Page 33 of Hard Rain

Chase’s mouth twitched like he was trying not to laugh.

“You got here fast,” Whip said.

“Clerk called and said somebody was taking swings at Marshals.” Chase glanced between them. “Heard you were after Cutter. Figured it had to be you two.”

“Fair.”

Rainwater dripped off the brim of Chase’s hat while blue lights strobed across the wet parking lot behind him.

“Appreciate it,” Whip said.

“No problem.” Chase’s smile came easy. “How’s life treating you?”

“Can’t complain. How’s your mom?” Whip asked.

“She’s still baking those cherry pies.”

Whip rubbed a hand over his stomach. “Man. Those things are dangerous.”

They laughed together.

Pie? Axel snorted.

Chase wasn’t even saying anything funny.

Whip seemed to think he was.

Axel’s jaw tightened so hard it hurt.

He shoved between both of them and headed for the SUV through the rain.

Whip tossed him a look, but Axel stared straight ahead while water dripped off the hood beneath the station lights.

Chase chuckled with open amusement.

Axel slammed the car door a little too hard, but so the fuck what.

The thunk of the door muffled Chase’s laugh, leaving only the rain hammering the roof.

He stared at them through the rain-soaked window.

Several long minutes later, Whip finally climbed behind the wheel.

“Where’s your snacks?”

“On the counter.”

“Want me to go back in?”

“No.”

Whip started the engine and pulled out of the station heading to the highway.

Silence settled through the SUV except for the wet tires and the steady slap of the windshield wipers.

“What do you think of Chase?” Whip asked.

Axel’s head snapped around immediately. “He’s not your type.”