He hands me his cell, and I program my name and number into it, noticing Chase shift uncomfortably.
Rip seems to notice too, so he slaps Chase on the shoulder. “Oh, what, bro? Annoyed, I got her number before you. I’m ahappily taken brother, brother. My girl Autumn is coming by tonight, man. I’m bummed you’re gonna miss her.”
Chase rolls his eyes, shoving his hands in his pockets, but doesn’t say anything in reply, making me think he’s annoyed that Rip now has my digits. I just can’t work out if it’s because Chase doesn’t or because Rip does?
“Thanks again for this, Rip. I don’t know how he does it, but that little goat has an incredible aura. I’m having trouble leaving him.”
Rip reaches out, gripping my shoulder. Chase shifts uncomfortably once more. “Yo, man, when I realized the little shit was gone, you should have seen how panicked I was. I can tell you now, the security on his pen is gonna be hella tight now. Those bastards aren’t getting near my man again.”
Raising my brow, I tilt my head. “You think someone took him?”
Rip glances at Chase, then back to me. “Club business, Betty. You don’t wanna be involving yourself in our shit. Trust me. But we do appreciate you finding our main man and bringing him back. It really does mean a whole lot.”
I pet Doughnut, feeling content that this won’t be the last time I see him. It makes leaving that little bit easier. “All right. Well, you just promise to take care of him, Rip.”
He chuckles, dipping his head. “You can count on it.”
Hesitating, I pet his cute little head one last time. “Bye, billy goat,” I murmur as I exhale, then glance at Chase. “You ready to head back?”
“I’ll meet you in the truck. But please, Lyri, you drove most of the way, so let me drive back?”
I groan.Not this again.
Thing is, I’ve driven what feels like all over California in the past few days because of Doughnut and the shop. So even thoughit goes against my principles, I guess I’m willing to take the break. “Dent my truck, I’m gonna sue you.”
Both men laugh. “Was that one of your speak-before-you-think things?”
“No, Itotallymeant to say that,” I reply, turning to walk toward the truck. “See you later, Rip.”
“Keep it gnarly, Lyri. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome,” I yell back before I open the door, then slide into the passenger side. I sink into the seat, watching the two men. They’re far enough away that I can’t hear them, but Rip seems like he’s having a ball, teasing Chase with some sort of conversation. Chase runs his hand through his hair like he’s exasperated and turns to look at me with a pained expression.
I furrow my brows, wondering what that’s all about as he turns to Rip, petting Doughnut on the head one more time.
The guys embrace, then Chase walks toward the truck.
I have no idea what the hell just transpired between the two men.
I guess I don’t want to know either.
Chapter Six
LYRIC
I need some sugar.
After pulling another plastic bag open, I yank out a Red Vine.
Chase opens the door and slides in as I’m devouring the sugary hit. “Geez, three bags in one day. You’re gonna be bouncing off the walls.”
Swallowing quickly, I lick my lips to catch the last of the sugary goodness. “Sometimes you just gotta live on the edge, Chase.”
He turns the engine over. “Ain’t that the truth?” He reverses out of the lot, out onto the road, while flicking the radio back on. “Driver picks,” he says, but then doesn’t change the station. It’s the same ’80s rock we were listening to on the way down here.
“You’re weird,” I mutter.
He twists to face me briefly, his lips turned up slightly in the corners. “I’m many things, Starlight.”
