Page 40 of Accidentally Falling
He snorts. “We’ll see.”
“And for being such a good sport, if I’m awake enough when we get back here, I’ll give you a blow job.” His eyes crinkle at the corners as I continue, “And if I’m too tired I’ll let you see my boobs and then you can get your blow job in the morning.”
“Looks like everyone wins, Tennessee.”
“I knew you’d see it my way.”
21
JUDE
They told me I didn’t have to bring anything but I felt weird going there empty-handed, so I stopped on the way to grab some beer. I’m not really a social drinker, just the occasional one at home if Deacon is around. Working at the bar makes it low on my list of priorities.
Plus, the nights where the taps are shit, I go home smelling like a frat party anyway and I stopped enjoying that a long time ago.
More times than not I end up at Arden’s, at least for a little while. It’s never clear when I walk in how she’s feeling—if she’ll be hostile or sweet—but I like both versions and, luckily for me, can handle them too.
My brother opted out tonight, said he didn’t want me to use him as an excuse to shy away from the group.
“Just you and me, huh?” I say to Dez even though he’s not paying attention to me, his head hanging out the window as we drive.
It’s not hard to find the fire once I pull onto the Greene farm, the sky lit up like the Fourth of July the closer we get. I slow thetruck down to a crawl the last few feet before throwing it in park, Dez’s tail wagging like a fan blade he’s so excited.
“Need any help?” Montana calls when I push the door open.
“I’m good, thanks,” I tell him, grabbing the beer and waiting for Dez to jump down. Instead of taking off into the field, he stays by my side as I walk toward the assembled group.
“Welcome,” Montana says, spreading his arms wide. “There’s pizza and beer, bottled water, and soda. You know everyone, right?” he asks, but before I respond he starts talking again. “That’s Archer, Jensen, Bodhi, and Mason. We’re a motley crew but you’ll get used to it.”
“Thanks, uh, for having me.”
Archer snorts and Montana elbows him. “Quit it.”
“Let’s get you a drink,” Jensen says as he nods toward the coolers and I follow him, Dez hot on my heels until he spots Bodhi.
“You guys settling in all right?” Bodhi asks as he squats down to pet Dez.
“Yeah, he’s great. Really chill most of the time and he loves Arden—even let her put pajamas on him.” The last part slips out without a thought and I wish I could take it back, not because I’m embarrassed but I don’t dosharing.
The guys all chuckle and Bodhi stands with a grin. “Looks like he’ll be ready when the baby comes.”
“Ellison wants to get another dog,” Montana says as he drags his hands down his face. “We don’tneedanother dog. Hell, we don’t need anything, but animals keep showin’ up.”
“I can’t wait for the maternity shoot,” Mason says with a wide smile that earns him a glare from Montana.
“Maternity shoot?” I ask because I had no idea that was something people did. Would Arden want to do one? Is that something I’d be a part of?
The questions are endless and I’m starting to sweat.
“It’s so good.” Jensen smirks over the top of his drink, earning another glare from Montana.
“She wants the goats to be in it,” he whines. “I fucking hate goats.”
“You say that,” Archer interjects, “but I think you’re comin’ around. You haven’t gotten bitten or chased in like three, almost four weeks.”
“Shut it,” Montana grumbles, shoving Archer as he goes to get a slice of pizza.
“You’re gonna let her do whatever she wants anyway,” Jensen goads.
