Dirty Toe Drag (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 6)

“Have you done this before?” I ask as I ride happily through the tree-covered area. The park is gorgeous, and we’ve seen a lot of rabbits, which excites me for some reason. Or completely distracts me from the fact that my shoe is broken. I went to text my mom to tell her, but I decided to wait since I know she’ll want to call and make sure I’m not suicidal. I really loved those shoes. Dramatic, yes. But at least I didn’t name them.

“I haven’t. I’m surprised you’re good at this. I fully expected you to suck.”

“Wow. Rude,” I accuse. “I am the daughter of a legendary hockey player. I was born to move.”

“You know I’m doing most of the work.”

“Oh, absolutely. But at least we haven’t fallen.”

“True,” he laughs, and I grin as I take the turn he points to.

“I wonder if we can get one at Walmart or something? We can ride it around town since you hate driving.”

His laughter is nonstop. “I’m down. Though, I’m sure we’ll be laughed at.”

“By truly jealous and unhappy people.”

“Yes, the worst kind of people.”

Our laughter mixes with the wind as we ride through the park toward a destination that is still very much a secret. Every time I ask, he changes the subject. I’ve noticed he doesn’t like silence. I don’t know why. But maybe I’m used to it since my sister talks a lot. It’s kind of fun. We talk about the most trivial stuff, and it’s interesting. “I think there was a murder in this park a few weeks ago. I should bring Emery.”

I snort. “There was. She asked to come.”

“Okay. Well, I’ve already disappointed her today, so don’t tell her where we went.”

“My lips are sealed.”

“You don’t think she’ll tell Aiden yet, do you? I really want to sit down with him, man-to-man.”

“No. She’s an asshole, but we keep each other’s secrets. Everyone else, though? She throws them under the bus like no other.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. I’m no better. We love extorting our brothers.”

“You two are something, but please elaborate.”

I giggle. “Aiden used to pay us off not to tell anyone about him and Shelli. And now, Asher went and got married, so he’s still paying us weekly.”

“Wow. I’m glad I didn’t have sisters.”

“Right? Sisters can suck, but we’re loyal.”

“Man, you ain’t kidding. I’ve never seen anything like Emery.”

I smile. “Yeah, she’s over-the-top loyal.”

“I never had that.”

“No?”

“No, I was an only child. And when I was adopted by the mom of my best friend at the time, he was an only child and we were in competition against each other, so I didn’t have that bond with anyone.”

“I didn’t know you were adopted.”

“Yeah. When I was sixteen.”

“Oh, wow.” Well, that sucks. I wait for him to elaborate, and when he doesn’t, I ask, “Competition? What do you mean?”

“I played for the best travel team in the country, the one every scout looked at for draft picks. Everyone wanted their kid to be drafted, and I was naturally talented, so everyone hated me.”

“I hate competitive sports.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It’s always like that. All parents live through their children, thinking their kid is the next star. Kids need to be kids and enjoy the journey.”

“That’s true. I did everything I could to get where I am.”

“That’s incredible.”

“Thanks,” he says, and I can hear the appreciation in his voice. “Turn here.”

I do as he says, and when we arrive at a clearing, I see the spot he’s been leading me to. It’s downright the cutest little setup. A large blanket covers the ground with pillows and a small table in the middle. I see loads of food and drinks, but I’m mesmerized by all the flower arrangements. All kinds of spring flowers are set up around the blanket and along the table. It’s adorable. Breathtaking, too.

“Oh wow.”

We park the bike, and then I get off before he does so he can hold the bike up for balance. I look back at him as he gets off, putting down the kickstand and smiling over at me. “Like?”

“Love,” I say as we start for the little area he has arranged for us. “Did you set this up yourself?”

“I wish,” he laughs as we get closer. “This girl I was hanging out with a long time ago has a picnic setting-up business. I’ve seen her work on Instagram and thought it was something you’d like.”

“This is awesome.” I pull out my phone, taking a photo because I never want to forget this. “Look at all the food.”

“Right? I got all the fixings. Cheese, meats, and chicken salad.”

I beam over at him. “You remembered?”

“I have never seen a girl eat so many chicken salad croissanwiches in my life,” he says, shaking his head. “I’m surprised there were any left for the rest of us at the wedding shower.”