GRIT: A Spartan Riders Novel Read Online Free Page A

steps, Gabby clenched the concrete until her fingertips turned white. Late again. It was the second time that week, and she’d had enough. Was it a biker thing, or did Ash’s father just not care, or was he just that inconsiderate? Did he think she didn’t have a life, responsibilities of her own? Gabby might be single, she might be living in her parents’ basement, but that didn’t mean she had all the time in the world to sit around babysitting his kid until whenever the hell he decided to show up and be a father.
    To bide their time, Gabby helped Ash with his homework. As his teacher, she was well aware of the conflict of interest, but she was bored, and clearly the boy wasn’t getting the kind of attention he needed at home. So, she was helping.
    “It’s too hard,” Ash complained, his tiny fist balling into his hair as he hung his head in defeat.
    “It only seems that way because it’s new. Once you get the hang of it, it’ll be a piece of cake,” she assured, trying to cheer him up. Placing a hand on his arm, she urged him to sit up, then leaned in to take another look at the math problem that had him stumped. “Hmm, five plus four. What do you think the answer is?”
    “I don’t know,” he grumbled, “ten?”
    “No,” she said with a shake of her head. “Let’s use our fingers again. Start with the biggest number, which is…”
    “Five.”
    “Right. Start with five and count four more.” While he did as she instructed, Gabby studied his profile. It was no surprise that he resembled his father so strongly, right down to the way he scowled, causing his eyes to turn into slits of consternation that, even for a six-year-old, made him look fierce. A man like Blake Mahone would definitely have strong genes. There was no doubt in her mind that Ash Mahone was going to be a lady killer when he grew up.
    Ash’s head popped up, his expression hopeful. “Nine?”
    “Yes!” Gabby nearly shouted. “Great job, Ash.”
    His smile was so wide and so bright, so full of pride that Gabby’s heart twisted. This moment was precisely why she chose to teach. There was nothing quite like witnessing a child’s personal growth develop and knowing you had a hand in it. She was so glad she’d finally taken the plunge and set her worries on the back burner to pursue her dreams.
    She guided him through the rest of the problems and couldn’t resist giving Ash a little side hug when he was finished. “You’ve really gotten the hang of it, and fast too. I’m proud of you.”
    “Thanks,” he said, tipping his head to hide the faint blush that stained his cheeks. “My dad says I’m a smart cookie.”
    “Well, your dad is right. In fact, you’re so smart, I might just let you teach the class tomorrow.”
    “Really?”
    Gabby’s reply was on the tip of her tongue when his father’s motorcycle pierced the otherwise quiet neighborhood, sending her stomach into a tailspin of nervous anticipation that she refused to analyze too closely. Ash scrambled to his feet, gathering his homework and shoving everything into his backpack. When Blake’s bike rolled up, Ash raced toward him shouting his good news.
    “Daddy! Miss Morgan said I can teach the class tomorrow!”
    “Is that right?” Blake’s eyes danced with humor as he helped his son onto the back of the bike. Gabby approached slowly. Her annoyance renewed, she was trying her best to maintain a polite façade in front of Ash, but one look at her, and Blake knew what was up. “Before you say it, I’m sorry I was late. It won’t happen again.”
    “That’s what you said last time, Mr. Mahone. Believe it or not, you’re not the only person who has responsibilities outside of the home.”
    “It won’t happen again,” he repeated with impatience.
    “It’d better not, or…”
    One dark brow over eyes that glimmered with warning winged up. “Care to finish that sentence, Miss Morgan?”
    Gabby had a lot she wanted to say to him, words she was sure Blake