Page 43 of Luci’s Lullaby

Chord smirks. “You like her.”

“Of course, I like her.” I run my hand over my face. “We went to school together back home, I hadn’t seen her in years.”

“So you feel guilty?” Hardy asks.

Cal, Chord’s dad, snickers. “No, our man Alden here is smitten.”

They all laugh. “I don’t understand.”

“You like her.” One slaps me on the back.

“Sure, I like her. We’re friends.”

Chord folds his arms. “Did you sleep with the blonde or send her home?”

“I sent her home. I couldn’t do it with her in my head.”

One mimics my stance. “Go see her, talk to her. It’ll work out from there.”

“I don’t want a relationship, that’s not what this is about,” I protest. “I simply feel as though I owe her an apology.”

“Good, you have nothing to worry about.” Chord fist bumps me. “I’m gonna get back in here.”

“I’m going to head out, I’ll be back.” I wave as I walk to the elevator.

I step from the doors to find Reese and Walker on their way up. “Hello, baby.”

“Hey, love. Have you seen her?” Reese smiles as I shake Walker’s hand.

I nod. “She’s perfect.”

“I knew she would be, I’m so happy for them.” She lays her hand over her heart.

“Where you goin’?” Walker asks as he holds the door for Reese.

I throw my thumb over my shoulder. “I-I uhh, was thinking of going to see Charlee. I need to return something to her. She left it the other day.”

Walker gives me a knowing smile as Reese narrows her eyes. “I told you, you better not hurt her.”

“We’re friends,” I hold my hands up. “Or I hope we will be after I talk to her.”

“Go see her.” Walker winks and my stomach sinks.

I bite my lip. “Nothing like that is gonna happen again, I can’t.”

“I warned you.” Reese puts her hand on her hips.

“I just want to return her stuff.” I hold my hands out. “Will you tell me where she lives?”

Reese wags her finger in front of her. “No, not happening.”

“The mobile home park on the other side of the store, you’ll see her car.” Walker gets a gut check from Reese.

“You’re in so much trouble.” She gives him the evil eye.

He leans in, kissing her. “I like your kinda trouble.”

“Yuck.” I take a step back, covering my mouth.