Ashes - Book 1 by Leslie Johnson Read Free Book Online

can’t see it working out. I’m not some little pansy ass who follows a woman around and does what she says.” I smirk at him. “Like you.”
    Ken rolls his eyes. “I can’t believe this is coming out of my mouth because, as you know, a year ago I was as anti-relationship as anyone. But … man, having that one woman that fits you like a glove … it’s …” he blows out a breath, “special, and sexier than all those women I used to fuck.”
    I think about that for a minute and do a quick comparison between Stephanie and Beth. Stephanie is sweet and loving, a caretaker who makes certain everyone around her is okay. She’s beautiful and strong, but in a really gentle, wallflower kind of way.
    Then there’s Beth, who walks into a room and takes it over with her sass and spirit. She’s beautiful, and sexy, and funny. Damn funny. And strong. Maybe too strong. I worry that she’s like one of those trees that get broken in half because they are too rigid. It’s only the trees that bend with the wind a little that survive.
    Because I’ve said nothing for a full minute, Ken goes on. “Even if the one isn’t Beth, are you feeling serious about any of those other women you’re screwing around with?”
    I bark out a laugh. “No. They aren’t exactly the type you bring home to momma. Besides, I’ve told you a thousand times, I don’t want to be in a relationship. I have too much ahead of me, too many plans to have an anchor weighing me down.”
    “Oh yeah, that’s right. You want a girl in every port. You want to fuck your way around the world.”
    “Damn straight I do,” I say. “What’s wrong with that?”
    Ken sighs and shakes his head. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Just don’t hurt Beth, because it’ll be damn awkward if you two hate each other while being bridesmaid and best man at our wedding next year.”
    I scoff. “So you really don’t care who I’m screwing; you just don’t want me and Beth glaring at each other from across the aisle.”
    “Exactly. I’ll kick your ass myself if you do.”
    We both laugh and for a moment I can imagine Beth throwing a bouquet of flowers at me while the priest is telling Ken to kiss his bride. Or, maybe she’d wait and trip me, making me fall into the cake. It makes me laugh harder.
    “What’s so funny?” Ken asks and shuts off the truck.
    I just shake my head. “Nothing.” Then I see Stephanie step out onto the back deck and wave at us. Ken’s face just about splits open as he waves back.
    I roll my eyes and open my door to avoid the syrupy sweetness of their reunion. Then Beth steps out on the deck too and I feel my face break open in a wide smile too.

Chapter 6 – Beth
    It has only been a few days since I’ve seen him, but I have to blow out a breath when he steps from Ken’s truck. Damn. So fine. Even in a ratty t-shirt and ball shorts.
    He walks straight to me while Steph bounces off to jump into Ken’s arms. I can’t help but smile at those two, at the joy that so obviously surrounds them.
    “Hey.”
    “Hey,” I echo his greeting and dust off my shorts. Steph and I have just gotten back from HEAL where we’d been painting my office. Cleaning the walls and floors following the break-in hasn’t been enough. I begged her to help me paint, really give the office a fresh start. I am still considering having the tiles replaced.
    He looks at me funny and steps closer, touching my hair. I look down and groan. Paint. The sunny yellow is a stark contrast against my dark locks.
    “New hair style inspired by Hannah?” he teases, then frowns and looks, rubs at what must be yellow on my cheek. “Or yellow spotted fever maybe?”
    I sigh and confess. “It’s paint. I wanted to freshen up my office.”
    He gives me a knowing look. “Great idea and great color, although you might need to wear sunglasses in there if this color is any indication.”
    I laugh. “Yeah, it’s a lot brighter than it looked on the paint chip.”
    He pulls me to his chest