Page 114 of Finding Hope

Moving across the street and stopping on the porch, I pause just before knocking and think, if Jim’s home, then maybe Iz is, too. And if Iz wasn’t picking the girls up, then maybe Jim and Iz are busy inside.

Alone.

Together.

I consider walking away. I consider texting Iz to see what’s up. In theend, I smile wide and knock anyway, because Jim might be the biggest pain in the ass I know – besides my brothers – and he deserves to be twat-blocked.

It takes minutes for him to answer the door.Longminutes, and when he swings the door wide with an angry flourish, messy hair, shirt half on, I smile toothily and purr, “Hey Jim.”

“You’re an asshole.”

I laugh. “Why you mad, bro?”

“You know damn well why I’m mad!” He glares and pushes messy hair back out of his eyes. “You’re a grown ass woman, and one day you’ll have kids, too. Then you’ll know what it’s like to be home alone for five minutes with your wife. Asshole.”

I laugh in his face.Shit happens.At least he isn’t trying to sneak quickies in his partner’s childhood bedroom while his mouth is being smothered shut to not wake children.

“Why are you here, Bambie? I mean, I love ya, you’re good for my boy, but what. The. Fuck. Are you doing here?”

“I need your help.”

“And you couldn’t wait five more minutes?” He raises a hand and holds his fingers an inch apart. “I was this close.Thisclose!”

I probably could have. I’m starting to feel mildly guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were busy.”

“My ass,” he grumbles. “What do you need help with?”

I point over my shoulder, at the girls who’ve disappeared inside Evie’s house. “Bean’s having a shitty day.”

Instantly, his attitude shifts as he steps onto the porch. “Someone’s picking on my baby?”

“I don’t know, she didn’t say. But she’s sad. I wanted to do something for her. For all the kids, actually.”

“Alright…?”

“But I need some power tools. And maybe your help.”

His eyes narrow to slits. “I’ll use the power tools. You can supervise.”

I slam my hands onto my hips. “I am a capable woman, James! I know how to use tools.”

“And I’m a man. Power tools aremyresponsibility. You girls get to make sweet tea and fawn over the strong men.”

I hear the slap of a hand on Jim’s ass, then Iz slides under his arm with a playful grin. “Don’t ever say such a dumb thing again, Jim. You know who rules the world. You have a healthy respect for women. Don’t undo it now because you’re mad she interrupted you when you werethisclose.”

Smiling, his eyes turn to molten lava. “I’m sorry, Bubs. I love you.” He presses a gentle kiss to her temple. “Did you hear Bambie? Our baby had a bad day.”

“Come on.” I grab Iz, because wherever she goes, he’ll follow. “We have work to do, and not much time.”

25

JACK

BADASS BAMBIE

“Can we hang out tonight?”

Smiling at my phone – something I do a hell of a lot these days – I ignore the fighters around me and plan my night with Bambie.

---