Page 25 of His Sassy Little

“So, we’re going to the bar?” There was hesitation in her voice, and Tanner wondered what that was about. She’d seemed to enjoy their time there the night they’d met. “I am not sure how I’d feel about being out in the bar without you right there.”

“You can hang out in my office with me.”

“I have a better idea.” A smile spread across her face and Tanner was suddenly anxious to hear this better idea. “You want me to be with someone you trust, right?”

Tanner nodded his head and motioned for Arabella to continue.

“Sapphire invited me over to play in her nursery anytime. Could I go there instead?”

“Sure. Let me just check with them. If they’re available, I’ll gladly take you to play with your friend.”

Tanner couldn’t help the huge smile on his face. If she wanted to hang out with Sapphire today, it meant Arabella was becoming comfortable in his world. He couldn’t be more ecstatic about that.

As the car turned onto Stone’s road, Tanner took in the sight before him, wondering why Sapphire and Stone would be standing on their porch, pounding on the door.

Where were the kids?

He’d talked to Stone earlier to confirm the plan to bring Arabella around and Stone had warned him the kids were there. He pulled his car into the driveway and as soon he opened the car door to get out, Stone hollered over to him.

“Hey, Spike! You happen to have that key I gave you?”

Puzzled, Tanner pulled the keys from the ignition and checked.

“Yeah, it’s right here.”

Stone came and got the keys with a muttered, “Thank fuck,” and slightly louder, “Appreciate it.”

Tanner made his way to Arabella’s door and undid her seat belt as Stone opened the house with a roar.

“Stanley Reyes! You do not mess with the locks on the door!”

Tanner chuckled and held his hand out to assist Arabella in her exit when another shout was heard coming from the now wide-open door.

“My underwear is not to be used as helicopter blades, young man! Give them here!” This was followed by laughter so loud and high pitched, it sounded like someone screaming.

Now Tanner was laughing long and loud as Sapphire came up the sidewalk and hugged Arabella.

“Welcome to Crazy Town. Sure you want to hang out here?”

Arabella’s own laughter was no longer silent, “I can’t think of anything more entertaining.”

Arabella turned around and hugged Tanner, whispering, “Thanks for bringing me,” before heading off with her friend, arms interlocked, and heads tilted together as they made their way inside the chaos.

It didn’t take long for Stone to come back out, carrying Tanner’s keys.

“Thanks, man. You’re a lifesaver. Who knew you had to take house keys with you just to take the trash to the curb?”

Tanner couldn’t help it, he chuckled again at the ludicrous situation. “He’s a handful, huh?”

“Or two. But man, the kid is smart and funny and just so damn cute…” The love on Stone’s face when he talked about those boys was something to behold.

Their conversation was interrupted when Lee came running out of the house shouting, “Stanley has your underwear again!”

Tanner laughed again; if he didn’t get out of there, he’d have a stomach ache. Stone pinched his nose and pointed over his shoulder. “I better get back in there. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of your girl.”

“I know. I’ll be as quick as I can.” Tanner turned to head toward the car and stopped, calling over his shoulder, “And Stone? Good luck, man.”

Chapter Twenty

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