Page 63 of Cash

“Where’s Bart?” James asks, confused.

“In my backpack. It’s actually a pet carrier,” Craig answers as I watch my dad take Liam from him.

Craig gives my dad an ornery look because obviously he wasn’t done bonding yet. But, without an argument, he gets off the chair and gently takes the backpack from James. Sitting it on the floor, he opens it and peers inside. Reaching in, he lifts out a sleeping Bart and cradles him. Bart, on his back, continues to nap with his front paws on his face.

“You named your cat Bart?” James asks with a wide grin.

Apparently, James didn’t look as closely at Bart as Livi did because she instantly slides her chair backward. When her chair collides with my legs, I place my hands on her shoulders from behind. Leaning down, I whisper, “he’s de-scented and friendly.”

Livi’s body stays stiff, but she quits trying to move backward.

“If you’re lying, you’re dead,” she replies.

“You’re a city boy, aren’t you James?” Craig asks with a little snigger.

“Born and raised. Why do you ask?” James answers.

“Because Bart’s not a cat,” Craig says as he steps forward so that he’s standing between James’ legs. “He’s a skunk.”

I know the exact moment that James’ brain catches up to his eyesight. His entire body goes stiff for a nanosecond before he flips himself and his chair over backward. He’s on his feet and backpedaling in one surprising, graceful move. For such a large man, he’s got speed. He finally comes to a stop when his back collides hard with the wall. Eyes wide, face a few shades lighter than before, James doesn’t appear to be breathing. Absolute silence reigns in the clubhouse. Not even Mac has words, and I’m not sure that’s ever happened before. The silence lasts for another few seconds before Craig breaks it.

“That shit never gets old!”

Roaring laughter can be heard from all directions. Livi’s barely staying in her chair, and Dad’s laughing so hard I’m concerned about Liam’s safety. James stays backed against the wall for another moment before releasing a breath and pointing at Craig.

“Who’s your dad?”

“You going to whoop his ass?” Craig asks slyly, correctly guessing where this is going.

“Yes. Yes, I am.”

Craig sets Bart on the floor before walking across the room. Grabbing Axel’s hand and looking up at him with sad eyes, Craig puts a nail in Axel’s coffin.

“Sorry, Daddy.”

“What? No! He’s not mine!” Axel shouts while jerking his hand away.

“That’s very hurtful, Daddy,” Craig continues his charade.

“Quit calling me that!”

“Jesus, Axel. You’re going to hurt the little man’s feelings,” Lucy admonishes with her own sad eyes.

“Well played, Craig,” squawks Mac.

“After Livi kicks your ass on the range, will there be anything left for me?” James asks Axel with an evil smirk.

The look on Axel’s face is priceless. For once, he’s speechless and nobody’s coming to his defense. I watch as Pooh slowly fades himself into the background and pops back up several feet away from Axel and Craig. Yeah, Pooh’s as shady as the rest of us.

Chapter 13

Livi

After the gifts are opened, I help several of the women clean up the kitchen. The guys haul the dishes in for us, and it doesn’t take long to have the clubhouse spotless. While rinsing dishes, I learn some things that are very interesting about Cash.

“We’re so happy that Cash invited you today, Livi,” Bailey says as she hands me another stack of plates.

“Thank you. Everyone’s been so nice. I’m glad I got to come.”

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