Page 25 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
"Not when I see my woman heading in here. No, I don't fucking knock." He shoves Maddox's hand away and strides toward us. He stops in his tracks when he sees Judean's tear-stained face. "Why have you been crying?"
"Colton!" Maddox hisses. "There's something called tact."
"She's been crying. Why?"
I watch the younger Hawke brother, noting how every part of his body is coiled to attack, anger seething from every pore. Every inch of him tells me that he has a serious thing for Judean. I thought so but seeing him this way after she cries confirms it.
"One of the other guests made some horrible comments," I say.
"What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Water? Beer?" Maddox asks, redirecting the conversation.
"What other guest?" Colton stands with his arms crossed and his legs slightly spread. I must admit, he looks good in black pants and a white shirt. His name tag, which is attached to the breast pocket, tells me that he's about to start work because I didn't see him thirty minutes ago in the lobby.
"Coffee would be nice," I say.
"For me as well. Thanks, Maddox." Judean smiles, and I notice Colton's frown deepen.
These brothers are intense.
Maddox grabs his brother's arm and moves him inside. I finally let out a breath and look at Judean. I can't help but smile and giggle a little. I smother it behind a hand.
"I need a cold shower after that," Judean sighs. "Something tells me not to let Colton know who upset me."
I snicker. "I totally agree with that."
The water is lovely and warm, and I feel the tension slowly melting away. Judean sighs and rests her head back against the side of the tub. I lean back as well, but I stare out at the view. "Peace and quiet," I think, just as I hear more than two male voices from inside. Judean glances at me, startled, but I shake my head. "There are eight of them, plus a silver fox of a dad, so just enjoy the view."
"Hey, bro, did you know you have two babes in the hot tub? Sophie called Dad a silver fox." Spencer shouts, and I inwardly groan, feeling my cheeks heat.
"I like being called a babe," Judean whispers.
Dad blushesafter Spencer announced what he overheard. I shoot him a look and he stops teasing as I take the two coffees out to Sofie and Judean. I kiss Sofie's head as I head back inside. I close the door, leaving a small gap so I can hear if they need me. "Give them some alone time," I tell Spencer.
I feel his eyes on me as I move into the kitchen and start making a large pot of coffee. I know that if three of my brothers are here, the others will follow. Well, maybe not Branson. He's going to be working around the clock. Dad's here, too. I knowhe was tickled hearing what the girls called him. I just hope it doesn't go to his head like it would my brothers'.
I shoot Colton a sideways glance. He continues to sit quietly, stewing about Judean. He isn't stupid, so I'm sure he's figured out that one of their group upset Judean. That whole family needs a wake-up call. I may be a jerk sometimes, but I don't go around putting people down. That isn't okay.
My brother catches my eye, and his eyes narrow. "I bet it was Samantha, wasn't it?"
"What did Samantha do?" Garrett asks.
I sigh heavily and lean on the countertop. "Yes, it was Samantha. She said some hurtful things to Judean." I shrug. "I invited them here to use my hot tub. I promised they wouldn't be disturbed."
"Tell me what she said!" Colton stands, his body rigid with anger.
"I don't know exactly what she said, but from what I overheard, it had something to do with her figure." I wince.
"There's nothing wrong with her!" Colton hisses. "She makes me hard as a rock."
Dad chokes on his coffee. "Son?—"
"It's true! Jeez, Dad. You have eight sons. You know what I'm talking about." Colton's eyes pop wide as Hunter and I gawk at him. "You know what? I sure as hell don't want to think about you and Mom getting it on." He shudders. "I can't believe I went there." Tossing a wave over his shoulder, he leaves.
"What did I hear about Tisha reporting Ryland?" Garrett asks.
"I'll be glad to see the back of those women," Dad says. "They have no right to come here and cause problems over stupid things."
"Three nights left," I say, my eyes drifting toward the back deck. I wonder if I'll get to keep Sofie here in Hawke's Ridge.
