After Us (Next Generation #6) - J.M. Walker Page 0,64

don’t give a shit about me or my brother.”

“I don’t like you. I never have but I know you don’t like me either. Your brother is a different story.”

“He fucked Piper too,” Ashton reminded me.

“Yup. He did. But I don’t see him standing here trying to cause shit.” I clapped Ashton’s shoulder. “I do suggest leaving this alone though. Piper is here. Play nice and we won’t have any problems.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you threatening me?”

“Nah.” I lightly slapped his cheek. Not hard enough that it would hurt but just enough that it would get my point across. “Be a friend to Piper and you and I won’t have any issues.” I looked back at her standing with Gigi and Vince. Piper laughed at something Gigi said while Vince stared down at his fiancée. “Where’s Aiden?” I asked, suddenly realizing that Ashton’s brother was nowhere to be found.

“He’s…” Ashton stepped up beside me. “Around.”

“Is that your way of saying that he’s not here?”

“Leave it alone, Jaron. You got the girl, didn’t you?” Ashton took a step forward.

“Maybe Aiden needs a good ass kicking. It’s been a while. I could go for a bloody match.” I crossed my arms under my chest, scratching my jaw.

“I’m sure we could both use that,” Ashton mumbled, heading back to the group I had grown up with as a kid but no longer knew as an adult. “Lots has changed, Jaron,” he called out, meaning he was implying that he could now kick my ass.

Sorry, buddy, I’m still bigger, faster, and dirtier. I’d scrub the ground with your face before thinking twice about it.

I only smirked.

Ashton walked up to Piper, scooping her up into a hug and swinging her around.

My jaw clenched so damn hard, I thought my teeth were going to shatter.

He met my gaze and winked.

Motherfucker.

***

(Piper)

“Ashton,” I squealed. “Put me down.”

He laughed, placing me back on my feet.

I smacked his hands away. The hairs on the back of my neck tingled and I knew before looking that Jaron was watching the whole exchange.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, placing my hands on my hips.

“Just having a bit of fun.” Ashton winked. “You look good though, Piper. It’s nice to see you.” All amusement left his face as he stared down at me.

I sighed, that familiar flutter I had felt years ago whenever he looked at me, no longer there. I was glad for that because Ashton wasn’t the type to settle down. I wasn’t even sure he ever would be.

“Is she here? Is she here?”

I smiled, turning to find Luna Stone running toward me. I laughed, rushing toward her. We hugged and laughed some more and hugged again. “It’s been so long.”

“I know. God, I could cry,” she said into my hair.

“Please don’t.” I had done enough crying for the both of us put together.

“Is Jaron here too?” She looked around the yard.

Jaron was leaning against the far fence, talking to his cousin, Zach Porter, who was also Luna’s fiancé.

“He looks good,” Luna said softly.

“He does.” And he felt good too. Really damn good.

Jaron caught my gaze. He lifted his chin, giving me a wink.

My stomach tumbled, the desire I felt for him unfurling deep in my belly.

Luna giggled. “I know that look.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said, looking away from Jaron’s gaze before our friends caught us eye fucking each other from across the yard.

“You good?” Gigi asked, coming up to us, followed by her sister, Meadow.

“Yeah.” I wished everyone would stop asking me that.

“How’s he doing?” Meadow asked, nodding toward Jaron.

“We have our moments.” I followed her gaze, my heart jumping when I saw that he was coming toward us.

Jaron glanced at the girls. “Ladies.”

Luna gave him a hug. “It’s good to see you, Jaron.”

“You too, Luna.” He returned the embrace. “You treating my cousin well?”

She laughed. “Always.”

“How’s your son?” Jaron stepped up beside me, slipping his fingers between mine.

My stomach somersaulted. Leaning the side of my head against his shoulder, I wrapped my other hand around his bicep.

“You good, babe?” he whispered, kissing the top of my head.

“He’s growing so fast but he’s good,” Luna said before I could answer Jaron’s question. “I don’t know if anyone told you, but we named him Benjamin after your uncle who passed away.”

“Piper told me. Uncle Benny would have been proud,” Jaron said. “I only wish I could have met him too.”

“I know.” Luna sighed.

While he continued talking to Luna about her son, I glanced around