Page 42 of Cash

“You’re always welcome, Taja. Glad to see you.”

“No offense, Cash, but you look rough,” Taja states softly while looking at me closely.

“Yeah, I know. Liam and I haven’t gotten a good pattern set up yet. He’s a bit of a night owl.”

“God knows, I’m no expert with babies, but honey, you need to take care of yourself too. You have a lot of people willing to help. Don’t be afraid to ask, Cash,” Taja advises.

“I know, Taj. I’ll get this figured out. Since you’re here, I’m going to hit the shower. That okay?”

“Absolutely. I have a few hours to kill before Vex comes looking for me,” Taja says with a grin.

“Thanks. Be back in a few.”

I stand under the hot water and let it calm my mind and soul. I haven’t had a normal shower since Liam’s arrival, and I take my time today. When the water starts to cool, I shut it off and step out. Drying off, I notice the cut on the back of my head is healing nicely and not so noticeable now. I run a comb through my short hair, shave and get dressed. I’d love to faceplant on the bed and sleep until tomorrow but at least now I’m feeling almost human again.

Walking out of my bedroom, I hear voices coming from the living room. Entering it, I see my house has filled up quickly. Taja’s reclined with Liam cuddled close, Dad’s flipping through channels on the TV, while Terry’s busy eye-fucking James. James, oddly enough, is watching Taja and his expression isn’t friendly.

My eyes roam until they land on Livi and find hers on mine. I ignore the greetings from Dad and James and walk straight to Livi’s side. Grabbing her hand, I pull her behind me as I walk to the sliding door and exit it. Standing on the deck, I release Livi’s hand and turn to face her. I have never thought about dating a woman in uniform before. It’s just never crossed my mind, but it’s there now, and I’m liking it. Livi looks hot as fuck in hers and seeing a woman packing a gun makes it even hotter. Without a thought, I lean down and brush my mouth lightly across hers.

When I pull a few inches away, our eyes meet. I’m not sure why I have such a pull toward this woman, but it’s there. I watch as the corner of her mouth lifts slightly and her hands find my hips. Leaning my direction, Livi’s mouth lands on mine again only this time it’s not just a brush. I hold still as Livi’s lips and tongue do a slow exploration of mine. When she starts to pull back, I place my hand on the back of her head and hold her still. I feel her smile against my mouth before I deepen our kiss. Placing my other hand on the side of her neck, I use my thumb to tip her face higher, so I have a better angle. Running my tongue alongside hers, I feel her body lean into mine.

I like her taste, so I take my time getting to know it. Melding our mouths together, I go deep. Livi responds exactly like I knew she would. Her hands slide from my hips to my back, and I feel her nails bite in slightly. Pulling my head back slightly, I nip her bottom lip before resting my forehead against hers.

“You didn’t call last night,” I accuse quietly.

“Got tagged for a double shift and didn’t have time. Sorry,” Livi answers just as quietly.

I pull my head away from hers and look down into her eyes.

“That happen a lot?”

“More than it should. Got a few lazy cops in our district.”

“We’re gonna get our shit together and have that date, Livi.”

“Things will settle, and when they do, I’m holding you to that.”

I grin and drop a quick, light kiss on her mouth before stepping back and releasing her.

“You do that.”

Livi gives me an impish grin before turning away, and we re-enter the house. Upon stepping back inside, I note every eye is on us. I nod at James before making my way to the coffee pot. Holding it up, I look at Livi and then James, silently asking if they want a cup. Both nod enthusiastically, and I get to pouring.

Handing off their cups of coffee, I snag mine and lean my ass against the bar facing the living room. I ignore Dad’s smirk, Terry’s continued eye-fucking and toss an arm around Livi’s shoulders. Pulling her back against my front, I drop my arm to lay diagonally across her chest. She instantly rests against me and sips her coffee.

“I’ve held this in as long as possible. Answer time, Cash. That the mother?” James asks in a not so polite tone.

Taja barks out a laugh at the same time as Livi chokes slightly on her coffee before hollering out, “James!”

“What? It’s a valid question,” James states in a determined voice while throwing a wide-eyed look at Livi.

“I’m sorry, Cash. James is a little over-protective and—” Livi sputters before I interrupt.

“Nothing wrong with that. Glad you have that in your life,” I mutter close to her ear before I answer James.

“No James, she’s not the mother. Taja’s a friend and a club brother’s wife. She’s married to Vex, the guy that was at the bar with me that night you came over to uh, um…” I start to explain.

“The fine ass, long-haired guy I asked out?” James asks while giving me the wide-eyed look now.

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