Page 78 of Tank’s Weakness

“I’m sure we could have it arranged,” Sloane quips.

“Don’t you dare, Trouble,” he grumbles, making her smile.

“But come on, Daddy, you’re the one who brought it up.”

“I really want to know why you call him ‘Daddy,’ but I’m kind of afraid to ask,” Delaney says as she takes a bite of a fry.

“Because he’s got strong daddy energy and it pisses him off,” Sloane tells her.

I scoff. “Please, the man loves it when you say it.”

“No, I don’t,” he denies.

“Lies,” Sloane, Delaney, and I say in unison.

“Stop picking on me,” he mutters, taking a bite of his burger.

“Anyway,” Sloane drawls. “I think it will be Jagger if he can convince a woman to give him the time of day.”

I keep my mouth shut, knowing full well there’s a woman my friend has his eye on. The only issue is she’s not currently available. Not because she’s with someone, but because she isn’t local and he has no desire to leave.

“Why not Bear?” Delaney asks.

“Don’t get me wrong, Bear is awesome, but he’s not exactly looking, I don’t think. Like the man doesn’t go out unless he’s forced to. So she’s literally going to have to fall into his lap,” Sloane tells her.

Delaney looks at me. “What do you think?”

“She’s onto something. Bear also refuses to fuck a woman in bed. He fucks them against walls. He has some issues. I don’t think it will be him, but time will tell. I mean, who knows? Maybe it will be one of the other guys. Crow meets a lot of women based on his job.”

Gunner grunts in agreement.

“Oh, did I tell you the other night that I have a little girl in my class named Sloane?” Delaney asks, changing the subject.

We all sit back and listen to her talk about her student who personality wise, sounds like a younger Sloane.

“That’s fucking terrifying,” Gunner says when the check comes.

Before I can grab it, he takes care of it, then we all head out. We part ways when we get to my bike.

“Bye,” Sloane calls out again as they walk away.

“I like them,” Delaney sighs.

“I’m glad.”

I want to tell her that I like her and that I like that she gets along with my people.

We go at her pace, I remind myself for the millionth time.

I just have to be patient for a little longer.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Delaney

With a smile on my face and a cup full of coffee, I step into my classroom and flip on the lights. Walking over to my desk, I set everything down and turn on my computer. While it does a quick update, I walk over to the board and write down the day and the date.

As I’m capping my marker, a knock makes me turn toward the door. Principal Marshall and Assistant Principal Mrs. Lynch stand side by side with solemn looks on their faces.