Page 82 of Big Bad Bully
It’s a lot of PDA, but it’s kind of sweet. I’m glad my friend has found a man who worships her like she deserves.
I’m also glad that Billy isn’t hanging on me like that although he does seem to be sticking close to my side. We’re not in a relationship, but we are hooking up, and he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want anyone else touching me. I thought it was just in the heat of the moment, but I’ve caught him glaring at the other business bros on the plane as if warning them off. His possessiveness should be off-putting, but I kinda like it. I have no interest in fucking any of his friends.
Madi’s younger brother Brayden couldn’t get away to join us because he was in finals at NYU. It’s my last semester at City College, and I only have two classes this term, so taking a few days off won’t kill me. Brick’s buddies are all here, minus Eagle, Ruby’s husband. He and Ruby are meeting us over there with Scarlett, Brick’s youngest sister who goes to college somewhere in Europe. Other than the pilot, Madi and I are the only women on this plane. But the other Moon Co guys have been carefully polite to both Madi and me. I’m not sure if they’ll relax enough to let their hair down in front of me, but it’ll be fun to find out.
“I’m glad you guys had fun.” Madi tilts her head at me, obviously wanting more of the story about the gala, knowing that I won’t spill the beans until it’s just the two of us in private. “And I’m grateful for the work you both put in planning this whole trip. We need to catch up.”
“We do,” I say. “I need to tell you all about how Billy and I are co-parenting a puppy.”
Madi’s mouth drops open. “You…and Billy? Co-parenting a puppy?”
Brick frowns like he can’t believe it.
“Yup.” I pop the “p.” I can feel Billy grumbling next to me.
“I knew you were harboring a dog,” Jake accuses him.
“It’s not mine,” Billy protests. It’s too easy to rib him. “We’re not co-parenting. Aubrey just brings the dog over when she paints.”
“You’re the one buying all the stuff for Pepper.”
“You charged it to my credit card!”
“That was just food and a bed and puppy pads. You’re the one buying the toys.” I’m aware that we’re bickering like an old married couple in front of everyone, and I’m enjoying every second. “Every time I come over, there’s another ten toys for him. Soon you won’t be able to see your floor.”
Billy denies this.
“I have proof.” I hold up my phone. My screen saver is Billy cuddling Pepper close. I snapped the picture when he wasn’t paying attention. The affection on his face as he looks at the little dog is apparent.
“Who has the puppy while we’re gone?” Madi asks.
“Billy’s assistant took him.” I met Annabeth–a gorgeous redhead who stopped by the penthouse to pick up Pepper–and I developed an instant irrational jealousy of her. But Pepper took to her instantly, so at least I know he’s in good hands.
“Awww, look at that little guy,” says Jake. He and the white guy sitting next to him–his name is Vance, I think–explode in laughter, jeering at Billy. I feel a little bit of regret that I showed them such a tender moment. I like seeing Billy with his guard down. It’s so rare.
But he can hold his own. “Pepper is smart. I’ve already got him trained. If you’re not careful, I’ll train him to do your job.” He wads up his napkin and throws it at Vance’s head. Vance catches it and lobs it to the back of the plane, where Sully is sitting. He catches it without even looking up from his phone.
“Okay, Doggie Daddy, we got it,” Jake says.
Billy raises his hands and makes several emphatic gestures. I’ve seen Madi signing enough to know he’s speaking ASL.
I didn’t know Billy knew sign language. Even more surprising, is that Jake and Nickel seem to know it too. They both start signing back.
Madi laughs.
“Wait, what is he saying?”
“He’s insulting their parentage.” Madi grins. “And everything about them, really.”
Now Vance is trying to get in on the signing, but he doesn’t seem to know much of the language. Instead, he uses both hands to give everyone the middle finger. Madi and I both crack up.
“When did you all learn to sign?” Madi asks, delighted.
“We’ve been taking lessons ever since Noah moved to the executive floor,” Billy tells her. “Couldn’t have you outshine us all with your skills.”
“Noah’s an executive? That’s awesome,” Madi says. “He was always my favorite co-worker at Moon Co.”
Brick clears his throat, and she gives him a small smile. “Except for you,” she clarifies.
