Finding Focus by Jiffy Kate Read Free Book Online Page B

you boys better get home.” She’s enjoying this little tidbit of information a little too much, I think.
    I catch D’s eye, and he gives me a wink. Seems as though Dani thinks she’s excluded from Sunday obligations.
    Rookie.
    I place my hands on the table and lean over closer to her. “That means you too, sweetheart.”
    “Well, I, uh . . . I don’t go to church,” she stutters, stumbling over her words. “I mean, I’ve been to church, but it was a long, long time ago. I wouldn’t know the first thing about going . . . I’d probably endanger the whole congregation.”
    “Just be sure to wear your fancy shoes, Chuck. You’ll be fine.”
    “I’m not talking about tripping, jackass. I mean, God might strike me down with lightning or something of equal biblical proportions.”
    “We’ll say ten Hail Marys just for you,” Deacon says as we walk out the door.
    “You okay to drive home, Dani?” I ask as I notice her walking toward a black sedan.
    “Oh, yeah. I’m good. Besides, it’s just a little ways that way, right?” she asks, pointing down the road.
    “Yeah, just keep it between the lines.” I chuckle, watching her lean a little as she walks. It could be her lack of balance I witnessed earlier, but by the way she’s fumbling around in her purse, I’m guessing it’s the beer. There’s not much that could happen between here and the motel, but I’m not willing to take the risk. “On second thought, why don’t I drive you and one of us will swing by and pick you up in the morning on the way to church? You can get your car after.”
    She looks up at me with one eye open, the other squinted, and her keys dangling from her finger.
    “I’m just driving you to the motel, Chuck. No funny business.”
    “Okay.” She huffs and turns to her car. “Lemme grab my camera bag.” She fumbles with key and I struggle with wanting to help her and wanting to watch her. Eventually, she gets the door open and leans into the car. I can’t help but notice her stellar ass on display—one I haven’t witnessed until now. I clear my throat as she stands back up and closes the door with her hip, knocking herself off balance.
    “Since you know exactly where it is, I guess I don’t need to give you directions to the motel,” she says sarcastically. I was kinda hoping she wouldn’t bring that up.
    I shake my head and let out a hard laugh. “Yeah, I’ll get you where you’re goin’.”
    “This is a nice truck.” She pats the leather on the dash as I help her in and close the door behind her.
    I hop in the driver’s side and glance over to see her leaning her cheek against the glass. She’s so damned cute, even tipsy.
    “Thanks. Try not to throw up in it.” We both laugh, but I roll the window down just a little, allowing fresh air to cool her flushed cheeks. Thankfully, she makes it the mile down to the motel, and I try not to laugh as she digs around in her bag again. “Looking for something?”
    “Yeah, my big ass room key. Who the fuck has keys? I mean, I didn’t even know they made motels like this anymore.”
    “They don’t. This one was made a long time ago.” I laugh, using her lingo and fighting the urge to tuck her loose hair behind her ear. “Need me to help?”
    “Found it!” she practically screams in triumph, coming up with the gold key, a proud smile on her face.
    “That’s good. I’d hate to have to wake old man Boudreaux up to let you in.”
    “Boudreaux,” she repeats, like she’s mulling the name over. “Valerie Boudreaux. That’s the girl you were making bowlegged yesterday.”
    I can’t control the laugh that erupts from inside me. I should probably be embarrassed, but I’m not. “You heard that, huh?” I scratch my head, not sure how I feel about that. Usually, I couldn’t care less who knows what about me, but this weird part deep down inside wishes I could rewind to yesterday and not take Val up on her offer.
    “I bet someone in Baton Rouge heard that.”
    We