open air. “Yep, the list keeps growing.”
“I miss cruising down the open highway. A suit and tie are no match for leather and wind.”
“Cheers to that.” I lift my bottle to his.
“Do you need a partner?”
The beer sprays out of my mouth in a wide arc. “Are you fucking with me?”
“Nah, not even a little bit. I haven’t been this serious about something in a long damn time.”
I turn toward him and get my first good look in who knows how long. He’s older and broader, but appears worn down to his bones. The man could use a double shot of whiskey and a comfortable bed. Hell, I could go for the same. “You honestly think I’m just gonna agree to that? I’m barely tolerating this conversation.”
He lifts a single shoulder. “It’s worth a shot. What better way to show you how serious I am, right?”
“That’s a big decision. One I won’t make ten minutes after being reunited with you.”
Grant nods. “I don’t blame you there. Trust takes more than words to heal. I lost my way, brother. There’s been something here always yanking me back. It’s long overdue that I come home.”
“No shit,” I mutter.
He chooses to ignore my brooding mood. “Still have my bike?”
“I do.”
“Does it run?”
I give him a limp shrug. “Not lately.”
He scratches at his chin. “Guess I have my first project already lined up.”
It feels like the floor disappears and I’m freefalling into the Twilight Zone. My thoughts spin faster than I can process. “You’re for real? This isn’t a prank?”
“I wouldn’t joke about that, especially with you. People make mistakes, right? Some bigger than reasonable compassion allows for. That’s what makes us human. It also means others have to offer second chances so we can prove ourselves.”
Pressure builds in my gut as the vision of blonde hair and green eyes assaults me. “I’ve been hearing that more lately.”
“And you can forgive me?”
I shouldn’t, at least not so easily. When he left, my world was crushed in half. That loss still blazes bright inside of me. But he’s here for a reason. “I’ll work on it. You’ve given me a lot to consider.”
“So, you’ll actually think about it?”
“Sure, why not? You’re my brother, after all.” And Grant is the only one who can fill the void caused by him leaving. Getting my best friend back will be nice, too.
He gives a loud hoot. “I’ll take being redeemable. And that means you are, too.”
“This isn’t about me.”
His mouth twitches into a knowing grin. “I heard what you said earlier about the woman. What happened with the little girl’s mom?”
“She wised up and dumped me.” That’s a better tale than the truth.
He waves a hand in front of his face. “I smell bullshit.”
“That’s probably your breath.”
Grant punches me in the arm. “Good to know you’re still a little punk.”
“Only when you’re asking for it.”
The humor on his face droops at the edges. “Are you happy, Ford?”
I tip the beer to my lips, drinking what’s left in the bottle. “Hanging in there.”
“What’re you gonna do to make it better?”
“For starters, not discussing our feelings like a bunch of chicks.” I figured Grady was a fluke. It seems Grant is all about prying, too. The festering wound in my heart is for me to worry about. I rub over the blazing ache, for no other reason than to revel in the burn.
My brother polishes off what remains of his beer. “I’ve broken my fair share of hearts. Hoping to fix one in particular if she’ll have me. The love of a good woman is the greatest gift, Ford.”
I point at him with my empty bottle. “You’re already on shaky ground. Don’t push your probation.”
“I’m older and wiser. You should listen to me.”
“Nah, it’s too complicated. I fucked up. She hates me. There’s no future for us. And you’ve always been better with relationships, so there’s no comparison.”
Grant seems to consider that for a moment. “I bet she’d be willing to forgive you.”
I shouldn’t reward his invasive behavior with a response, but talking about Keegan is a weakness I’m not strong enough to resist. “And why, dare I ask, do you think that?”
“Because you’re willing to forgive me. Or I’m assuming you will in the end. I know you well enough to see us working side by side soon enough.”
I allow my gaze to bounce around the backyard, not focusing on anything in particular. “I see what you’re doing.”
“Is it working?”
“Kinda. I have unfinished business to deal with first. Then