Page 57 of No More Secrets
Carter scuffed his big toe across the floorboards of the porch and smiled. “She’s ... something.”
“It’s good to see you happy.”
“Well, I was until my little brother announced he was moving in.”
“I’ll work for room and board if that works for you. I think Mom needs her space.”
“Don’t start that again.”
“You think you and Summer can contain your activities to the bedroom?”
“I’m not promising anything.”
“Listen. There’s something else I want to talk to you and Beckett about. Have time tonight?”
“Tonight? Yeah. Poker after? It’s been a while.”
“That would be good.”
“I’ll put out the word. In the meantime, you can take your pick between weeding the beans or figuring out why the tractor’s stalling out.”
“Dibs on the tractor. Just keep that demon hell spawn away from me.”
“You mean sweet little Clementine?”
“I hate that fucking goat.”
They went back inside and Carter rescued the omelets from Summer’s ministrations.
Jax was helping himself to coffee when the knock at the side door sounded. Joey ambled in, holding a travel coffee mug.
Carter shook his head. A week ago, he could have had breakfast buck-naked in the kitchen and enjoyed his solitude. Now he had a houseguest with benefits, a roommate, and Joey.
“Morning, Joey,” Summer greeted her. Joey took one look at Summer and her gaze darted to Carter. She smirked.
Everyone’s sex radar seemed to be working just fine today. He’d better avoid his mother. And anyone from town.
“Want some breakfast, Jojo?” Jax offered. “Carter’s cooking.”
Summer held her breath and Carter braced for the retort.
But the war didn’t come. “No, thank you,” she said politely. “But I’ll take some coffee.”
She didn’t make eye contact with Jax, but she did let him take the mug from her without braining him with it. Carter considered it progress. He winked at Summer. “Want to help me weed today, pretty girl?”
“Sure!” Those blue eyes sparkled at him and he had to resist the urge to kiss her. He was going to take a hit on this one. A hard one. But it wasn’t worth thinking about now.
Joey rolled her eyes at them.
Jax tightened the lid on her mug and handed it back. “Two sugars, right?”
She nodded briskly. “Thanks.”
“We’re playing poker tonight,” Jax said, pressing his luck. “You in? It’s been a while since I let you take my money.”
Joey frowned and took a step back as if she was trying to avoid being cornered. “Summer and I are going out tonight.”
“You are?” Carter and Jax asked in unison.
