Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)
I don’t. Fallon can stay with me indefinitely as far as I’m concerned, but I know it’s early days yet, and she’d feel more comfortable in her own space.
“I do have a vacation rental,” Jenna continues. “It will be empty in about two weeks. You’re welcome to take that as soon as it’s free.”
“Rent-free, of course,” Christian adds. “We really feel bad, Fallon.”
“It’s not your fault,” Fallon says and takes a long, deep breath. “I knew it was an older house when I moved in. I’ll take you up on that vacation rental when it’s available.”
“Great,” Jenna replies and turns to me. “Does that work for you?”
“Fine with me,” I say and slip my hand into Fallon’s. “I’m in no hurry to see her go.”
“You’re a cute couple,” Jenna says with a smile. “I like it. A lot. Have you seen Max lately?”
“No, I didn’t know if he and Willa were back from their honeymoon.”
“They got back a few days ago,” Jenna says. “He’d be interested to hear all about the new things happening in your life.”
“We don’t really gossip like women,” I reply, earning a roll of the eyes from Jenna.
“Sure, you don’t. That’s why all you guys used to go to his place to shoot pool. Just to not talk.”
“I’ll call him,” I reply. “Do you need anything from us for now?”
“No.” Jenna turns to Fallon. “I really am sorry, Fallon.”
“Please, don’t worry,” Fallon replies, pulling Jenna in for a hug. “I’m fine. Just let me know when the other place is ready.”
“Will do,” Christian says, and we say our goodbyes, pulling away from the house.
“Well, that sucks,” she mutters. “I guess it’s good that Jenna has another place opening up soon.”
I nod and drive us to the other side of town where my favorite BBQ restaurant is. The Back Room has been a community staple in Cunningham Falls for three generations.
“I’ve never been here,” Fallon says when she looks up.
“Then you’ve never lived.” I wink at her and hop out of the vehicle, escorting her inside. We’re shown to a booth, and once we’ve ordered drinks, perused the menu, and ordered food, I watch Fallon, wondering how to lighten her mood. “Whenever I had a birthday when I was a kid, I asked to come here for dinner.”
“Really?” She smiles and looks around. It’s a rustic, family-owned place. “It smells good.”
“Wait until you try the frybread and honey butter.” I lick my lips. “It’ll change your life.”
“That’s a bold statement.”
I hold up my hands. “I swear it. Life-changing.”
Our food is quickly delivered, and my mouth immediately waters. Baby back ribs, baby red potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, Fallon’s chicken, and let’s not forget a big slab of frybread with honey butter.
This is heaven on a plate.
“I’ll never eat all of this,” Fallon says in surprise, and I grin at her.
“I’ll eat what you don’t, sweetheart.”
I take a bite of a rib, deliberately leaving the sauce all over my lips. Fallon looks up and breaks out in a giggle.
“You’re a mess,” she says.
“What? Do I have something on my face?”
She laughs now, covering her mouth as she chews her coleslaw. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Delicious,” I say, stuffing more food into my mouth, not bothering to wipe my face clean. “BBQ should be messy.”
“Okay, caveman, grab some napkins.”
I smile and reach for the roll of paper towels on the end of the table, tearing off a handful and wiping my lips. “Better?”
“You’ll need a shower when we get home.”
“Maybe you should take it with me,” I suggest, watching as her green eyes go from full of humor to all-out lust.
“I guess someone has to make sure you get all the sauce off your face.”
“Yeah, and you could probably wash my back.”
“Suck your cock,” she suggests before taking a bite of her bread, and my dick comes to full alert. She’s as casual as you please, as if she suggested she’d pass me the soap. “Mm, you were right. This bread is ridiculously amazing.”
“Maybe we should skip the date and go right for the shower,” I suggest, making her laugh again.
“No way, cowboy. I’m enjoying myself. Thanks, by the way. I know I was a little pissy there for a minute.”
“No one can resist BBQ sauce face,” I reply and take another bite of my ribs. “And don’t sweat it, honey. I’m not in any rush to kick you out, so unless staying at my place is horrible—”
“It’s definitely not.”
“Then I’d say things are fine. I’m glad you got out of that house before it made you sick.”
“Me, too.” She bites into her rotisserie chicken and sighs in happiness. “I just feel bad for Jenna. It has to cost a fortune to fix all of that.”
“She can afford it,” I reply with a shrug. “And it’s something you take on when you’re a landlord. Things can happen, and you have to be ready for it. I know she plans for things with the hopes she won’t have to deal with them.”