Page 43 of Old Habits

Chapter 13

Will

I blow a raspberry, trying to make my lips feel less numb but Jovie’s essence still overwhelms them.

One kiss. Just one kiss and I’m eighteen again. If Tucker hadn’t have knocked on the door, I would have picked her up and carried her to my bed. Hell, I might do just that as soon as I get rid of him.

I take a quick, calming breath and throw on a poker face before opening the door.

“Hey, Tucker,” I say, keeping myself planted in the door frame. “What’s up?”

“I was in the neighborhood.” His eyes drift over my shoulder. “Just thought I’d stop by and see if you wanted to get some pancakes or something before work.”

“No, thanks. I’ll pass.”

“You sure?” Again, his eyes target around me. “A man’s gotta eat.”

“I have food here.”

He squints at me. “All right. If you say so…” he says, taking a quick step back. “Hey, since I’m here, you wanna fill me in on what happened with Jovie last night?”

“Oh, yeah.” I clear my throat. “I woke her up and took her home. Talked to Hank for a bit to calm him down and that was it.”

He nods. “Ahh… that’s strange because I was just over there and he said she never came back last night.”

“He was pretty drunk,” I lie. “I mean, I doubt he remembers much at all. Classic Hank, you know?”

“So, where’s Jovie now?”

“You got me, man. Did you try the toy store?”

“Doesn’t open until nine-thirty.”

I wet my lips, still tasting a little bit of Jovie on them as my patience dwindles. “I don’t know where she is.”

“Well, I’m sure she’s fine.”

“Right.” I nod.

His eyes flick over my head again. “So, what are you making for breakfast?”

I grunt through my teeth. “Fine.”

He flinches as I reach out to grab his collar. I tug him inside and take one quick scan of the empty street before slamming the door closed behind us.

“Jovie’s here,” I whisper.

Tucker points a finger at me. “I knew it!”

“It’s not what you think, Tuck. I slept on the couch.”

“Pfft! Yeah, sure you did!”

I point at it behind him, noting the pillow and blanket still slumped along it.

“Oh…” His smug grin fades. “Then, why lie about it?”

“Because you’re a gossip and I don’t want everyone in town whispering and giggling about Jovie’s private family business anymore. They’ve been through enough.”