“You do know I’m here because I’m a recovering addict, right?”
“Of course. Do I look stupid? I ain’t offering you one now. I said when you get back to Treepoint.”
Reaper’s face went ice cold. “I’ll never go back to Treepoint.”
Greer’s lips quirked up in a smile. “Why not? What you got against Kentucky? Loretta Lynn was born there. You like music, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Besides, you’ll like living in Treepoint now that you know me.”
Reaper didn’t think it was a point in the state’s favor. “I’ll never step foot in Treepoint again.”
“Let me give you another piece of advice. Never say never. Swore I’d never marry a woman who couldn’t cook. Ask me how well that turned out. Holly couldn’t make a pan of cornbread if her life depended on it, and I have to sit at the table every Sunday and pretend it’s the best I ever tasted.
“Never only lasts as long it takes a woman to change your mind. I should know; I’m an expert on women. Had three women wanting to marry me. How many women you got wanting to marry you?”
“None,” he ground out between clenched teeth.
“See? That’s another reason to come to Kentucky—I’ll get you married off in no time. I’ll even be willing to vet their cooking skills before introducing you to them. Of course, I’d expect a finder’s fee if you decide to pop the question—”
“I thought you needed to leave?” Reaper interrupted him.
“You trying to get me out the door?” Greer didn’t skip a beat, taking it in stride that Reaper was trying to get him out the door.
“Yes.”
“Cool. I respect an honest man. I need to be hitting the road anyway. Did I mention don’t tell anyone I was here or about the box until someone asks?”
“No, you forgot that part.”
“Now you know, so don’t. I wouldn’t want you to spoil the surprise.”
“Are you sure you’re okay enough to drive?” As much he wanted Greer to leave, the man was looking sicker by the moment.
“I’ll be fine once I eat and get some sleep. If I wasn’t on the down low, I’d get one of The Last Riders watching the building to take me out to eat before heading home.”
“The Last Riders are watching me?”
“You don’t seriously think any of them wouldn’t make sure you’re safe and sound before they can get you home?” Greer snorted in disbelief.
“If you’re on the down low, then how did you get inside?”
“The day I can’t outsmart a Last Rider is the day my kin will be burying me.”
“If money is an issue, there’s cash in the drawer under the microwave.”
Greer gave him a pained look of regret. “I can’t take any money from you.”
“It’s not my money; it’s Viper’s. He left it for Peyton or Calder in case I want any food from the restaurants nearby.”
“In that case, I might take enough to grab a burger on the way home.”
Reaper turned in his chair to watch Greer go inside to the small kitchenette. Opening the drawer, Greer pulled the cash out before coming to the table to show him. Unfolding the wad of cash, Reaper didn’t miss the avaricious gleam in Greer’s eyes.
Thumbing two tens off the top, Greer tucked them into his front shirt pocket. “That’ll buy me a nice burger. I’m kind of running low on gas; you mind if I take enough to get home? Viper can afford it.”
Reaper tightened his lips. “Go ahead.” He would give him the whole thing if he would just leave.
“Thanky. I appreciate it.” Greer thumbed off three twenties. “My truck has a big tank.” Shoving the sixty dollars in his pocket to add to the twenty he already took, he gave Reaper a pained look before setting the remaining cash down on the table.
Reaper told himself not to ask but couldn’t help himself. “Is there something else you’re needing?”
“Now that you mention it, that steakhouse I was telling you about has another restaurant on my way home. I could stop there and take a breather. That is … if you don’t mind?”
Reaper gritted his teeth. “Help yourself.”
“Thanky.” Greer took the cash again, peeling off five twenties.
“That’s an expensive steak.”
“They charge nine ninety-nine extra for the unlimited shrimp, and I always like to give a good tip.”
Putting the hundred dollars in his pocket, he set the remaining cash down on the table, then picked up the sandwich he’d put down.
Reaper side-eyed him for taking the sandwich when he was going to a restaurant.
“It’ll give me something to snack on during the drive. Besides, I done told ya you need some red meat. Don’t forget to get Calder to order you one when he gets back from picking Peyton up at her apartment.”
“How did …?”
Greer tapped his forehead. “I wouldn’t be a Porter if I let anything get by me. The Last Riders need to start thinking like me.”