Page 22 of Sangre
“Does he still live here?”
“I don’t know. I’m not the public census.” He popped several olives in his mouth, chomping hard.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Wait… why are you mad because I asked about Jay?”
“Not mad. I just don’t know anything about him. Does Madison know you’re here?”
“Of course. She’s the only one who did until just recently. I needed the peace and quiet like I told you last night.”
“Right. You still wanna get those chili cheese fries?” The way her face lit up tugged at something deep down inside him. Pushing it away, he rose to his feet. “Let’s get going.”
Crazy shit twisted inside him, and he wanted no part of it. They’d go to Alfonso’s for some killer Mexican food, and he’d stop at one beer only. There was no way he wanted to have too much to drink and do something stupid. He couldn’t go there—didn’t want to.Not at all.He would keep his focus on the conversation, keep his eyes above her neck, and not inhale her intoxicating scent too deeply. That had to be the plan. He couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.
We’re friends.
“Ready to go?” she asked as she came back outside. She’d changed her shorts to skinny jeans, and he couldn’t help but look at her butt while she locked her front door.
“Above the neck. Above the neck,” he muttered the phrase like a mantra.
“What?” She put on a pair of sunglasses and walked to his bike.
“Nothing. Just thinking aloud. You okay with going on the Harley?”
“Yeah. I loved the ride yesterday.”
As they rode to the restaurant, she rested her cheek against his shoulder, her scent swirling around him. He saw Army and Goldie talking in front of the club’s tattoo shop. Both of them lifted their chins at him as he passed. He saw the smirk on Army’s face, but he didn’t give a shit. Having Isla pressed against him on his bike felt damn good. A lightness danced through him. After thirteen years, it was good to have her back in his life. She was the only person he could tell everything to.
He’d missed their friendship.
He’d missedher.
