Page 53 of Captivated

“Meat’s almost done, babe,” Cooper calls into the house from the back door, Cash standing behind him as he shoots me a look that hints to all the dirty thoughts in his mind. Damn, he’s so sexy. And seeing him around his friends gives me this entirely new perception of him.

“Oh, is Evelyn here?” He perks up before scooting around Cooper and barging inside. At that moment, Kane comes around the corner and hands the baby directly to Cash, like this is completely normal.

“Hey, pretty girl. How’s it going?” He speaks to her softly while bouncing her around, making Evelyn coo and giggle. And I swear, my ovaries burst.

“Cash is the baby whisperer,” Olivia speaks in my ear, catching me by surprise that she was watching me watch him.

“I’m shocked by this right now.”

“Oh, believe me, we all were. But I swear, Evelyn loves him. He’s going to be the best father someday.” She winks at me and then turns around to say something to Clara.

Rising from my chair, I make my way over and study him as he sways around the room.

“Why do babies smell so fucking good?” He inhales deeply while pulling Evelyn closer to his chest, her eyes drooping with every bounce, fighting the sleep we know is inevitable.

“Do you think you should be cursing around the baby?”

“She’s like five months old. She’ll never remember this.”

“Good point.” My eyes track his movements as he cradles the baby in his arms. “You sure aren’t making it easy to resist you right now, Deputy,” I tease him and then lick my lips, drawing his attention to my mouth. My heart feels like it’s about to break out of my chest, this intense emotion hitting me as I watch him hold a baby like it’s the most natural thing to him. And in that moment, I let myself fall just a little bit more.

“You never make it easy to resist you, sweetheart,” he growls at me and then leans down for a kiss, stealing my breath away, along with a piece of my heart.

Chapter 20

Cash

Once Evelyn is snoring away peacefully, I place her back in her car seat just as Clara declares that dinner is ready. We all take our seats around the table, serving up mountains of smoked tri-tip, roasted potatoes, broccoli, rolls, and a salad. The spread smells so good as my stomach growls in agreement.

“Do you have any ketchup?” Piper asks from beside me, which instantly makes me snicker.

“Uh, sure,” she replies, rising from the table to head towards the fridge.

“I hope you have a back-up, Clara, because Piper will probably use all of that.”

“I have another bottle,” she says, placing the half-empty bottle in front of Piper. Reaching for the ketchup, Piper pops the lid and then smothers her potatoes with the red substance so the potatoes underneath aren’t even visible anymore.

“I like ketchup,” she shrugs when she notices the whole table is watching her, and then we all chuckle.

Plates full and glasses topped off, Clara clears her throat and then shoots Cooper a look.

“So, there was actually a reason why Clara and I asked you guys over for dinner tonight,” Cooper starts, making my brow furrow. He reaches for Clara’s hand and then I realize she’s the only one without an alcoholic drink in front of her.

“Shut the fuck up,” I say, everyone turning to look at me.

“Cash!” Piper shoves me with her elbow, but I can’t help but smile.

“Why didn’t you tell me, fucker?” I scold Cooper from across the table.

“Because we wanted to tell you all together. And that includes you now, Piper,” he smiles over at the woman who is being welcomed into my group of friends with open arms. “Clara and I are having a baby!”

Liv screams and Kane smacks the table as Piper gasps and then covers her mouth with her hands.

“Oh. My. GOD!!!!” Liv shouts, standing so fast she almost knocks the table over in a rush to hug her brother and best friend. “I’m so fucking happy right now!” She yells through her tears. I glance back at Evelyn still sleeping through the noise while I let the three of them get out their hugs and celebrations before I stand and make my way to my best friend.

“Fuck, dude. Congratulations,” I shake Cooper’s hand and then pull him in for an embrace.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but we wanted to make sure everything looked good before we said anything. We told my parents last night, but she’s only about eight weeks along…”

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