AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He turned from looking at my car at the curb, and we blinked curiously at each other.
I didn’t know who he was, but jealousy stirred in my gut, anyway.
Stupid irritating feeling.
Just because some guy was visiting her at her house did not mean she was seeing anyone, and even if she was… It made no difference to me.
Yet an ache rioted its way through my chest, anyway.
“Uh…” I motioned over my shoulder. “Lucy Olivia’s back feeding the baby right now. She asked me to answer the door.”
“Cool,” he told me with a reassuring smile as he lifted the cup and bag. “I’m only swinging by with a gift and a quick question for her. The name’s Trick, by the way. And... You must be the uncle.”
I disliked it even more that he knew who I was. But of course, Lucy would tell her friend about the uncle of her child popping up unexpectedly in her life. I shouldn’t be surprised. Or feel so…well, whatever ugly, petty emotion I was experiencing.
It was as maddening as hell, and I really did not want to care about Lucy and her personal life.
Nodding, I stepped aside to let Trick inside. “Vaughn,” I greeted.
“Vaughn. Nice to meet you.” He tipped his chin toward the street as he stepped through the doorway. “Is that your Charger out there?”
“Yeah. Is it in someone’s way?”
I stepped forward, prepared to move it, but Trick said, “Nah. I was just admiring it. I have one myself.” He motioned again with his chin. “Little
bit older than yours, though. A sixty-nine with a new Hellcat engine in her.”
“No way.” Momentarily forgetting how I jealously did not want to like this guy, I peered into the yard where his classic was parked behind my five-year-old model. “Oh man,” I murmured in awe. “They look good sitting there together.” I exhaled, admiring the sight. “I can’t believe it still runs.”
“Yep.” Trick nodded proudly as he studied his baby as well. “I mean, I’ve had to Frankenstein her back together, completely overhaul the engine and find a couple of new parts, like doors and a hood, so she’ll never be show-floor worthy, but she still purrs when you stroke her just right.”
“I’ll bet.” I nodded, listening to his explanation as someone entered the living room behind us.
“Trickster!” Lucy’s voice greeted him with welcome surprise.
And… the jealous knot in my gut returned.
Hoping the two weren’t into public displays of affection that I would have to witness up close and personal, I turned in unison with Trick as he kicked the door shut behind him and grinned back.
“Hey, Luck.”
She rolled her eyes, laughing, as she rocked the baby in her arms and patted her back. “It has been years since you called me that. You must want something.”
A wince of discomfort flashed across the other man’s features but was gone again so quickly I wasn’t sure if Lucy had even caught it. Then he lifted his Wendy’s in offering. “I come bearing gifts.”
Attention shifting, her eyes immediately widened in delight. “Oh my God. You didn’t.”
“Yep.” Trick grinned. “I know how much you like dipping your fries.”
“Ooh...” she hummed, adding a thrilled sound to the end of it. “Yes, I do. Thank you.” She stepped forward to receive the treat but seemed to realize her arms were already full, so she paused undecidedly.
“Here.” I stepped forward, intervening. “I can hold Ava for you.”
“Thanks.” Lucy turned gratefully and held the child out, telling me, “I’ve been trying to burp her, but she’s being stubborn.”
“On it,” I answered, grinning down at the little bundle once she hit my arms.
As I took over the back-patting, Lucy turned back to Trick and finally accepted her gift.
