“I’d love to learn more about your family’s roots and connection to the history in the county.” Ezra grins and my brother and I can’t help but smile at her.
She’s charmed everyone at breakfast. Somehow, she was able to find some sort of connection with everyone she chatted with and not a single person seemed to hold her father’s opinions against her. Of course, there were some narrowed eyes, but I’m not surprised when club whores are territorial.
They’ll learn quick that bullshit and drama won’t fucking fly. Not with me. Not when we’re talking about the woman who is going to be wearing my property patch.
That will happen sooner rather than later. From the looks Scratch has been shooting to me, even after most people have drifted away from the table, he’s going to be all over ordering a cut for Ezra.
“I’m sure Freak would be more than happy to walk you through the family history. He lives for that shit,” Scratch tells her.
She glances at me and I nod, letting her know I’ll make the introduction whenever I can. She can ask him whatever she wants. And Scratch is right; Freak loves his family’s history and their connection to the mountain range. His family has found a home here for a long time and passed down their tried-and-true way to get by even when times are tough.
“I bumped into Bolt not long ago in the grocery store with Opal and Graycie,” Ezra tells him with a fond smile on her face. “I was filled in on the whole prospect thing. He was a good student when he was in my class,” she offers the words with sincerity.
“He’ll be taking online college classes,” Scratch tells her. “I tried to talk him into going off to school, but he wasn’t interested. He’s always been a little more into the whole distilling side of the business and dad is eager to show him the ropes.”
“Which means you’re more interested in the business side of things?” Ezra’s follow up question is breezy and her eyes flick down to his ‘Treasurer’ patch with amusement dancing in her eyes.
“Exactly. I’ve always been the numbers guy,” Scratch leans back in his chair.
“I remember that about you,” she says and I’m reminded that there is only a year between them, but I’m eight years older than her 27. “So, you’ve probably spent a lot of time on the ridge,” Ezra says it more like a logical conclusion than a question, but she tilts her head in a way that encourages him to share.
I can’t tear my eyes away from her.
She pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose, all of her focus on my brother. Fuck me, when she took her contacts outand pulled her glasses out of her bag? I almost came in my fucking jeans and it sure as fuck isn’t something I’ve found hot before.
On her? I’m having teacher fantasies like I’ve never experienced before.
“Have you ever seen the Coyote Man?” Ezra leans toward Scratch who grins from ear to ear.
“Never seen him, but I’ve heard him. Playboy still makes me go camping with him every now and again to go Coyote Man hunting,” Scratch tells her, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“No,” she gasps before laughing. She shakes her head. “He does not still go out to try and find him.”
When she looks at me, I hold my hands up in surrender. “He’s convinced something is out there. I guess he saw something when he was a kid,” I tell her.
“Really?” Her eyes light up. “I’m kind of fascinated by urban legends and how they shape oral tradition and communities. I’ve never met anyone who has seen Coyote Man but hearing him is pretty common.” One side of her mouth twists and her cheeks pink slightly like she’s a little embarrassed. “I teach a unit on urban legends in a historical context and use the Coyote Man as a modern example.”
Scratch chuckles softly. “I would have done better in history if you had been the teacher.” His voice softens, “The kids are lucky to have you.” He sits back and glances at me before looking back at Ezra who is beaming. “Some of those kids in the government club are almost scary smart,” he teases her. “If you’re not careful, they’re going to set up a pyramid scheme or some shit.”
Ezra’s laugh wraps around me and I can’t help myself. I lean over and kiss the top of her head which has her beaming up at me. Scratch’s eyes widen slightly before something like understanding crosses his face and he gives me a small nod.
I pull out my phone and send a text to Playboy, Sidewinder, Whiskey, and Snake for them to meet me in my office in ten minutes. They’ll be there; I don’t need to check and tuck my phone away again.
“Teach,” she looks at me with laughter still dancing in her blue eyes.
I hate the idea of dimming her light, but I’m itching to get an update and find out what the fuck is going on in my town. The need to figure out what she saw and what it means for her safety is riding me hard.
“The guys will be meeting up in my office for an update,” I tell her and my heart sinks when some of the sparkle in her eyes fades. “You done with breakfast?”
“Yeah,” she sighs and reaches for her plate.
Scratch waves her away, “I got the plates for you and Prez.”
When she looks at him in surprise he winks before smirking in my direction. I have to remind myself not to punch my brother, especially because it’s clear he’s just trying to get a rise out of me. That doesn’t stop me from giving him a look.
When he swallows hard, even while grinning, I know I’ve made my point.
“Thanks Scratch,” Ezra’s voice is bright, “that’s really sweet.”
