Page 75 of Hearts Under Cover
“I didn’t do any such thing,” Cameron said, as Helena and I took that opportunity to excuse ourselves.
Cricket and her brothers continued to argue as Helena and I grabbed beers and wine from the fridge, a soda for me, and pulled down plates and silverware for dinner.
“When she has hold of a bone, she does not let go,” Helena said.
“I know,” I whispered. “She showed me a picture of him. He’s cute.”
“Right?” Helena leaned over the island. “But cute doesn’t mean right for her.”
“Sure, but shouldn’t she be the one to make that decision?”
Helena chuckled. “Oh, yeah, you have older, meddling brothers.”
“I sure do.”
“I didn’t have that luxury.”
I wrinkled my nose. “You think that’s a luxury?”
“Someone willing to annoy the hell out of youenough to protect you? Yes.”
I sighed. “I don’t know, annoying is just annoying.”
“Until you need someone to take your back. That’s really kind of nice.”
“This is true,” I admitted.
“I hate both of you!” Cricket screeched just as Hatch and Maisie walked in with our food, followed closely by Cade, Navy, and Devon.
“What the hell did we just miss?” Hatch asked.
“You don’t want to know,” Helena said.
“Jase,” I mouthed.
“Jesus,” Hatch hissed.
Cricket stormed into the room and immediately wrapped her arms around Hatch’s waist. “I need you to find Jase.”
Maisie took the bags from Hatch’s hands and set them on the counter so he could hug Cricket.
“Baby girl, I am not gonna do that.”
“Why not?” she cried.
“Because he’s a degenerate asshole.”
She gasped, pulling away from him. “Take that back.”
He gave her a sly grin. “I won’t.”
“Well, fuck you, then.” She pulled away from him with a huff. “I’ll find him myself.”
“Maybe after wine?” I suggested.
“Yes.” She raised a finger. “After wine.”
With Cricket momentarily distracted away from Jase, family time was back on track, so we dug into the food, and we decided on a game night.
Pictionary, or what had quickly been renamed to ‘Blood Sport.’ Girls against boys, which they won, but ever since I’d been invited into this amazing family, I was the true winner, so I didn’t care.
