Page 107 of Hawk
When we were finished eating, a prospect came by, took our plates from the table, and nodded at Colton and Jacob before walking away. Sitting around, we sipped on coffee, and I listened to stories about the club and different aspects of it when Matthew and Anna approached.
“Momma?” Anna asked, and I glanced at Hailey to see her smiling brightly at us. “Can we go outside and play with Zeus?”
I looked at Colton, who crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair with a look of satisfaction on his handsome face. The ball was in my court, and I wasn’t going to mess this up. Not again.
“Do you promise to play nice with him and not make him do tricks just to show off?” I asked, and Matthew stepped up to answer.
“Yes, ma’am. I know he’s not a toy and his training is meant to help, not to show off.”
“Thank you, Matthew. Yes, you can take Zeus outside to play.”
“I think Jasmine would love to play too, is that okay with you two?” Hailey asked, and Anna clapped her hands and jumped in place, showing her joy.
“We’ll be outside in a little bit. Stay close to the clubhouse and don’t play around the bikes,” Colton added, and they both replied with ‘yes, sir’ before fast walking out the door, followed by Iris and the other children.
“They’re so sweet,” Hailey interjected, and Colton laughed.
“Today, they are, but you’ve seen them with too much sugar and not enough sleep. They become little terrors. Don’t worry, you’ll have to deal with it eventually,” Colton replied, and I saw Hailey and Jacob glance quickly at each other.
I felt like they had a secret, but I wasn’t going to ask what it was. Whatever the look was for, they would tell us if they wanted us to know. Until then, I wouldn’t pry.
Sadie and Gunner approached the table and pulled two seats up to join us.
“I’ve got the prospects giving the big cabin a thorough cleaning before they start the move this afternoon. Everything will be set up by tonight, so you don’t have to worry about anything,” Sadie said as Gunner wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“I don’t mind helping,” I replied, and Gunner smiled across at me.
“The prospects’ job is to do what the club needs and prove their worth to us. This isn’t outside the normal for them, and we just want you to feel at home.”
“I already do,” I returned.
Colton lifted my hand and kissed the back. Gunner looked at him and said, “I wanted to speak with you about taking on a new job within the club and leaving the bar to Basher.”
“Is there a problem?” Colton asked, and Gunner shook his head.
“I was thinking you should work with Skid on security. You have a knack for seeing the weakness in systems, and I think you’d be a valuable asset to us in that capacity,” Gunner remarked, and I could see the wheels in Colton’s head spinning.
“Does that mean I’ll be working for Devlin?”
“Nope. This is strictly club and compound security, maybe the houses off property, but I want to make sure we’re as secure as possible here, and I think you’re just the man for the job. It would mean evenings and weekends off to be with your family, and if there’s a problem, you’ve got Skid, Jacob, and the rest of the club to help. I just thought it would give you more time at home.”
Gunner’s eyes met mine and he lifted one cheek in a smile before turning back to Colton. “I’d like that very much. Thanks, Gunner,” Colton replied, and the two men bumped fists.
“Now that business is handled, I was hoping to have the kids for a sleepover tonight, so you two can cut loose. We’ve got the band playing tonight, and I don’t feel like being around all the loud noise. How does that sound?” Sadie asked, and Colton placed his hand on my knee.
“The kids love to stay with you, but we’ll be here if Matthew has any issues,” Colton said.
“Would you be okay with me sending Zeus to stay with you too? He seems to help calm Matthew, and maybe that will keep him from getting anxious tonight,” I suggested.
“I’d love to have Zeus. He’s a sweet boy, and if he helps Matthew, then even better,” Sadie responded and stood from the table. “I’m going to help in the kitchen. We’ve got tons of food to prep and get ready for the grill.”
“We can join you,” Hailey offered, taking my hand into hers.
“Absolutely,” I added and stood up.
Leaning over, I kissed Colton on the cheek and whispered into his ear, “Does that mean we’re alone tonight?”
“All night long,” he whispered back as Hailey gave my hand a tug.
