She repeats her address, and I see Carson’s steps falter as he passes, some kind of noise coming from his throat.
My fingers stiffen as I try to type, jabbing the keys like a gorilla.
The door opens again, and in steps Katrina Dunn, a woman ready to bust any man’s balls at her whim. If only the rest of the guys were here.
“I made it.” She runs a hand over her long, wavy black hair. “Those imbeciles took three hours to argue over who gets the prize-winning dog sperm.”
The woman I now know as Sarah and I look at her.
She waves a hand. “It’s a long story. I’ll spare you the brain-infecting details.” She eyes me, one hand moving to her hip. “Slade, it’s been a while. How’s Krissy?”
I hired Kat when I took guardianship of Krissy.
“She’s good. Working at the hospital and still making me want to lose my shii . . .” I glance at the boy behind Sarah. “Mind.”
Kat grins. “Attagirl. She and I should get drinks. You tell her to call me.”
I nod. I will absolutelynothelp arrange that. Krissy doesn’t need any assistance in driving me to an early grave. On one hand, I’m proud of her independence and ability to speak her mind. On the other hand, I’m pretty sure she’s determined to pay me back for every strict rule by making it her adult mission to bulldoze each one with flair.
I hear boots behind me announcing Carson’s return.
“Who are you?” Kat’s gaze shifts to over my shoulder.
Carson removes his backward cap, holding it to his chest. “I’m Carson, ma’am.” He leans against the counter. “Here tohelp Slade not fall into something he can’t handle.” The ass grins, his pearly whites shining against his tan skin.
I will punch it right off his face as soon as we’re alone.
Sarah peeks over her shoulder at her kids while one of Kat’s thin, dark eyebrows perks.
Thankfully, rather than taking the bait, she spins, her trench coat fanning out around her.
“Crackerjack! I didn’t see you back there.” She moves toward the little boy.
“I’m not J-j-jack.” He grins.
Both of her hands jet out to the sides. “No?” she feigns surprise.
“I’m Owiver.”
Kat slaps a hand over her forehead. “Are you sure you’re Oliver? You seem pretty smart and excellent to me.” His dangling legs swing as he smiles. “Are you ready for our date?”
He nods and hops off the chair. “I thought we’d let your mom and sister tag along, too. You’re a little young to be out late on your own, Jack.”
He giggles, taking her extended hand.
Sarah cuts in. “I need to get the seats from my car.”
“I’ll help.” Carson jumps on his white horse and charges toward the door. He glances back at me with that smirk as if he’s confiscated a secret he’ll use to his advantage until the end of time.
“Now, you’re not one of those guys with low self-esteem who won’t let a woman buy his Happy Meal, are you?” Kat asks Oliver. “Because I’m not sure this will work if you are.” She leads him to the door, and Carson holds it open. “Look, Jack! Contrary to all evidence, chivalry hasn’t kicked the bucket for all eternity.”
The door bangs closed, and a wail erupts behind Sarah.
She turns, scooping up the carrier, and links it over her arm. “Shhh. It’s ok.” She puts her hand over the tiny girl’s belly, then her focus returns to me.
I grab the forms off the printer. “I need a signature.” I bypass the credit card information to avoid any further skepticism.
She pulls a pen from the tin can, twisting back and forth to keep the baby calm. “So, you’ll call me as soon as you know something?”
