Series: Peach State Stepbros Series by Riley Hart
Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“Do you have anything in mind?”
I shake my head. “I literally just realized I’m in love like an hour ago.”
Troy leans forward, elbows on his knees, looking serious. “Then I guess we better figure it out.”
I grin. “You’ll help?”
“You know I will.”
I clap my hands together, skin tingling. “Let’s do this.”
*
I have to get Ash out of the house. We picked a day when everyone is supposed to be out of the Alpha Theta Mu house, doing their own thing. Once Ash and I leave, all I have to do is shoot a quick text to Troy. He and Atlas will come over and set up the boyfriendposal Troy and I planned.
I open my bedroom door to head to Ash’s, but as soon as I pull it open, he’s there. “Oh. I was just coming to find you.”
“I was coming to find you,” Ash teases.
“I think I sorted that part out with you being at my door and all. And they say I’m the clueless one.” I press a kiss to his lips.
“Wanna go grab some dinner with me?” Ash asks, and I say a silent thank-you to the love gods that he didn’t come in here to tell me he has other plans or that he wants to stay home tonight.
“Fuck yes. I’m starving.”
“Me too. Where’s Frat Cat?” He frowns.
“Miranda has him.” I didn’t want us to have to worry about him tonight. Thankfully, Ash doesn’t ask why I brought him to her.
I grab my cell, and we head out.
“Burgers good?” Ash asks.
“That works for me.”
We’re supposed to stay out of the house for an hour and a half, at least. If dinner goes a little longer, that’s fine.
I try to be all incognito while I shoot Troy a text that I’m gone. Nerves make my belly tumble while I play on my phone and Ash drives. I want everything to be perfect. While it’s not something he would expect, it’s something I want for him.
“You’re being quiet,” he says as we pull into a parking spot.
“Huh?”
His brows pull together. “Are you okay?”
It’s really hard to get something by a person who knows you as well as you know yourself. “Yes. I’m fine. Better than fine. I’m fucking perfect. Now come on. I’ll give you a piggyback ride to the door.”
A grin spreads across his face. Thankfully, I’ve managed to change the subject.
We get out, and I turn around for Ash to jump on. His arms and legs wrap around me, him feeling at home against my body. He playfully nibbles at my ear while I walk.
“You’re going to get me hard, Ash.”
“You think I don’t know that?”
“You brat.” But we don’t keep the game up, don’t really need to.
Ash slides off my back when we get to the door. “Thanks, Big Man.”
“You’re welcome, my little perv.”
Not gonna lie, I’m a bit distracted most of dinner. Strangely, Ash doesn’t seem to notice. I can’t stop watching my phone, wondering what’s going on at the house, hoping Troy isn’t running into any problems.
Ash is talkative tonight, so even though our food arrives pretty quickly, I don’t have to come up with a reason to stall, keeping us here longer.
When the bill comes, I give the waitress my card this time. I’m about to text Troy under the table that we’re leaving when Ash says, “I’ll be right back. I have to go to the restroom real quick.”
“I’ll be here!” I say ridiculously. I’ll be here? Where the fuck else would I be?
Ash chuckles, then disappears. The second he’s gone, I call Troy because I’m freaking the fuck out.
“Everything is good?” I say instead of hello.
“Everything is perfect. Hurry up and get your asses home.”
“We’re about to leave. I’m gonna go before Ash comes out.”
The waitress brings my card back, and I finish signing the receipt just as Ash comes back.
“I’m tired tonight,” Ash says. “Is it cool if we head straight home?”
“Do you feel okay?” I stand up and tilt his face to look at him.
“Such a worrier. I’m fine. Let’s go.”
I try to hide my nerves the whole drive.
When we pull up, there are no cars in the driveway. A relieved breath wooshes out of my lungs.
My hands shake slightly as I open the door, and… “What the fuck?” Ash and I say at the same time, before our gazes shoot to each other.
“Why did you say what the fuck?” I ask.
“There’s a white aisle runner with flower petals in front of the door?” Ash says it like it’s a question, and clearly, he’s as surprised by this as I am, but it feels like there’s more to it.
“Troy?” I say, stepping inside.
“Lance?” Ash says.
Our gazes dart to each other again. Something fishy is going on for sure. He’s expecting Lance to be here, but Troy said no one was…