headed into the kitchen. “So, what do you think of the place?”
“You were right. This is definitely my favorite, but how much is the rent? It has to be insanely high.”
“Actually, it’s fifty a month less than the first place I showed you.”
“Really?”
“Yep. There’s a fenced-in backyard and a full security system, but you gotta keep in mind, there’s no pool and no fitness center.”
“Yeah, but this place is incredible. It feels like home.”
“Well then, it’s yours.”
A bright smile crossed her face. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Before I had a chance to prepare, she rushed over and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. I couldn’t deny how good she felt in my arms, too fucking good; she felt even better when I was hugging her back. Damn, this just being friends thing was gonna be harder than I thought.
4
Alyssa
When I’d agreed to have a drink with Beckett at Clay’s party, it was like some task I needed to complete for myself—a way to prove that I could face my fears. I never dreamed it would lead into anything more than just a brief conversation, but the big muscular biker with the intense eyes surprised me. Not only was Beckett easy to talk to, he was charming and funny, and in a matter of minutes, I’d all but forgotten that I was at a party with a room full of bikers.
It was the same way today when we went to look at apartments. Without even trying, he helped set my mind at ease, and now I was actually looking forward to moving. I absolutely adored the house he’d found for me, and I couldn’t wait to get moved in and start my new life in Memphis—and maybe, just maybe, spend a little more time getting to know Beckett.
Hoping to prolong our day together, I turned to him and asked, “Would you like to come in for a bit? Maybe grab a bite to eat or something?”
“I wish I could, but I’ve gotta get back to the garage.” He opened the door to his truck, then walked me up to the front door. “I’ll get the realtor to send the rental papers over later today.”
“Okay.” Trying to hide my disappointment, I smiled at him and said, “Thank you for all your help. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”
“Glad to do it.” I watched as he walked down the steps and back to his truck. Before he got inside, he gave me a quick wave. “See ya around, freckles.”
“Bye, Beckett.”
Once he was gone, I went into the house and was surprised to find Clay waiting in the kitchen for me. He reminded me of our father as he stood there, leaning against the counter in his work clothes. They were covered in grease and grime, but he didn’t seem to mind. He was too focused on devouring his peanut butter and jelly sandwich to even care. When Duchess came racing towards me, Clay looked over and asked, “Well? How’d it go?”
“I found a place.”
“Really?”
“Yep.” I knelt down to rub Duchess’s head. “I think you’ll agree that it’s pretty great.”
“Glad to hear that.” His brows furrowed. “Things go okay with T?”
“Actually, they did. He was a perfect gentleman” I gave Duchess one last rub, then stood up and stepped over to the fridge for a soda. “I really enjoyed being with him.”
“You did?” There was a mix of surprise and concern in his voice.
“Yes, Clay, I did, but don’t worry”—I feigned a smile—“we’re just friends.”
I felt a twinge of disappointment as the words left my mouth but forced myself to keep smiling in hopes that he wouldn’t push the matter. Thankfully, he didn’t. Instead, he said, “Well, tell me about your new place.”
“It’s really something, Clay.”
I went on to describe everything about the house and the area surrounding it, and when I was done, I walked over and wrapped my arms around him. “Thank you.”
Clay hugged me back and asked, “For?”
“T-Bone told me you offered to help pay for my place.” I took a step back. “I’m going to try to do it on my own, but if I can’t manage it, I’ll let you know.”
“I don’t want you worrying about money, Sis.”
“I know, and I really appreciate it, but I think I can afford it, especially if I get a part-time job and—”
“What? You’re not getting a part-time job, Lyssa,” Clay argued. “You’ve finally gotten your chance to try this cooking thing, and you need to