Page 8 of Her Wild Ride

“The trio dropped it off.” Johnny spins a chair and straddles it. I can’t help the naughty thoughts of straddling him from flashing through my head.

“They’re likely laced,” I mutter.

“Laced with what?” Otto lifts out an oozy pastry.

“The love spice. What else.” I roll my eyes.

“I don’t remember you being so cynical about a spice your family promotes.” Johnny sips his dad’s coffee.

I ignore him. He damn well does know. I blabbered all about lacing his cupcakes. “What time is Billie getting home?”

Otto takes back his mug and sets it on the same counter he leans against to eat his breakfast sweet. “She said a couple weeks.”

“What do you mean a couple weeks? She’s helping with your booth at Boo Fest this weekend. She literally dragged me on board, and then she takes off?” I huff. “Typical Billie.”

“I can help.” Johnny pats a napkin over his facial stubble, which is new and beautiful.

“No.” I say it too fast. Even Otto sends me a curious look. “Hallie can help, I’m sure.” Billie’s teenage sister might be the spitting image of Billie, but their personalities are polar opposites. Hallie wouldn’t take off from a prior engagement.

“She’s working extra hours at The Handmade Tale,” Otto says between bites.

Johnny claps his hand. “So it’s settled. When do we leave?”

I open my mouth. Johnny scrapes the chair loud enough it drowns out my objections. Purposely, I’m sure.

He leans into my hair and whispers, “Nice outfit. Bex the badass suits you.” He struts away. All muscles and masculine and cocky. “I’m going to say hi to my brothers.” The side door slams shut behind him.

Otto silently questions me.

“Nothing happened.” My chair scrapes the floor.

“I didn’t say a word.” Otto sips his coffee.

“Your eyes said plenty.”

“So did yours. The Creed boys will break your heart.”

“Too late.” It slips out.

“What?” Otto’s mug thumps on the counter. I’m sure it now has a crack to match the chip.

“N-n-no.” I reach for him, but he’s out the side door in a flash.

Shit! He’ll destroy Johnny, and his son just came home after years of being away.

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