Hellion, a New Adult Romance Novel(76)
“I know. But the lawyers said that maybe that bitch could convince a judge it was true. And Teagan says the last time she talked to her dad on the phone, he sounded really out of it. Like drunk. But he never ever drinks.” I look at them, wondering if their minds are going where mine is.
“So what’s the next step?” Mick asks.
I bite my lip as I consider whether to say out loud what I’m thinking. It’s nuts. It’s stupid. It’s none of my damn business. I am not Rambo, even though I can lay out a mean-ass boob punch when necessary.
“Out with it,” says Mick. He looks over at his brother. “I don’t know why anyone’s calling you Trouble these days. That should be her nickname.”
I hit him lightly with the back of my hand on the arm. “Hey, watch it. How do you know I’m planning any trouble? I haven’t even said anything yet.”
“I know that look on your face, that’s how. That’s what you looked like right before you got brainfried with that taser.” He nods at his brother before turning his attention back to me. “Go ahead. Tell us.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “No. Forget it. You’re not invited.”
Colin leans in and talks softer. “I want to be invited. Tell me.” Colin’s eager-beaver act earns him a punch from Mick. Colin pretends to wind up to hit him back, but then he stops and smiles. “You’re lucky.” He points in his brother’s face. “I owe you one, punk.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief when Mick just shakes his head and looks me expectantly.
“Fine, I’ll tell you guys, but only because I don’t think I can pull it off myself.” I reach out and take Mick’s left arm and Colin’s right arm, drawing them nearer to me. “Come in closer. I don’t want anyone to hear.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“YOU’RE NUTS,” MICK SAYS. “NO way you can pull that off.”
“Let’s do it,” says Colin, holding his chest and rubbing it a little as he lets out a burp.
I lean back to stay in the safe zone. He’s drunk way too much carbonation for my comfort.
“I’m in.” Colin holds up a hand and gives his brother a challenging look before smiling way too big at me. “We’ll keep the handicapped dude on the bench. It’ll be just you and me. Bonnie and Clyde.”
I smile and high-five him back. Tag-team teasing Mick is way too much fun.
“Fuck that. Neither one of you should go,” Mick says. “First of all, Rebel’s going to tell you no way. We have a schedule and those cars need to go out. And second, it’s a bad idea. Just bad all the way around.”
“We can be up and back in two days,” I say, my words coming out hurried. “We’ll go Friday morning and be back on Sunday.” I’m bouncing on my toes, praying Mick will change his mind. “Come on … what do we have to lose? Nothing! It’ll be fun.”
“You better not say anything to Rebel about it,” says Colin, pointing a warning finger at his brother. “This isn’t his decision.”
“And it’s not yours either,” Mick says. I can’t tell if his admonishment is for his brother or me.
“Hey, if we want to help a friend, we can help a friend,” I say. I brush away any misgivings that try to hammer their way into my bubble of awesome planning. I am so going to do this, with or without them.
“You’re not going to help Teagan if you go up there and get busted.” Mick is shaking his head.
“Busted for what? Hanging out? Asking a few questions? Drinking some beers?” I roll my eyes. “Don’t be a lame-ass. Come with us.”
He looks off to the side, shaking his head, his expression a mix of emotions. I’m pretty sure I see anger, frustration, and worry there. Maybe a tad bit of jealousy too. I’m going to go ahead and work that angle.
“Or not. You know Colin and I can share costs so it won’t be a big deal. We can grab a couple double beds in a hotel somewhere, right, Colin? We can do it cheap.”
“Sure thing. We don’t need two beds, though,” Colin says, wiggling his eyebrows at me.
“Fuck that,” says Mick, jumping back into the conversation. “I’m coming, but not because I agree it’s a good idea. I’m just going to keep you out of trouble.” He’s looking at me, not his brother.
I smile. “Do you mean that literally? Because if you do, just … ew.”