CHAPTER4
Aaliyah
Half an hour later,we stuffed ten bags into Zethan’s van, full of clothing, a toothbrush, hairbrush, hair ties, socks, underwear, a phone, and iPad. A wardrobe size rivaling the Kardashian sisters.
“Hope we didn’t miss anything.” I slanted Zethan, who insisted on paying, a smile. My mates were so good to me, and to my daughter by extension.
“We’ll be back. She’ll grow quickly.”
Mia muttered from the back seat, unwrapping her new iPad.
“You spoil us.” I ran my fingers through his stubble as I kissed him. Chaste and sweet around my daughter.
Shortly after, we pulled up in Slade’s driveway behind his motorcycle, the brakes of Zethan’s van groaning as he activated them. Slade waved before rolling his Harley into the garage.
Sleek lines of Slade’s beautifully restored historic home were complimented by neat gardens and hedges for privacy. I slid out of my seat and out of the vehicle. The smell of freshly mowed lawn and spring flowers hit me. Light from the leadlight windows reflected rainbows. The swing on the porch creaked in the wind prodding it.
“Hey, sexy old lady.” Slade greeted me with a kiss as his garage door wheeled closed. He was all dimples, swagger, and confidence, but behind the facade, I felt his uncertainty.
Hmm. No greeting for Zethan. Silent treatment, huh? Staying at Slade’s was going to be full of tension and discomfort. Something to address later, when I was up to it. Right now, Mia consumed my quickly fading energy.
No sexy talk in front of my kid. “Not in front of …”
“Hi, Slade.” Mia shoved her bag at him. “Wanna see my new clothes?”
“Sure, sweetheart.” He gave Zethan and me a stare drier than the Sahara for us getting in first. He liked to be the one to spoil me, and probably Mia now too. Lucky girl was going to be spoiled rotten by her biker daddies.
Goddess. The thought of that made my pulse stutter, butterflies to flutter through my chest, and my heart to glow.
Mia babbled, dragging out every single item in the bag.
Slade glanced into the empty bag. “Did you get me anything?” He picked up a pair of leggings and stretched the waist. “These are too small for me.” He made a disgusted face. “Pink’s for girls!”
Mia giggled. “No, it’s not.”
Slade stuffed her belongings back into the plastic bag, clasped her hand and they strolled down his stone path.
Lost in my thoughts, I stood watching them until Zethan’s hand on my hip nudged me inside.
“Hungry?” Slade closed the door after us all.
Mia bounced, dropping a pair of pants and a shirt. “How about pizza?”
I tugged Slade’s cut. “Something healthy, please.”
Zethan rolled his eyes at me. Shit. I was taking this mom thing way too seriously. Overprotective momzilla. What I thought Slade would be… just a dad.
Slade put on his best serious face. “Your mom’s spoken, kiddo. She’s the boss, okay?” I was thankful he set the rules and gave me the credit as well as drilled them in from the start.
Between Slade, Zethan, and Castor treating Mia to everything her heart desired, I was worried she would turn into a spoiled brat.
Mia stared up at him. “You said you were the fun boyfriend. You’re no fun.” She reminded him that he introduced himself as the fun and favorite boyfriend.
I tucked my smile behind my hand. I had to hand that to her.
Slade clasped her shoulder and bent down to her level to get serious with her. “There’s time for fun and times to be serious. Nutrition is serious.” He patted his belly. “Your mom is a nurse, and she makes sure we eat healthy.”
“Yuck!” Mia stuck out her tongue. “Broccoli is gross.”