Badges and Bikes

Chapter 21

Max's POV***

I go home after hearing everything that was discussed about the threat on Ashton's life. After a hot shower I decide to call Drake since I have an hour before I leave to pick up Ashton for our date.

"I was wondering when you would call and tell me how wonderful my best friend is." Drake answers my call.

I chuckle. "I am so sorry that I haven't had time to call sooner. But you know that the phone works both ways." I retort.

"What have you been doing that you don't have time?" He asked instead of agreeing about phone operation.

"Dealing with Ashton's department. You know that she is the chief of Crazy Butte now. We've had some serious house cleaning to do over the past couple weeks. Why haven't you tried calling me?"

"Because I have been busy too. I am officially a citizen of Crazy Butte now. We closed on the house today and will be moving next week. Marissa is really good at getting the job done. Call me highly impressed with her. Anna and Ashland were instantly in love with it. So, what's a guy to do, but agree and sign the check?"

"Well, I am happy to hear that! Welcome home, brother!" I am really happy for my two friends. "Maybe we can have dinner together to celebrate. You, Anna, and Ashland. Thane, Ashton, and I. Maybe even Marissa."

"We can have a housewarming dinner. Anna is already making plans for it and moving. Invite the Tucker crew. I will have to ask Anna and Mrs. T of course."

"You ask Anna and leave Tara to either myself or Thane. Once we know the day and time, we can make reservations somewhere."

"Oh? You think that you can talk Mrs. T into doing something? What would make you so comfortable already?" Drake asked curiously.

 I can tell that he doesn't know everything that he wishes he did. That thought made me laugh. "Thane and I have gotten close to the Tucker crew. We eat there at least two nights a week. We are so close that Ashton and I are going on a date tonight." My statement was met with silence. I was starting to think that he had hung up or the call dropped.

Then he quietly replied. "What makes you think that you are good enough to date Ashton? You can't take David's place."

"I know that. We aren't trying to take David's place. For you to say that tells me that you don't know me or Ashton at all. Ash loves David just as much today as she did five years ago. We don't want to take his place. Nobody will ever be able to do that. I love her and I believe she loves me and Thane. Now I need to leave and go pick Ash up. Talk to you later." I hung up. I seriously can't believe that he thought of me like that.

 I finish getting dressed and leave for Ashton's. I call her when I am a few minutes away. She says that she is ready. When I pull up to her house, she meets me at the door with a big smile and a kiss. "Hello, angel! Are you ready for some Italian food and good conversation?" I ask with a hug.

"I am definitely ready to talk about anything other than work and enemies. Italian food makes it so much better. Not to mention the sexy dinner companion." I open her door and she slides into my Ram pickup. I had to steal another kiss before shutting her door. I love seeing her smile. Especially if it is directed at me and nobody else. I see her look at her phone and her brow wrinkles as I get behind the wheel. I wonder if I should ask if everything is alright. I decide that she will tell me if she wants to know. I drive to a family owned restaurant on the opposite side of town. The Salido family opened it a few years ago. They make everything from scratch and the bread is always the best!

Ashton has been texting someone for the five minute trip here. I ask no questions. I get out to open her door. She smiles at me. "I need to make a quick call, sweetheart. Do you mind?"