling as he leaves his mother’s arms. He’s a little replica of his mom, brown hair and blue eyes just like hers. His personality is all Eddie, though.
“Ice-tie!”
“Hey, buddy! Did you have fun with Grandpa?”
“Ya! We rided on his bike!”
“You rode on Grandpa’s bike?” Ellen grins, correcting Mikey’s grammar, unbeknownst to the kid.
“Ya! Can I have one, Momma?”
“Not yet, baby.”
“Please?” he begs.
“Maybe when you’re older.”
“Yay!” He turns to me, eyes wide in excitement. “I’m getting a bike, Ice-tie!”
“Cool! Tell you what. When you get that bike, I’ll teach you to ride it. What do you think?”
“Ya!” He nods eagerly.
“We should talk about last night,” I tell Ellen as I turn to her.
She takes a deep breath. “Look… I’m sorry. I was….” She shakes her head. “Emotional. I said some things I shouldn’t have. I was missing Eddie, and I took it out on you.”
“I understand. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”
