“He did, babe.” He chuckles.
“You told me when I got home and gave you the leftovers that it was the best thing you’ve ever eaten.”
“I wanted a blow job.” He shrugs, and her eyes narrow even further.
“What’s a blow job?” Kenyon breaks in, and Parker’s eyes widen while Cara’s go to the ceiling.
“Uhh… it’s uhh…” He looks around for help. “I-it’s kind of like a reward,” he stutters out, and I feel Ashlyn’s body next to mine shaking uncontrollably then hear her snort.
“Why—” Kenyon starts, but Cara cuts him off, shouting, “Boys. Shower. Now,” before he can finish whatever it was he was about to say.
“Do we have to?” both Jordan and Kenyon ask at the same time, looking between their parents.
“Yes, now go on up. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Oh, all right,” Jordan grumbles as they both hop down off the island and run out of the kitchen. As soon as they’re gone, Cara turns on Parker and pokes him in the chest with her finger.
“I swear to God, the first time they say the words blow job and reward in the same sentence, I’m filing for a divorce,” she hisses, poking him one last time before turning on her heels and storming away.
“You’re an idiot,” I mutter to my brother, hearing Ashlyn snort again then cough.
“Sorry.” She giggles, covering her mouth. “I…” She snorts again, shaking her head while her face turns red. “I’ll be back.” She runs off, and I hear her laughing and snorting as she goes, making me grin.
“I totally forgot they were here,” Parker grumbles, watching Ashlyn run off, and then turns to look at me and grins. “I hope they never say that shit around Cara’s mom. She will drag my ass to church and drown me in the baptism pool.”
“If that happens, call me. I want to come watch.”
“Shut up.” He smiles, then looks at the door. “I better go help her get the boys to bed.”
“That would probably be wise,” I agree, watching him go, then pick up the empty pan and spoons and take them to the sink before filling the pan with water and dumping the spoons in.
“Did Parker go up?” Ash asks as I flip off the water and turn to face her.
“Yeah.”
“I know it’s wrong, but that was really funny.” She laughs as she hops up on the counter. “It’s like the time Hope couldn’t pronounce popcorn and kept calling it cockporn.” She giggles, and I grin, walking to where she’s sitting and making room for my hips between her legs, then pulling her flush against me.
“You look happy,” I state, touching her smiling mouth with my fingertips.
Her face softens, and her hands come up to rest on the underside of my jaw. “I am. Seeing you happy, makes me happy. I wish Parker and Cara lived closer with the boys.”
“Me too,” I agree, kissing her softly before pulling back. “Tomorrow, I want to take them out to pan for gold. Do you want to see if Hope can come?”
“Yeah, I’ll call Jax in a few and see what’s going on.”
“Good.”
“Friday, after I get off work, I have an appointment with Kim to do my hair. I’m going to ask Cara if she wants to come, so if she says yes, you and the boys are on your own.”
“That’s fine. I’m sure we can find something to do.”
“Awesome,” she breathes as I run my thumb over her bottom lip, dragging it down before nipping it lightly, listening to her breath catch. I thrust my tongue between her parted lips, swallowing her moan as she clings to me.
Hearing a horrified scream come from upstairs, she shoves me back, hops off the counter, and runs out of the kitchen before I can catch her.
“Dammit Ash,” I growl, following her up to the second floor, and then almost plow her over as she stops suddenly.
“What—?”
“There’s a rat in the closet!” Cara screeches, holding a towel to her chest as both boys run into the hall naked, dripping water everywhere, with Parker behind them soaking wet.
“A rat?” I frown, and her eyes fill with fear as she looks at the closet and nods.
“Yes, a huge rat. I… I was getting a towel, and it… it—”
“Oh, my God.” Ash doubles over laughing.
“This isn’t funny!” Cara shouts, and Ash laughs harder. Realizing why she’s laughing like a madwoman, I walk toward the closet and place my hand on the knob.
“Don’t open it, you idiot!” Cara shrieks, trying to climb up Parker’s back while the boys jump around behind her. Ignoring the craziness going on around me, I swing the linen closet door open then reach up and pull Leo down from his hiding place.
“It’s a monster!” Jordan screams, running off as Ashlyn drops to her knees, holding her stomach.
“It’s Leo.” I hold him out toward Cara and Parker. “He’s not a rat or a monster. He’s a cat,” I inform everyone, and Cara glares at me from behind her husband’s back.
“That is not a cat.”
“He is a cat.” I chuckle as Leo hisses and swipes at me to be put down.
“What’s wrong with him?” Kenyon asks, studying Leo as Ash finally pulls herself together enough to stand and take him from me.
“He’s hairless. There’s nothing wrong with him. It’s just the way he is.”
“Do you think you could have warned me that you have a hairless cat living in the closet?” Cara asks haughtily, and I laugh.
“Sorry, I didn’t think about it. Leo isn’t very social, so I forget he’s even here most of the time.”
“I swear, I thought I was going to die when it poked its head out at me.” She laughs, holding her chest, walking toward Ash so she can get a better look at Leo, who is fighting to get free.
“Is it safe?” Jordan yells, and I look down the end of the hall and see him sticking his head around the corner.
“It’s safe, bud. It’s not a monster. It’s just a cat,” Parker says. Then mutters, “An ugly cat, but a cat.”
“He’s not ugly!” Ashlyn cries in denial, holding a hissing Leo closer to her chest.
“Sure he’s not.” Parker smiles at her as Jordan and Kenyon both cautiously come over to pet Leo, but then shriek and jump away when he finally gets his way, breaks free from Ashlyn’s hold, and runs off.
“Do you have any other weird animals I should know about?” Cara asks as Parker ushers the still naked boys back toward the bathroom.
“Nope.”
I smile, and she shakes her head, muttering, “That took ten years off my life,” before turning and following Parker and the boys down the hall.
“Okay, so the blowjob thing was funny, but that was hilarious.” Ash giggles.
“Nut.” I kiss her head then tuck her under my arm to lead her back downstairs, this time to the library, where I proceed to make out with her until Parker and Cara come down after putting the boys in bed.
Chapter 11
Ashlyn
Walking toward the door in the coffee shop, juggling my iced coffee, purse, and bag of treats, I stop dead in my tracks and stare at the rack of newspaper set up near the entrance. Gaping at the picture of police gathered around a white tent on the front page, I feel the color drain from my face as I read the caption.
Another woman found murdered. Police still have no leads.
“Sad, isn’t it?” Startled, I turn my head to look at the well-groomed man standing next to me, but then take a step back when I realize how close he is. “Sorry I scared you.” He smiles softly, tucking his hands into the front pockets of his dark jeans, causing his button-down shirt to pull tight across his chest.
“Umm… it’s fine,” I murmur, and he nods, scanning my face.
“Hopefully the police catch the killer before long,” he mutters, then turns away and walks toward the counter. Shaking off the weird feeling slithering over my skin, I leave the coffee shop and rush down the street to the office. Once inside, I lock the door behind me, dump everything in my hands onto the reception desk, and head down the hall to Dil
lon’s office. His head comes up from his computer, and he frowns.
“What’s wrong?” Without answering, I walk to where he’s sitting and climb onto his lap, curling myself against him, pressing my forehead into his neck, and breathing in his comforting scent. “Talk to me,” he says gently, rubbing my back, and my eyes slide closed. I know I shouldn’t be freaked out like I am, but the paper I just saw means there have been two women found dead in just a week.
“They found another woman murdered,” I whisper as his body under mine turns to stone.
“Pardon?” His hand stills and his fingers move under my jaw, forcing my eyes to meet his.
“I was getting coffee and—”
“How were you getting coffee?” he cuts me off with a growl and I try to sit up, but he keeps me in place, holding me tightly against him with an arm banned around my waist. “I thought you were shutting everything down out front.”
“I was, but I wanted a coffee,” I explain softly as his jaw begins to twitch like crazy.
“Why didn’t you come get me so I could go with you?”
“I didn’t think about it, and I knew I would be quick.”
“Baby,” he sighs, leaning his head back. “The police still haven’t caught the person who hit you, so we need to be cautious until they do.”
“I’m sorry. I really didn’t even think about it.”
His eyes drop to meet mine once more, and he mutters something I can’t make out, tucking my face into his neck. “We may have nothing to worry about, but until we know for sure that what happened was an accident, I need to know you’re safe.”
“I know. I’ll be more careful.”
“Good,” he states, placing a kiss to the top of my head.
“Maybe I should call off the party,” I say quietly after a moment, and I feel his chest expand. I know my cousins would understand, but I’d still hate disappointing them.
“As much as I would love for you to call it off, it’s not necessary. I spoke with Jax and Evan a few days ago and asked them about hiring security. They said they knew a couple guys who would be willing to keep an eye on you girls while you’re out.”
“So we’re going to have babysitters.” I shake my head, knowing the girls won’t like that at all and will probably do something stupid, just to spite whoever is watching us.
“Not babysitters, just a couple men looking out for you girls. You probably won’t even notice them.”
“Do you know who they are?”
“Harlen and a guy named Zee, who I haven’t met yet.”
“Harlen’s cool, so that won’t be too bad, but Zee is married to July’s best friend, Kayan, who is coming to the party, so that could be weird.”
“Why would it be weird?” he asks, searching my face, and I shrug.
“You can’t exactly let loose when your husband is watching your every move.”
“You shouldn’t be doing anything you wouldn’t do in front of your husband anyways,” he growls back.
I roll my eyes then see the time and stand suddenly, muttering, “Crap,” as I adjust my skirt. “Cara’s meeting me in ten minutes. If we don’t go now, I’m going to be late,” I remind him as he pulls me right back down onto his lap.
“You have time.” He kisses my bottom lip then takes my jaw in his hands, running his gaze over my face. “Are you gonna be okay?”
My body melts against his and I nod. “Yeah. The whole thing about the murdered women just has me freaked out a bit, especially after what happened to me,” I admit, and his jaw tightens.
“Nothing is going to happen to you.”
“I know. It’s just scary. There have been two murders in one week.”
“This isn’t the small town you grew up in anymore. It’s now an extension of the big city that is getting closer by the day. Unfortunately, with that comes crime, baby.”
“I guess you’re right,” I murmur, and his face softens before he places a kiss to my forehead. Standing us both, I watch him turn off his computer and ask, “Did you decide where you guys are going to dinner tonight?”
He tugs off his tie and rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt. “Your parents’ house,” he mutters absently, grabbing his wallet from the top drawer of his desk and shoving it in his back pocket.
I stare at him in disbelief. “What? I think I just heard you say you’re having dinner at my parents’ house.”
Grinning, he pulls me against his chest, dipping his face closer to mine. “I did, and we are.”
“We haven’t even had dinner at my parents’ house together yet.” I frown, wondering what the hell my mom is up to. She never mentioned inviting Dillon to dinner when I talked to her this afternoon, and that is something she would have brought up.
“Don’t pout.” He kisses my pouted out lips then turns me toward the door with a pat to my ass.
Spinning back around, I place my hands on my hips when I see his lips twitch. “What if it’s a set up?”
“It’s not a set up.” He laughs, resting his hand against my lower back and leading me out of his office. “It’s just dinner. Your parents know Parker and the boys are coming with me.”
“Your brother would probably laugh his ass of if my dad or Jax decided to chase you with a shotgun. Maybe I should cancel my appointment and come with you, just to be sure you’re safe.”
“Stop being a nut. It’s going to fine.”
“Said every man, before his father-in-law shot him,” I grumble under my breath, listening to his booming laughter as he picks up my stuff and leads me out the door.
*
“I swear it’s been forever since I’ve seen you,” Kim says, rushing toward me as soon as we step foot in the salon, and I smile as her arms wrap around me tightly.
“It’s been way too long,” I agree, rocking her from side to side before letting her go to look at Cara, who is standing next to me.
“Kim, this is my sister-in-law, Cara. Cara, this is Kim, my amazing hair stylist and friend,” I introduce.
“I still cannot believe you’re married to The Dick,” Kim says, then her eyes widen and her face pales as she looks from me to Cara. “I’m so sorry.” She covers her mouth.
“Don’t be sorry.” Cara grins. “I used to call Dillon’s brother Parker The Prick before we got together, so being an asshole must be a family trait,” she confides, making us laugh. Then her eyes glaze over and she breathes, “Holy cow.” Turning to see what’s caught her attention, I watch my cousin Sage push open the door with one hand while holding Hope’s tiny hand with the other.
“Yep, holy cow,” Kim grumbles, while Sage lifts his chin toward Cara smiles softly at Kim then grins at me.
“Hey, cuz,” he greets as Hope runs toward me and wraps her tiny arms around my thighs.
“Hey.”
I smile then look down as Hope shouts, “Auntie Ashlyn, you’re here!” while tilting her body back awkwardly to look up at me.
“Hey, princess.” I smile, picking her up, even though she is way past the stage of being carted around, and resting her on my hip. “What are you up to?”
“Just hanging with Uncle Sage. Doin’ detective stuff.” She shrugs, like it’s no big deal, and I fight back my smile.
“That sounds fun.”
“It was only kind of fun, since we didn’t get any bad guys,” she huffs, and I laugh then look at Sage, who is smiling at her.
“Sage, this is Dillon’s brother’s wife, Cara. Cara, my cousin, Sage, and you already know Hope,” I say.
“Hello, Cara,” Hope breathes in little girl happiness. When we went panning for gold with the boys, we took Hope along with us, and she fell in love with my sister-in-law immediately and convinced herself that Cara is one of the Disney princesses.
“Nice to meet you.” Cara smiles at Sage before running her hand down Hope’s hair. “Hey, beautiful girl.”
“Hi.” She wiggles herself to be put down, and then looks between Cara and me. “Are you guys here to get ready for the
ball?” she asks. Then she spins when Ellie yells, “Hope!” loud enough to make me jump.
“What ball?” I ask Ellie, and she rolls her eyes.
“Dinner tomorrow. Hope’s convinced herself it’s going to be a ball.” She shakes her head, giving me a side hug, before saying hello to Cara, who she also met last weekend when we picked her daughter up to go with us.
“I thought it was just a family dinner.” I raise a brow, seeing she has Hope’s mouth covered, and she drops her hand away quickly then spins Hope to face her.
“Why don’t you go pick a nail polish. We got some new colors in today.”
“Yay!” Hope shouts, shooting her arms in the air while running off.
Planting my hands on my hips, I glare at my brother’s wife. “What’s going on? First, Dillon tells me that he’s having dinner with my parents tonight, and now this. Something is up, and you better spill it.”
“There’s nothing to spill.” She shrugs, and I narrow my eyes, knowing she’s lying, since she is the worst liar ever. “Seriously, there is nothing to spill,” she repeats, then looks past me and smirks.
“No, I’m working right now,” Kim hisses behind me, and I pull my eyes from Ellie and turn to find Sage standing in Kim’s space, with his face dipped close to hers.
“We can talk now, or I can stop by your place tonight. You choose.”
“That’s not exactly a choice.” She glares at him, balling her hands into fists, and his lips twitch ever so slightly.
“Your choice, sweetheart. I’m good either way, but we both know what will happen if I have to come to your house,” he mutters, and her eyes widen.
“God, you are… you are… I don’t even know what you are,” she growls, then looks at me.
“I’m so sorry about this. I’ll be right back,”
“It’s fine,” I assure her, watching Sage open the door, allowing her to stomp out past him.
“See you tomorrow.” He smiles, looking at Cara, Ellie, and me.
“See you tomorrow,” I agree as he let’s the door go and walks toward Kim, who is now standing at the edge of the sidewalk with her arms crossed over her chest looking annoyed.
“What’s that about?” I question Ellie, who has moved closer to the front window.