Page 81 of Night Hawk
His feet came to a stop. “You smell that?”
Toni looked back at him. “Someone’s baking.”
“Mom,” the brothers said in unison.
“What’s your mother doing here?” Toni asked. “Besides baking.”
Clay shook his head. “Guess there’s only one way to find out.”
They entered the living area, and Clay spotted his dad seated on the couch watching a cable news show.
“You’re finally home.” Clay’s mom stepped into the entryway and smiled at them as they started ripping the Velcro straps on their vests. “I can tell by your attire you were out playing cops and robbers just like when you were little boys.”
“We’re grown men, Mom,” Clay said. “When will you start treating us that way?”
She linked arms with him. “Maybe when you stop letting me take care of you so often.”
“We don’t—”
“Don’t even bother.” Aiden came over and kissed their mother’s cheek. “No point in denying it. We let her cook for us all the time and do even more.”
“What he said.” Drake planted a quick kiss on her cheek too, and the remaining brothers followed suit as they passed by to go to their rooms and stow their gear.
Clay looked at his mother. “What are you doing here? I mean, I’m always happy to see you, but you should’ve let me know you were coming. Maybe I could’ve saved you the trip.”
“There was no stopping her,” his dad said from the couch.
“Oh, you.” His mom waved a hand at his back. “I’m here because I knew the kitchen would be a mess.”
“It’s not, is it?” Toni removed her vest and tugged the tails of her shirt down. “I’ve been trying to keep it clean.”
His mother smiled. “I could tell someone besides the boys was taking care of things.”
Clay rolled his eyes. “There you go again with the boys comment.”
“I’m embarrassing you in front of your young lady.”
Clay groaned. “She’s not my young lady. She’s an FBI agent and part of the team.”
She looked at Toni. “I know that, and I’m so in awe of you. Let’s sit down and have a long discussion about what that involves over a cup of coffee, if you’re up to it.”
“Sure,” Toni said and sounded truly willing and not like she was putting up with his mom, earning Toni huge brownie points in his book.
“We have to stow our gear and do some research,” Clay said, trying not to sound irritated.
A timer buzzed from the kitchen.
“Perfect timing. The cinnamon rolls are done. I’ll brew a fresh pot of coffee to go with it and serve you all.”
“None for me.” Toni patted her stomach. “I already had one of your wonderful monster cookies after dinner.”
His mother stared at Toni. “That was last night. We’re starting a whole new day here.”
“Mom’s cinnamon rolls are out of this world,” Clay said.
Toni tilted her head. “Maybe a small one.”
Clay eyed his mother. “Now, why else are you here?”
