Series: Fever Falls Series by Riley Hart
Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“I know.”
“Do you think…do you think you might feel something for me that’s more than friendship?” Christ, I didn’t know if I should have come out and asked it or not.
“I’ve never been with a man before, Alexander.” He shook his head.
“So? It’s okay if you do…and if you don’t. If I’m being a cocky bastard, then tell me to shut the fuck up.”
“Shut the fuck up,” he replied, and this time he was the one to nudge me. “I don’t know…maybe… I’m still trying to figure my shit out. Maybe it’s just because I’m depressed and you’re familiar, so I’m clinging to that. I just gotta get my head on straight. I’ll work through it. Is it still cool if I stay here?”
“You know better than to ask that. You’re always welcome. Maybe you should look for someone to talk to, a therapist or something,” I suggested.
“Yeah…maybe…and a job too. Something different. I’m so fucking over wearing a goddamned suit. I liked bartending in college. Maybe I can do that.”
“Yeah…I think that’s a good idea. It’s good to have you here, Jude.”
“Thanks,” he replied. “It’s good to be here. Now can we stop with the mushy shit? And again, you stink.”
I laughed as he stood and held out his hand to help me up. I let him and then said, “I’m going to go shower. Want to grab some lunch afterward? Then you can take me to physical therapy.”
“Lincoln isn’t doing it?”
“Nah, we’re good.” Linc was going to pick me up, but I’d call him and tell him what was going on. I knew he’d understand.
“Sounds good.” We walked upstairs from my basement-level workout room, and Jude stopped, looked at me. “Thanks…for being understanding.”
I shook my head. There was nothing to thank me for. “That’s what friends are for.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Lincoln
I wonder if Linc will check on my father for me if I don’t make it… I know I want him to have this book. ~ Trey
“Thanks for meeting me today,” Kathy said once the waiter seated us at Fever Pitch. Yep, that’s right. I was at lunch with my boyfriend’s mom. I had no fucking clue what world I was suddenly in, but I had to admit I liked it.
“Of course. I was excited when you called to ask me.” This was obviously a new experience for me. Even if I’d had real boyfriends before, which I hadn’t, no one’s parents were ever asking me to go to lunch with them. As close as Beau and I were, and as much time as I used to spend with him, I’d never shared lunch with his mom, Beth, without him.
It was weird, but also made me feel…fuck, I didn’t know…this warmth expand through my chest. “My treat,” I told her.
“Well, I was going to say that, but that just means it’s my treat next time.”
Looking at her, I grinned. Next time. She wanted there to be a next time. “What are you thinking about getting?” I asked as we both browsed the menu.
“I’m considering the chef salad, which means I can have chocolate cake for dessert.”
“Ranch dressing on the salad and a scoop of vanilla ice cream with the cake?”
“Is there any other way to eat it?”
I clutched my chest. “A woman after my own heart!” We both dissolved into a fit of laughter, and I realized I really, really liked Rush’s mom.
Keegan, Jace’s little brother, was our waiter again. We chatted a bit before he took our order, and then he returned with sweet tea for Kathy and water for me.
It wasn’t long before we discovered we both loved Salvador Dali’s art, as well as horror movies, something we thought Rush was crazy not to enjoy as much.
Our lunch came a few minutes later, and we got into a conversation about Rush. “I thought it was the silliest name in the world when his dad mentioned it. Rush? One would think it was short for something, wouldn’t they? But nope, Bob somehow knew Rush would be special. He loved motocross, but it wasn’t in the cards for him. He was so happy when Rush fell in love with it.”
“It’s the perfect name for him. And he’s definitely special. I didn’t realize his dad picked it.” Because duh, how could I know unless Rush told me? Which he hadn’t.
“He’s very angry at his father, so I’m sure he’s not a topic of conversation Rush is real keen on. That’s my boy, though. His streak of honor is a mile wide. He’s the most loyal man I know.”
I nodded. “He is. He’s the best man I know.” When she smiled at me, I felt slightly embarrassed. “I mean, obviously. He puts up with me and all,” I teased, and Kathy waved a hand at me.
“Hush, you. There’s nothing to put up with. You’re a good man too, and Rush adores you. I’m certain he doesn’t consider it putting up with you.”