“If for some reason,” my eyes dart over to the tent where the kids are still chatting with people, “they fall a little short, let me know.” Her eyes widen and I’m quick to add, “The club would be happy to sponsor the trip.”
“That’s really sweet.” She smiles at me and squeezes my hand before letting go. “I’ll see you around, Ryker,” her eyes linger on me a moment longer before she turns away.
Titus.
I almost say it. I almost correct her. But I don’t.
“There you are,” I jolt a little as Playboy slaps my shoulder. He holds out an elephant ear. “Got you one. It’s where I found the happy couple,” he chirps and nods toward Snake and Graycie.
Snake arches an eyebrow and looks between me and where Ezra has disappeared into the tent. But I keep my face neutral. At least, I hope I do.
But we’ve also known each other our entire lives.
Sidewinder steps up and looks around, confused. “What’s going on?”
“Oh, nothing,” Playboy’s tone is full of amusement, “we just walked up on our Prez here talking to a certain teacher who also happens to be the daughter of a certain law man.”
“Why are you talking like you’re in an episode ofMurder, She Wrote?” I grouse at the man, ignoring what he’s implying because it’s the only way to deal with his antics. He blinks at me before barking out a laugh.
Graycie gushes, “I need to go bid on the weekend trip to Chattanooga. One of the kids was telling us about it in the grocery store. He was really selling it.”
“I’ll take you for a weekend away,” Snake tells her and she looks up at him with so much love.
She bats her eyelashes at him and coos, “I already told you. I’m taking Opal if I get it and she’s taking me if she gets it.”
When I start to laugh, I cough to cover it, and Snake shoots me a glare. Graycie starts to walk away, and Snake is right on her heels.
I hear him whine, “I’m not sleeping without you for two nights, Graycie-girl.”
Playboy shakes the elephant ear in his hand while practically stuffing another one in his mouth. His eyes are dancing with amusement. I flip him off while grabbing the fried dough. As we start to walk away, I can’t help but think about Ezra.
Not only did she let me get close to her, which was new, but she approached me. To thank me.
I think about the close call I had and how unsettled I’ve felt. Maybe Rector was right.
The truth of the matter is that I want Ezra. I’ve always just put her in the box of being the sheriff’s daughter, but I don’t believe I ever really thought it was that simple.
I want her. I’m just not sure I can have her.
Before I can get too far, Snake is there and gripping my shoulder. I look back over toward the tent where Ezra is.
Worry lines my voice, “What’s going on? Everything okay?”
“Look brother, I’m only going to say this once,” he pauses and the look on his face tells me he’s weighing his words. Smart. “Graycie and Ezra are friends, and my woman doesn’t have many of those. I saw the look on your face as you watched her walk away. Just know that if you go after her, it could bring a bunch of shit down on our heads.” He glances toward the sound when Graycie laughs. “And my Graycie-girl could lose a friend.”
“Snake,” there’s a warning in my voice.
I’m not going to dignify his bullshit with a response. He studies my face for a moment, and we share a long look.
He nods once and holds up a hand. “Just checking, Prez.”
Then he goes to pant after his Old Lady. A pang of jealousy hits me before I push it away. I’m happy for my best friend.
I just want it for myself too.
CHAPTER 5
EZRA
