Lucky Strike Read Online Free Page B

behind the wheel. Turning the key, the engine roars to life. I put it into drive and skid out of the parking lot leaving Jackson and Mexico in my dust.
    I can hear my phone ringing inside my bag and I know it’s Jackson. I press the gas pedal to the floor needing to get as much distance between him and me as I can before I change my mind and go back. I just need to get home. I need to go back to Seattle and make things right again.

 
    The smell of fresh coffee wafts through the guest room from the kitchen, stirring me awake. I grab my phone from the nightstand checking the time, it’s after ten. Brooke and I didn’t get back to her house until almost dawn.
    It was a long night, to say the least, and the voicemail from the captain staring back at me is a harsh reminder that I’m in deep shit. I know this isn’t going to be good, but I was the dumbass that decided to go off the deep end and steal a police car so I’m fully prepared to face whatever disciplinary actions that the captain has in store for me. Even if it means losing my job. The only job I’ve ever really cared about.
    I throw the blankets back and rest my feet on the floor, running my hands through my hair. The night’s events running through my head when I realize I’d completely forgotten about Courtney.
    Fuck! Poor Courtney.
    I managed to convince Street not to charge her, but I never apologized for what happened. I’m sure hates me now.
    My attention shifts to the soft cry of Ella coming through my wall. Brooke must still be asleep. I get up from the bed and slip on a T-shirt. Stepping out into the hallway I walk over to Ella’s room. Opening the door, I see her standing up in her crib, and as soon as she sees me she starts jumping up and down excitedly. At least one person in the world is happy to see me.
    “Ry-Ry,” she babbles. I’ve been trying to get her to say Ryder but Ry-Ry is about as close as she gets. But I’ll take it because she’s cute as hell. Ella lifts her arms up for me to pick her up so I scoop her up in my arms and place a kiss on her cheek.
    “Good morning, kiddo.”
    Before Ella came along, I never gave babies or kids a second glance. To me, they were a mini reminder for me to always use a condom. But the moment I laid eyes on Ella when Brooke and Brian brought her home, she reminded me that at one time I wanted to have a family—a family with Lucky. Even though Ella brought back a painful reminder of how I was never going to achieve what I desired most in this world, I still love the hell out of this kid. And I don’t even mind that she has me completely wrapped around her tiny little finger. I would take a bullet for this kid.
    We make our way downstairs to the kitchen, where we find Brian preparing a snack for Ella. Ella calls out to him. Her little face all lit up like a Christmas tree.
    “I’m sorry man, did she wake you up?” Brian sets his knife down then wipes the banana off his hands and walks around the kitchen island.
    “It’s all right, I was already awake.”
    I put Ella in her high chair then go searching for a coffee cup. Brian sets a plate of bananas and pancakes on her tray then turns his attention to me.
    “Ryder, Brooke told me about what happened last night. And I just want to say I’m sorry for not being here for you the past few months. I feel bad, brother. Especially for bailing on you yesterday. I completely forgot it was Lucky’s birthday.” I could hear the regret and the remorse in his voice.
    “I haven’t exactly been easy to be around since Lucky left. I’ve been trying to fill the void of her being gone, and it’s just making everything worse. I feel so hollow without her.” I slump down into one of the bar stools. Resting my face in my hands. I’m spinning out of control without her.
    “I understand what you’re feeling right now, Ryder. You saw what I went through after I left Jillian. I hit rock bottom and I think this is your bottom. Now it’s time for you to decide