Page 68 of Finding Redemption

I fight a smile as my pulse kicks up, thinking of Reese in my hands, how she felt. “I’m referring to what she said to Candy, smartass.”

“Yeah, that shit. You think she believes it?” He tilts his head, waiting for my response.

“I’m not sure. How is she so confident in me?”

“Walker, Reese sees what we all do… except you. You think you’re ruined, no good for nothing. It’s not true, brother.”

“She doesn’t know me. She knows nothing about what I’ve done, who I am.” I pound my chest, full of regrets.

“She sees you. Yeah, you need to be honest and open, but that’s what we all do when we’re building relationships.” He shrugs.

“I want her, like nothing I’ve ever desired.”

“Then fucking go get her. Because she damn well wants your crazy ass.”

I glare at him. “Asshole.” I get him in a headlock. He wraps his arms around my waist, picking me up.

“Don’t make me slam you, man,” he yells.

“The fuck you will, baby brother.”

“Boys!” Ava snaps her fingers at us.

We stop dead as if hoping to not be caught. “All right.” We stand there, frozen.

“I can see you! Put your brother down right now, Riley!” she shouts, and we burst into laughter, falling to the ground. “Dammit! You two are gonna be the death of us.”

Riley’s nose scrunches. “I’m in trouble.”

“Thanks, little brother.” I pat his chest, reaching for his hand as I stand.

He pulls me into a bear hug. “Love ya, man. Go easy on yourself.”

“I think I’m gonna chase me a redhead.”

“I’m headin’ into the eye of the storm.” He gestures toward Ava.

“You love it.” I punch his arm.

“I love her.” His head bobs in agreement. “You deserve this, even if you are an asshole.”

“You’re like a wart on the end of a dick, scary but fun.”

“What the hell?” His mouth hangs open.

“I started to say you’re like herpes. Everyone’s having fun until you show up.”

He shakes his head at me. “I’d say you’re as rough as a cactus but you’re only a little prick, so I guess you’re just a needle dick instead.”

“Boys, seriously?” Ava stands with her hands on her hips, brows pulled tight. “Will y’all ever grow up?”

“You wouldn’t want us to.” Riley grabs her, throwing her over his shoulder with a smack on her ass.

“Fuck, no, I wouldn’t.” She stretches to find me, crooking her finger for me to follow them.

“Come on, brother. Let’s go get lit.” She screams when Riley pops her ass again.

“Not for you, my dear, but I’ll happily smack dat ass all night.” Ava’s head bounces as Riley hauls her into the club. Cheers ring from the rafters. “She ain’t gettin’ away this time, fellas.” He lets her down, wrapping her in his arms.