Music of the Heart (Runaway Train #1)(13)
Author: Katie Ashley

I glanced over at the other guys who made faces and wrinkled their noses. We’d been living off pizza and Subway the last few days we were at Rock Nation. Since we’d been out in the desert, there hadn’t been shit around for miles, which meant very limited food choices.

“GPS says there’s a sports bar/diner about five minutes up the road. A hot spot for tourists and truckers.”

I laughed. “If it’s a favorite of truckers, then it must be good, huh?”

“I just want a cheeseburger the size of my head,” Rhys declared.

AJ licked his lips. “Nah, a big, juicy steak with a baked potato slathered in butter and sour cream.”

Catching Abby’s eye, I tilted my head at her. “Trucker stop okay for you, Angel?”

Although she tried to hide it, I could tell she was extremely uncomfortable at the thought. At the smirk curving on my lips, she rolled her eyes. “It sounds lovely.”

“I’m sure it’s not the quality you’re used to.”

Twisting around in her seat, she glared at me. “You still don’t get it, do you? I’ve eaten just about every animal imaginable, and the quality had certainly not been USDA approved. Once again, the missionary lifestyle is harsh. You don’t reach people while staying at the Hilton. It’s jungles, backwoods, and slums.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, you’ve lived a hard knock missionary life. You wanna medal or something?”

“No, I was just making a point that I’m not the prima donna you think I am!”

“Well, you’ve been stateside since you were twelve. Not to mention, your dad is pastor of one of the five largest churches in Texas—I’m sure he makes a pretty good salary with that many members tithing.”

Abby’s blonde brows shot up. “How did you know that?”

I grinned at her. “I did a little research on my iPad while we were resting.”

“I’m not denying that we have a nice house and nice things now. But most everything goes right back into the ministry—even the boys give a lot of their salary. It’s how we were raised. But even if my dad had a BMW and my mom was draped in bling, no matter how hard you try, I’m still going to win, Jake. You can bet your sweet ass on it!”

Rhy and AJ dissolved into hearty laughter while Frank tore his gaze from the road to stare at Abby in surprise. Taking one hand from the wheel, he held it out to her. “Can I shake the hand of the only girl I’ve ever seen put Jake Slater in his place?”

Abby giggled and shook Frank’s hand. “I have three older brothers, so I’m used to it.”

“We haven’t been formerly introduced because these knuckleheads seem to have forgotten their manners. I’m Frank Patterson.”

“Abby Renard. I’m very pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise.” He jerked his head back in my direction. “That little wiseass is like a son to me, but he needs taken down every once in a while.”

“Keep talking, Frank,” I muttered.

He chuckled as he flicked on the blinker to turn into the diner. As I surmised from the teaming parking lot, it was probably nicer than most of the places we stopped along the road. With all the eighteen wheelers parked in the side-lot along with the gleaming chrome of some motorcycles up front, it also had a seedy flair to it as well. Most of the time, the shittier places were top on our list because we wouldn’t necessarily get recognized. There was a lot to appreciate about being able to eat dinner in peace without fans shoving items in front of you to sign or snapping your picture.

Frank pulled into a parking spot but kept the engine idling. “I’m going to head back down the road and check on the boys. Text me when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll come pick you up.”

“Thanks man. Make sure the guys get whatever they want, but watch the alcohol,” I instructed.

Frank glanced back and winked at me. “Don’t worry. I always do.”

I patted him on the shoulder before hopping out of the SUV.

Without even thinking, I opened Abby’s door. She tore her gaze from Frank to stare at me in surprise. I held out my hand to her. “I figured after your last little tumble, I should make sure you got out all right. I don’t want to be sending you back to your brothers all bruised up.” Under my breath, I murmured, “Well, at least not without enjoying it.”

She cocked her head at me while the corners of her lips turned up in a half smile. “I heard your insinuation about me getting bruised up through…well, you know.”

I laughed. “Now this is me being a pure gentleman like you requested. Wherever your devious little mind goes with my comments is your business.”

Taking my hand in hers, she giggled. “Okay then.” Once her cowboy boots were firmly set on the pavement, she let go of my hand. “Thank you, Jake.”

“You’re welcome.”

As we started in the diner, I once again held open the door for her. She grinned up at me. “Can I just say a girl could get used to this?”

“Well, that was my mother I was talking to on the phone. She made sure to remind me to act like I had some sort of upbringing when I was around you.”

“I haven’t even met her, and I already like her.” She leaned closer to me, her breath hovering over my cheek. “And deep down inside you, there’s the man I’m sure she worked hard to raise. He just needs to come out more often.”

“Is that right?”

“Mmm, hmm.” Her blue eyes pinned me a stare. “Because when the gentleman Jake comes out, he makes you awfully irresistible”

Something about the way she said those words made a shudder go through me. Trying to recover, my hand went to the small of her back to usher her to a table. “Yeah, well, just don’t get too used to it, Angel.”

A disappointed look flashed on her face, but she ducked her head before she thought I saw it. Bray had asked the hostess to seat us away from the crowd, and that put us in a side room with a stage and an almost antiquated looking karaoke set-up. I was surprised to see a DJ organizing music.

“Ooh, they have karaoke!” Abby squealed as she eased down in her chair.

AJ grinned at her excitement. “Whattya say you and me do a duet in a bit? Prove to you there’s a voice behind the drum-set?”

She bobbed her head. “I’d love to!”

It was then that a very hot, scantily clad waitress with a fabulous rack sauntered up to our table, and instantly my dick twitched in my pants, leaving any ideas of being a good boy in the dust. “What can I getcha?”