Page 78 of Outlaw Xmas
“Hey, babe,” he said in a gravelly voice; his eyes smoldering with intensity.
“Hey,” she said softly as Isa grabbed her hand for more fruit.
Her mother standing up broke the lusty haze between them. “I better get going,” she said.
“Hiya, Cathy. Don’t leave on my account.” He went over and kissed Isa then Cara. “I missed you, babe,” he whispered, his hot breath fanning over her face. Setting Braxton down, he walked out of the kitchen.
“Where’re you going, Daddy?” Braxton asked. “We’re having cocoa.”
“I got some work to do, little buddy. Save me some.”
Cathy sat back down. “I guess I can stay for one cup.”
“I wish you’d be nicer to Hawk, Mom. He’s a great father and guy. It isn’t fair that you always act like he has the plague when you see him,” Cara said under her breath, not wanting Braxton to hear.
“He just makes me nervous. I don’t know why, but he does. Anyway, we have absolutely nothing in common.” Cathy came over and poured the hot chocolate in two mugs and Braxton’s plastic cup.
“You have me, Braxton, and Isa in common,” she replied as she reached for Braxton’s cup. “Grab me an ice cube from the small ice tray. It’s too hot for him.”
Her mother placed a small cube inside the mug and sat down. Changing the subject, she talked about her upcoming trip to Europe with two of her friends. They talked until raspberry red and blackberry violet embraced the edge of the clouds as a brilliant white patch slipped behind the mountain peaks. Cathy glanced out the window then at the clock. “It’s later than I thought. I better get home and start dinner.” She stood up.
“Dad’s easy. He’s good with a sandwich and soup. Take some cookies for him. I’ll pack up the sweet rolls. I’m the only one who eats them in the house, and I don’t want to be tempted.” She rose to her feet and Isa smacked her lips, her eyes fluttering open.
“Your father doesn’t need them either.”
“He can bring them to the office tomorrow.” She pulled out the box from the cupboard and handed it to her mom.
She walked her mother into the garage. “Drive safely.” She kissed her on the cheek.
“I will.” Cathy ran her finger over Isa’s cheek. “Tell Braxton bye for me. I’ll see you and the children on Saturday.” She went into the garage, and Cara waited until she’d backed out and headed down the road before she closed the door.
“Brrr… it’s cold, sweetie,” she said to Isa as she closed the door and went back into the kitchen. Hawk stood in front of the open fridge. She came behind him and patted his firm butt. “Looking for something?”
He turned around and pulled her into his arms, Isa chortling. “I just found it.” He squeezed her ass cheeks.
Isa squirmed and held out her arms. “Daddy.” Cara handed her over to Hawk.
“Hey, princess.” He rubbed his face against her and she giggled.
“Leftover lasagna sound good? I’ll make salad and garlic bread.”
“Sounds great, babe.”
“The people from Brighter Lives were blown away today when Belle told them the Insurgents were replacing all the toys. They were very happy and grateful.”
“Of course. We’re not gonna let a pussy-ass fuck with the toy drive.”
Cara sighed. “Honey, please watch your language around Isa. Okay?”
He went over to her and swept his lips across hers. “Okay, babe.” He swatted her ass and went into the family room.
As Cara prepared dinner, Hawk played with Isa while watchingThe Muppet Christmas Carolfor the twentieth time with Braxton.
“I think you should look into this Garret guy who came to my office. Remember I told you I saw him when I went to a meeting last week at Brighter Lives? Lindi said that he doesn’t work there.”
Hawk looked over his shoulder: a line etched between his brows. “You didn’t tell me he was there. Have you seen him since?”
She shook her head. “I just have a gut feeling he’s the crazy guy who’s destroying Christmas things.”
