Page 47 of Outlaw Xmas
“Don’t touch me,” she said, pushing him back with her behind.
“Babe, we need to talk.”
“I’m not going to fight in front of the kids.”
“We don’t need to fight, but we need to talk. I got fuckin’ wasted last night and passed out. I shoulda called you but I was too bombed.”
“And were you bombed the minute you stepped into the club? You ignored my texts and calls.” She placed three more pancakes on top of an already growing stack.
“I was pissed.”
“How mature.”
“We just need to talk.”
“I’m making breakfast for our kids. Unlike you, I’m concerned about them and making sure they have a responsible parent in the house.”
In a low harsh voice, he said in her ear, “Don’t ever fuckin’ accuse me of not caring for our kids. That’s a goddamn low blow. I got drunk and spent the night at the club. Fuckin’ deal with it.”
“Get away from me. I have nothing I want to say to you.” She pushed past him, brought the stack of pancakes to the table, and placed some on Braxton’s plate.
Hawk watched as she fussed over their kids.I lost my cool. Fuck.He poured coffee into a large mug, then came over to the table.
“Aren’t you gonna give Daddy any pancakes?” Braxton asked as he brought the fork to his mouth.
“I don’t have enough,” she said, glancing at the stack on the serving plate.
“Isa and me can’t eat all those.” Braxton giggled.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, honey.” Cara whipped the serving plate away and placed it in the warming oven.
“No worries, little buddy,” Hawk said as he ruffled his son’s hair. “I’m good with just coffee.”
Cara came over and wiped Isa’s mouth with a napkin. “We’re going to see Nana and Noni.”
“Am I going too?” Braxton said.
“No. You can stay with your father today. Isa, Nana, and I are going shopping. I don’t think you’ll like that.”
“Uh-uh!”
“I’m just going to change. I’ll be right back.” She ran her hand through his hair and stroked Isa’s cheek with her finger, then left the kitchen.
Hawk’s jaw tightened as he watched her bounce up the stairs.
“Did Mommy put you in timeout?” Braxton asked, his blue eyes wide.
“It looks that way.”
“When I do something I’m not supposed to, Mommy puts me in timeout too. It’s not so bad, ’cause I say I’m sorry and that makes Mommy happy. You should tell Mommy you’re sorry. Then she won’t be so mad at you.”
Hawk smiled dryly as he brought the mug to his lips and took a sip. The bitter taste burned down his throat. “I’ll have to try that. Thanks for the tip, little buddy.”
“What did you do?” Braxton stuffed another bite into his mouth.
“It’s complicated.”
“Do you want some of my pancakes? They’re good.”
