Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders #11)(30)

Ginger seemed surprised by Ava’s observation. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

“That’s because you still see me as the clueless seventeen-year-old girl who stumbled into your law office by mistake.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Ginger bumped Ava with her hip. “While you’re contemplating life and your place in it…do something about that chip on your shoulder, eh?”

Ava laughed. But it felt forced, not that Ginger noticed. “So, tell me all about the McKay brood.”

Kane and Ginger were enamored with their offspring but clearly exhausted. Maddie’s temper was a testament to her red hair. Hayden had christened the corkscrew tufts on Maddie’s head her “mean curls” and lamented the fact Paul was a climber and constantly pulled the chess board to the floor. Since Ginger’s father lived with them, he was a big help to keeping some semblance of order in the house. But the way they described it, it sounded more like a zoo.
“Oh, before I forget, Ava, did you leave your car parked out front yesterday?”

Ava looked at Kane. “Only for about five minutes. Why?”

“Chase’s brother Ben passed by and wondered if someone was staying here. He called this morning, so I had to tell him you were in town, but to keep it quiet.” Kane looked at Chase when he opened his mouth. “I told them about Ava to cover your ass, cuz, so no complaints from you. But I suggest you keep your truck outta sight.” Kane stood and held his hand out to Ginger. “Come on, Red. I need your help checkin’ that gate before we head home.”

Ginger looked confused. “What gate?”

“You know, the gate we talked about on the way over here?”

“Oh. Oh! That gate.” She blushed. “Ah, sure. I’d be happy to help.” Ginger paused at the door. “If you need anything, call.”

“Will do.”

As soon as the door shut, Chase snickered. “Fixin’ a gate, my ass. Kane is fixin’ to have his way with his wife in his pickup.”

“Is ‘gate’ some kind of country euphemism for sex?”

“Nope. But I believe our bein’ in their love nest has forced them to get creative for their marital activities.”

She really had no response for that.
“Ever done it in a pickup, Hollywood?”

“No.” Don’t ask. “Have you?”

Chase’s I-can-rock-your-world grin turned her knees weak. “I was born and raised in Wyoming. Never had any vehicle that wasn’t a truck…so what do you think?”

“I think imagining you and me fogging up the windows and rocking the wheels until the suspension squeaks isn’t helping get sex off my brain.” Ava set her coffee cup on the table. “My turn in the bathroom.”

He yelled, “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

Doubtful he saw her flip him off.
Later that evening, they were playing a rousing game of Go Fish when headlights swept the kitchen window.
“Were you expecting someone?” Chase said.

“I’m not from around here, remember? What about you?”

“No one knows I’m here, remember?” He pulled back the living room curtain and froze. What the f*ck was his brother Ben doing here? He grabbed Ava by the elbow and dragged her out of sight.
“What the hell are you doing, Chase?”

“Ssh.”

“Don’t shush me. Who’s here?”

Four insistent raps sounded on the screen door.
“Ava? I know it’s late but I wondered if you were still up? It’s Ben McKay, Kane’s cousin. Don’t know if you remember me, but we met at Kane and Ginger’s wedding.”