Free GRIT: A Spartan Riders Novel by J.C. Valentine Page B

settled back in his chair.
    “So do you three have any plans for the evening?”
    Blake glanced up at her father and produced an off-the-cuff offer. “Actually, Ash and I stopped by to ask Gabby out to a movie.”
    “Oh that sounds lovely. Which one?”
    “Chipmunks!” Ash shouted, bouncing in his seat. Then he launched into a lengthy explanation of who they were and what they were about, complete with voice mimicry that had everyone at the table laughing.
    “Why don’t you three head out,” Mrs. Morgan offered as she stood up. “Harold and I will take care of all this.”
    “Are you sure?” Blake asked, cutting off Gabby’s feeble protest. “We could stick around and give you a hand.”
    “Nonsense,” her mother said with a swat of her hand. “Go, have fun. I have a feeling if you keep this little man waiting much longer, he’s bound to leap right out of his skin.”
    The way Ash was fidgeting, Blake didn’t doubt it. “Thank you, Mrs. Morgan.” Holding out his hand to Gabby he said, “Shall we?”
    With narrowed eyes, she ignored his offer and stood on her own. “I’ll be home by ten,” she called over her shoulder as she marched through sliding glass doors and into the house.
    Turning to make sure Ash was set to go, he caught her mother’s eye as she rounded the table, clearing dishes.
    “We won’t wait up,” she stage whispered and patted his arm.
    Blake grinned.

NINE
     
     
    Gabby could just kick Blake for dragging her into this. Chipmunks, that is. How on earth could a person come up with an idea so…so…downright annoying ? She shared a look with Blake, whose expression matched her own.
    Well, at least she wasn’t the only one suffering.
    But Ash was enjoying himself. For some reason only children could ever know, he was sucking up every moment, cackling gleefully at the antics of three very loud and obnoxious animated animals.
    Boy, that Alvin really needed a spanking.
    Hopefully, children—and Ash in particular—didn’t pick up on some of the bad behaviors being acted out on-screen. She could imagine some very upset parents.
    Thank heavens she didn’t have any kids herself. She wasn’t entirely certain she had the skillset necessary to counteract all the negative and potentially damaging influences the world heaped on their little shoulders.
    “I’m going to grab another beer,” Blake said softly. “Do you want a refill?”
    To numb the pain? “Absolutely,” she said, holding out her wine glass. He’d been such a sweetheart, insisting on making a special trip to pick up a bottle of her favorite red. Gabby was enjoying navigating Blake’s complex nature. 
    He passed her an understanding half-smile that she imagined held a solid dose of apology. If this was considered a first date, he had severely missed the mark.
    Yet, oddly enough, she was somewhat enjoying herself. Even if the movie left much to be desired, just being able to sit back and watch little Ash having the time of his life was worth it. It certainly beat sitting at home grading papers. She garnered enough enjoyment just from watching him to make the experience somewhat manageable. Being able to kick back in the comfort of his home instead of a giant theater was just a bonus. She’d always preferred the intimate setting over a commercial theater.
    The feel of Blake’s heavy arm wrapping around her shoulder broke Gabby from her ruminations. Barely holding back her startled yelp, her heart pounded fiercely as his stubbled cheek grazed hers. The feel of his warm breath tinged with bitter ale took her back to their shared moment of bliss when his lips were on hers, soft and decadent, and she wondered if it was too much to hope for a repeat. When he dangled her full glass in front of her, she took it with a trembling hand.
    “Thank you for this,” he said roughly in her ear.
    “For what?” she whispered, the words barely making it past her lips.
    His chin jerked toward the television. “They’re torture to