The comforting smell of citrus surrounded me as I gradually relaxed into him. The relaxation only lasted about thirty seconds before reality slapped me in the face with a raw fish.

Well, not literally.

Anyway…

I slowly took a step back while simultaneously pressing my palms into his chest. His really solid chest. I bet I could break a finger punching him in the nipples.

Focus…

Also, why would I punch him in the nipples?

I let out a long sigh, putting some space between Thane and I. We had just met yesterday. There was no way I was getting touchy feely after only twenty-four hours.

Look what happened the last time…

"Harper."

I shook my head to clear away that train of thought before I met Thane's puzzled gaze. "Thank you for the hug, and the concern. And I'm sorry I worried you. But I really have to find my friend." I started to turn toward the door, mumbling, "And bury her in my backyard, find some rare plant to plop on top of her so they never find the body…"

I heard my name as I ninja'd my way through his searching grip and headed outside. Trey was standing by Bixby chatting with…

Stupid vibrating pickles they're multiplying.

This Thane clone had the signature dark hair long enough to fall into his eyes. You know, the signature boy band fluff that they always had to comb to the side or almost dislodge their head from their shoulders to remove it from their eyesight. On anyone else I'd be rolling my eyes and calling them unoriginal. But of course the Clone had to look fudging perfect.

Dark washed jeans that clung to his narrow waist and a Halestorm t-shirt finished off his… whatever look he was going for. Because I definitely wasn't impressed.

Or ogling…

Don't judge me.

As I passed by Trey gave me a nod in acknowledgement. The Clone followed his brother's gaze to me and appeared to size me up. Especially my cheek, because that's apparently a gossip hot-spot amongst the clones today. I lifted an eyebrow only to get a wink in return.

A flapping wink? What was wrong with these people?

I made my way to Ava, who was making conversation with a mechanic sporting full body tattoos and piercings galore. Not that I had a problem with that, to each their own.

"Ava, it's time to go. Like, ten minutes ago."

She reluctantly turned her head toward me. "Harpy, darling. Go sit and grab a snack. Momma is talking right now."

If only I could melt her with my stare alone…

I plastered a saccharine-sweet smile on my face and stepped in close to the two of them. "Ava, don't you remember? We have your syphilis medication ready at Walmart AND we badly need to restock on your Monistat. I cannot handle anymore of your gross coochie cheese all over the toilet seat."

Metal Face was trying his hardest not to laugh, bless his heart. And Ava, well… by the look on her lobster-red visage, I might not survive the trip home.

Worth it.

I held my head up high as I quickly made my way back to my car, not even looking to see if Ava was following.

"HARPER RENEE I SWEAR ON MY ENTIRE SHOE COLLECTION THAT IF YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN I WILL DEEP FRY YOU IN SESAME SEED OIL, DROWN YOU IN OYSTER SAUCE AND SERVE YOU WITH A SIDE OF WONTONS!"

Wow. Swearing on her very extensive shoe collection. Ava meant business.

I did let my eyes roam back to the Clones. Thane was outright guffawing, Trey was smirking and shaking his head, and the newest Clone appeared to be trying not to laugh while simultaneously eyeing up my backside.

My passenger door slammed after Ava got into my vehicle, and I slid into the driver's side. "Ava, slam my door one more time…"

The passenger door slammed again as Ava just glared at me.

"Alright, Ava. If that's how you wanna play. Remember, you have pipes you want cleaned. I happen to work in one of the more popular coffee shops. I'm thinking… maybe I'll plaster your face on a whole wall full of posters about gonorrhea."

At least the ride home was quiet.