Page 146 of Hollywood

Tex wrapped an arm around me. “Not bad for a day’s work, huh?”

“Not bad at all.”

“This is great,” Carrie said. “I never get over to the park with Ruby as much as I’d like.”

“I know, right? Now, we can pop over so easily, and Ruby will have some great playmates.”

“Lanie’s five now,” Tex said. “The boy on the tire swing is Robbie. He’s six. Dylan, the oldest, is inside brooding because the Wi-Fi isn’t working yet.”

Carrie grinned. “Sounds about right.”

“He’s ten going on fifteen,” I added. “He massacres Tex on video games every weekend.”

“Harsh,” Tex said.

“But true!” Chastity singsonged as she joined us. “Hiya. I’m the sister.”

“I’m the ex-fiancée.”

“Ooh. You must have stories,” Chastity said with an evil glint in her eye.

“So many stories. But I bet you have some too.”

“I sure do.” Chastity linked arms with Carrie and led her farther into the yard. “How would you like to help me break out the margarita mix while we share war stories?”

“I’d love it.”

I exchanged a look with Tex. “What have we done?”

“Something very scary.” He nuzzled into my neck, planting a kiss that sent a zing down my spine. “But also very good.”

“Come grab a beer!” Knight called. “Joyride bought supplies!”

We all went up onto the deck behind the trailer. There were only four chairs but plenty of railing. I found a spot to perch, and Tex hopped up beside me.

“Are you grilling?” I asked.

“Nah. I’m too pooped. I called out for pizza.”

“Good plan,” Tex said with a laugh. “Did you get sausage?”

“And jalapeños,” he added.

“Of course.” Aiden rolled his eyes. “This man cannot live without a little spice.”

“Why do you think I’ve got you?” Knight said, pinching his side.

Aiden jerked with a laugh, then turned to retaliate. Joyride handed out beers from the six-pack of Nebraska Red from a regional brewery.

I twisted the top off and took a swig from the bottle. “Hey, not bad. You didn’t get watered down crap.”

“Hey,” he protested. “I have good taste.”

“Eh.” I wiggled my hand in a so-so gesture.

“Says the guy who likes those god-awful IPAs,” Tex teased.

I huffed. “I have superior taste, that’s all.”