“Oh. Thanks, Dylan. You didn’t have to bring them here though, you could have dropped them off at my house.” I took the jar and popped the lid off. Grabbing the small, rolled up paper from the sand, I opened it.

Annie,

Will you go to dinner, walk on the beach, and lay under the stars with me?

P.S. This is when you smile and say yes.

                                                                                    ~Gage

Staring at the note, I felt my smile taking over. I looked up at Dylan. “Your brother really does know how to woo the ladies, doesn’t he?”

“Never really seen him do this before. I don’t know if he has gotten a girl, besides Jenna, flowers before.”

“Not even Cobie?” I asked, a little in disbelief.

Dylan dropped his head and shook it. “Their relationship was complicated. But, no I don’t think so. He really likes you. If you’re not in this, then tell him no. Don’t say yes to be nice. Just be honest. Don’t wait this out and play with him. He has been through enough. Don’t hurt him.”

For only being eighteen years old and still in high school the kid was smart. “I do like him, Dylan. Maybe too much.”

He gave me a small smile and said, “I know what its like to like someone too much. Difference is, you have Gage. My brother isn’t going anywhere.”

“How did you get to be so wise?”

“It’s my old age. The day I turned eighteen…it was like a whole new world.” Dylan shut his eyes and tilted his head. “Oh the memories of being wild and seventeen. The good ol’ days.”

Laughing, I picked up my flowers and turned to walk away. “Goodbye Dylan.”

“Bye, Annie.”

Barker lifted his brows when I walked passed with my goodies. I just shook my head and continued my trek to the locker room. Once my flowers were stored safely and my message in a bottle was in my locker, I pulled my phone out to text Gage.

Me: Yes.

I slid my phone into my back pocket and walked back to the bar, to a very anxious Barker.

“So, who was it?”

“That was Dylan. He is Gage’s little brother.”

Barker took a step back. “Shit. Little brother is hitting on you?”

Laughing, I shook my head. “No. No, not like that. Gage asked him to bring my flowers and this sweet little note asking me on a date. That’s all.”

Barker looked relieved. “Thank God. To be honest, these last three months you have seemed so much happier. I was hoping you weren’t about to screw that up.”

Putting my hands on my hips, I scoffed, “I am happy. Thank you very much. And, no, I don’t plan on fucking it up.”

I tried to turn but Barker grabbed my shoulder. “Annie, you know I didn’t mean it like that. I just want to see my favorite girl win in the end and be happy. Have the perfect life she and he son deserve.”

Sighing, I gave him a quick hug. “I know. Thank you for being you.”

“Anytime. You know I’m always hear to listen. Us gay guys make the best listeners.” Barker winked before walking away to help the long line of customers.

I felt my ass vibrate. Jumping a little at the sudden movement, I slid my phone out of my back pocket.

Gage: You won’t regret it. C U Saturday at 2. Have a good night. :-*

Did he really just send me a kiss through a text? Looking around, as if anyone could see the text, I smiled.

Me: Can’t wait. :-*

I put my phone back in my pocket and went to help Barker support the alcoholics and vacationers in getting drunk. With a permanent smile on my face.

Gage

Pulling Londyn’s pants up I hugged her close to me. “Bye baby. Daddy loves you. I will see you tomorrow. Be good for Uncle Dylan.” I kissed Londyn’s cheek and sat her on the floor. She crawled toward the giant pile of stuffed animals on the floor.

“Where are you taking Annie?” Dylan asked from his spot on the couch.

“I hired security to close off the stadium and I’m giving her a private tour. Dinner at Fresh, then I thought we could drive out of the city a little bit and go to the beach.”

Dylan batted his lashes and laughed. “Look at you be all romantical.”

I threw Londyn’s shitty diaper at him. He caught it and sat it on the end table. “Maybe you should take a few lessons and Mac would give you the time of day.”

My brother flipped me off before sliding off the couch and onto the floor. “Londyn tell your daddy to be nice to Uncle D. He’s a meanie head, huh?”

Londyn looked from Dylan to me. She gave a loud belly laugh and clapped her hands. Dylan scooped her into his arms and she squealed. He really surprised me when it came to Londyn. I didn’t expect him to want to spend time with her. He was almost nineteen. A normal teenage boy didn’t want to spend time with a baby. A part of me thought he was doing it to show Mac he was growing up.

“Okay, I’m out. Mom said you could call her anytime if you need help.”

Dylan spoke with a baby voice, “We don’t need Gran, do we? Uncle D can handle a little baby.”

“Bye Londyn. Love you, princess.” I waved to her as I walked out and into the sunshine. Hitting the car fob to unlock my doors I looked at my brand spankin’ new black Flacon Motorsports F7. She was pretty.

Sliding into the drivers seat I revved the engine. I loved that sound. The sound of raw horsepower. I felt like Mario Andretti. I sped all the way to Annie’s house. Jase was backing out as I pulled in.

He lifted his chin as he drove passed me. I parked and walked to her front door, knocking.

“It’s open.”

Opening the door I called out, “You know, that’s not very safe. I could have been some murderer looking for my next victim. You should always see who is at your door before telling them it’s open.”

Annie came walking down the stairs, putting her earrings in. She looked beautiful. Even though it was late October the weather was nice. It was around eighty and sunny. She had on a light pink cotton dress that stopped at her knees and strappy sandles.

“Yes, because typically murderers always use manners and knock before entering their victims home. Thank you for the warning.” She stopped at the bottom step and smiled.

“You’re such a smartass.”

She nodded. “I know. So, where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“I hate surprises.”

“I know. That’s why I love them. Gets you all hot and bothered. Easier to take advantage of you that way.”

Annie huffed. She grabbed her purse off of the kitchen bar and stomped to the front door. I never moved. She yanked the door open and turned back to me. “You comin’ or am I going to have to go on this date all by myself?”

“That wouldn’t be much of a date, now would it?” I smirked. Strutting across her living room I walked passed her and onto the small front porch.

She locked her door and turned on her heel. Her mouth dropped open. “What is that?” She lifted a shaky hand and pointed to my car.

“That would be my new car.”

“That is not a car. That is sex with a steering wheel and motor. You don’t take that to soccer practice or the grocery store.” Her voice was shaky, breathy. I liked it.

“Actually this is the first place I have driven it. Just got her yesterday. I figured a beautiful woman needed a beautiful car to ride around in.”

She lifted one eyebrow and pinned my with her stare. “Oh you are good. You are so good, Mr. Tucker.”

“Funny you should say that. I think you have told me that once or twice before. But, always in a different context.” Yep, I was being cocky. I couldn’t help that all my blood flow was now in my dick. My dick was talking for me. “You ready to take a ride in my sex on wheels, as you called it?”

Her cheeks turned a little red. “If it’s anything like you then I can’t wait.”

Fuckin’ tease.