Page 97 of Burning Skies
“You know you’re invited to our dinner, right? Paige and Baylee are planning a feast. We’d love to have you.”
Her eyes go glassy. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
Reaching over, I lace our fingers together. “This won’t last forever. It’s just a bump in the road.”
“I like your optimism. I wish I felt as hopeful.”
“I’m sorry everything went sideways yesterday.” I still can’t believe Trig aimed a shotgun at me. This stupid feud has twisted him up. Because I guarantee no one in my family is stupid enough to salt another man’s field.
“It’s not your fault my brother is insane.” She wipes her eyes as her voice cracks. “I’m just scared I’m losing my family. I know my brothers and father are assholes, but I don’t want to lose them.”
“Of course not. I think the important thing is to not rush to any judgments. Let’s give everyone time to calm down.”
Her voice cracks again. “A part of me feels like my father is ditching us for his other family.”
“Come here.” I set Fireball to the side and hug Honey. “We’ll be your family. Anything you need, I got you.”
“Thanks, Beau. I’m sorry I’m so much trouble.”
I cup the back of her neck and pull her close for a kiss. “You’re no trouble. I promise.” I don’t have any answers, but I can make her breakfast. “Want some eggs and bacon?”
That gets me a tiny smile. “I can always eat bacon.”
I smile, loving that my woman enjoys eating. “You got it.”
After I grab some clean clothes, I head for the bathroom to take a quick shower and brush my teeth. Then I get busy making our food. When she wanders out into the kitchen a few minutes later donning another Wild Heart Fire Department t-shirt, I lift her onto the island. “You look good in my clothes. Feel free to wear them anytime.”
“Thank you. I might keep this shirt. It smells like you.”
She wraps her arms around me, and I hold her tight. “You doing okay?”
She shrugs. “I’ll keep busy grading essays. It’ll take my mind off my family drama.”
While I finish making breakfast, she heads to the bathroom to take a quick shower. As I’m cooking, my phone lights up with texts on the counter.
Jace: Want me to back my truck over that assclown?
Mav: Who’s the assclown?
Jace: It’s code for a word that rhymes with ‘pig.’ Only it starts with ‘tr.’
Me: No one’s driving over anyone. Calm down.
Mav: I feel left out. What happened?
Paige: Come over. Bring Baylee. I’m making pancakes. Then I’ll explain in person so it can’t be used as evidence in court.
Finally, someone’s being smart.
Me: Honey’s going to work, and I’m headed to the fire station if y’all need me.
Rhett: Watch your back.
Me: Always.
Honey emerges in a towel, and I set my phone down. It takes effort, but I keep my eyes firmly planted on her face so my dick doesn’t get any ideas. I hand her some coffee. “Whatcha need, babe?”
“I have a duffle bag in my SUV. Should have some extra clothes in there. Would you mind getting it for me?”
