Page 100 of Rex

“Not when it’s Axel we’re discussing,” Reeves shoots back. “I’m going to take a quick shower because no way am I missing this. Thanks for the coffee.”

Lisa and I enjoy the coffee until Ava and Trudy appear and then we volunteer to help in the kitchen. Working side by side, Lisa laughs out loud every once in a while, drawing the curiosity of both of the other ladies. Finally, Trudy decides she wants in on whatever’s going on.

“Tell me why you two are here so early today and how bad is it going to zing Axel? I know it’s him because it’s always him.”

I tell them the basics and enjoy the shock that crosses their faces before both dissolve into laughter. Holding my phone up where they can see the pictures Craig sent me, both glance, then avert their eyes quickly, screaming no more.

“Oh my God! Only Axel! It’s always that guy,” Trudy says while using a paper towel to dab at her eyes. “Poor Bailey. That woman is a saint. We should rename her Saint Bailey.”

“That’s what I’m calling her from now on,” Ava vows before laughing again.

Reeves strolls into the kitchen, goes to the freezer, and fills a tub with ice. When he makes eye contact with me, he starts laughing and does it all the way back out the door. Others start showing up, and things get busier.

Tessie and Bella come in and get to work, assisting in whatever ways they can. Turning to Tessie, I do what Rex advised me to do.

“Tessie?” I say, and when she looks at me, I ask my favor. “I drove Rex’s car for several days while you were repairing mine. By the way, you did an amazing job on it! Can’t even tell it was spray painted, and I really appreciate your efforts. But I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor.”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“I want something more like Rex’s car, but I know next to nothing about cars. Would you go with me to look at some? Help me pick out something cool like his but still safe and reliable? Rex said you and Trigger have the most knowledge about cars, and I’d really appreciate the help. We could go to dinner afterwards if you’d like.”

Tessie’s whole face lights up, and even Bella beams a huge smile in my direction.

“I would love to do that. Thank you for thinking of me,” Tessie says. “And dinner after sounds awesome!”

I smile gratefully at her, and we decide we’ll do it sometime this week. Rex walks in at that moment, and before he makes it tome, Tessie wraps her arms around his waist and hugs the hell out of him. I grin as Rex returns the hug, picking Tessie up off the ground for a few seconds. Her whispered thank you to him melted my heart before she pulled away and returned to filling trays. When his confused expression meets mine, I give my head a small shake, and he takes the hint and doesn’t question Tessie.

Stopping beside me, he gives me a quick kiss, then points to the bowl I’m filling.

“I’ll start carrying dishes out if you’re ready with it,” he says, and I nod.

Lisa hands him the one she was working on, and I watch as he leaves the kitchen, arms full.

“You got a good one,” Tammy says with a nod toward the door Rex just walked through.

“Yeah, I scored,” I return with a grin.

Everyone gathers into small groups and enjoys the meal and camaraderie. Kids are playing with the pets while the adults are sipping post-meal coffee and chatting. Rex keeps looking at me with a question in his eyes, and I just smile. Finally, taking pity on his curiosity, I tell him it’ll happen later.

Axel walks past, stops, and backs up a few steps to smirk at me. Little Alex is on his hip, arms around her daddy’s neck, smiling in a way that announces what a beauty she’ll be when she’s older.

“What?” I ask, returning his smirk.

“Still not afraid. Even of those pointy elbows of yours,” Axel states, then walks off with his daughter.

I laugh, as does Lisa, who’s sitting with us. Finally, Gunner announces it’s time for Church. I sit up straight as Rex gives me a kiss, then follows the guys into Church. The door shuts, but immediately there are shouts of “what the fuck?” and “who’s dick is that?”

Then the laughter starts, and it’s loud. Everyone sitting in the main room turns to face the door where the sound is coming from, curious. Lisa and I fist-bump as I catch Craig’s eye. He grins huge and then slowly, deliberately winks at me. I return it, and I’m sure a lifelong friendship has been forged.

“What’s going on in there?” Lottie asks when the laughter doesn’t stop.

“What the fuck?” is shouted so loud it echoes through the whole clubhouse.

I start laughing when I recognize it as Axel’s voice. When the door opens just a sliver, and Gunner pops his head out, eyes searching, I freeze. When his eyes meet mine, I realized I shouldn’t have worried. He starts laughing so hard I’m positive the door is the only thing holding him up.

My only regret is that I didn’t get to see Axel’s face when he found the pictures framed and decorating the walls of his club’s Church. When Lola and Lottie pull chairs up close, I know it’s time to let the others in on the game. Keeping my voice low so the kids don’t hear, I explain about the pictures.

“Bailey got a text, laughed hysterically at it, then set the phone down to help little Alex with something. Curious as he always is, Craig picked up the phone and pulled up the text. He found numerous pictures sent to Bailey of Axel’s dick.”

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