Zak has a really great laugh though.
“I’d say you’re a bit of a hardass, Blondie. Two trips to MACs are proof enough.”
“Except I needed saving both times.” Eggs, milk, butter. I move to the pantry and grab flour, sugar, baking powder and pray that my klutzy ass doesn’t get eaten by my pantry in the process.
“Whatcha making?” Zak sighs as he sits at the island, watching me move around the kitchen.
“Eggs with veggies, Belgian waffles, bacon.”
“That sounds amazing, Blondie, but you don’t have to go to all that trouble. I don’t want to put you out any more than I already have.”
I shrug as I start whisking the eggs and mixing the batter. “I like to cook, and I rarely have anyone to cook for. Plus, I’m starving, it sounded good, and there’ll be plenty. And honestly, you need the fuel after last night.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.” I glance up at him, my heart fluttering at the lopsided grin on his face and the intensity of his gaze. If I didn’t think Zak was just intense by nature, I’d assume that look had everything to do with me, but he is, so it doesn’t. I’m not that stupid.
“Pretty boy. What the fuck was that?” Fabio squawks then coasts over to the island. “Pretty boy. Pretty boy. What the fuck was that? I need coffee.”
Zak chuckles again as my sweet bird lands on his shoulder. “He remembers that?”
“Fabio remembers everything. That’s how he’ll refer to you from now on until you teach him otherwise.”
I watch that big gruff man gently pet my parrot, then even allows him to move Zak’s hair out of his face. “So, if I taught him to call Jackal an asshole every time he saw him he’d do it?”
“Yeah, but he’d have to meet—“
“Jackal’s an asshole. Asshole. Pretty boy. What the fuck was that?”
I giggle as Zak’s brow lifts. “I guess he wouldn’t need to meet him.”
“Most don’t in order to realize Jackal is an asshole.”
“I don’t know, he seemed nice enough. A little scary but in a good way.”
“Situational. Jackal’s dad and uncle were the original owners of MACs, so he doesn’t let shit fly there.” He chuckles again as Fabio kisses Zak’s face. “What is he doing?”
I roll my lip between my teeth. “He’s giving you kisses.” Fabio hasn’t taken to anyone this fast since he met Summer. He basically hated Tony, called him a fucker every time he saw him, and definitely didn’t kiss my ex or learn from him at all. Fabio really only likes me and Summer, tolerates anyone at the pet store when I take him, then cusses at almost everyone else that gives us a sideways glance.
My African grey is a great judge of character and him basically fawning all over Zak is just another reason for me to believe our meeting is more fate than anything else.
“I’ll allow it.” Zak grins. “How long have you had Fabio?”
“Eleven years, give or take. That sweet boy is easily my longest relationship.” I pour the batter into the waffle iron, then dump the eggs on top of the sautéed veggies. “We’ve been together since I was sixteen.”
“Gonna grow old with him, huh Blondie? Long life expectancy for these little guys.”
“Yep. Probably a good fifty years ahead of us and I’m not mad about it.” I love that Zak knew that. I don’t know how he did it but I like it all the same. “Do you have any pets?”
“Other than Jackal?” He smirks, slides Fabio’s food closer, takes a small handful and holds it out to him. “I had a bulldog for a long time. George. Got him around the same time I joined the club, and he was my shadow. George went everywhere with me, and was basically attached at my hip.”
“Was?” I pull down a few plates, glasses, and mugs.
Zak nods. “Georgie boy probably would have lived forever, but I had to put him down a few years ago. He was already almost five when I got him and I had George for ten years. He was spoiled rotten and well taken care of but his little body was so riddled with arthritis he could barely even stand up. I took him to the vet to see what they could do for him but there wasn’t anything to be done.”
“I’m so sorry.” My eyes well with tears because yes, I’m a huge sap. “You did the right thing though. I’m sure George would have agreed.”
“I know.” He gives me a sweet smile. “Was still hard.”
