Page 112 of Zero Pucks Given (Las Vegas Angels 1)

“I don’t. There’s like a day’s worth and she washes it,” I complained, stating my point.

“Ahh, Brother. This is a game you will not win. Apologize for being a lazy fool, and throw a load of wash in,” Lucien said, shoving a forkful of turkey into his mouth.

“Just like you? When was the last time you did a load of laundry? I’m not even sure you know how,” his wife said in an accusatory tone. This started a debate around the table which was no longer our own.

I huffed, and quietly said, “Tell me when you want me to put the laundry in.” My hand found hers. I brought it to my lips and kissed it. “And if you want my help in the kitchen, just ask. My culinary skills are rather limited, but you can teach me.”

She grinned her sweet, beautiful smile at me. “Deal.”

“I’m not budging on the groceries, though. Let me pay for them, G. Please? I can afford it,” I said, making her smile even bigger. “You’re actually saving me money by not having to buy a meal service. And your food tastes so much better.”

Gigi leaned in to give me a kiss. “You know I can’t resist your sweet talk, Moreau.” I gave her a chaste kiss on her pink, plump lips.

“Resist, Gigi. He’s tricking you,” my sister chided from the other end of the table and we all laughed.

Gigi

The next morning,we had time for a quick breakfast before we showered and packed.

When Beau opened his suitcase and removed a smaller suitcase from inside, I gasped, “Why did you bring two suitcases?”

“Mom had mentioned a shopping trip. So, I planned accordingly,” he said, shoving the bigger suitcase over as a knock sounded on the door. “Come in!” he shouted, stuffing more clothes inside the smaller suitcase.

Monique entered, carrying two large bags. “Here are your things, Geneviève,” she said, setting them on the floor. “I had Helen wash and dry everything so they’re all ready for you to wear. I had such a good time with you that day—every day. I wish we could have visited longer.” Her arms went wide and I stepped into them.

Hugging her back, I said, “Me too. Thank you again for your generosity. It was nice seeing the city again as an adult this time. I had a great time with you as well. You make a mean pumpkin pie.”

“Next time we’ll make apple? You and Beau let me know what your plans are for Christmas. I understand we’ll have to share you with your mother,” she said, giving me a sad smile. “But if you can fit us in, I would love the visit.”

Gosh, she was already planning Christmas. It seemed like so far away.

“Mom, don’t make G feel guilty. She didn’t get to go home for Thanksgiving,” Beau said, hefting up the bags his mom had brought in.

“I know, I know. All I said was we’d love to see her again. And you,” she said, lowering her voice as she frowned at him.

I bit my tongue and hugged her again. “We’ll let you know, Monique.”

After she left us alone to pack, Beau said, “G, hand me the bags beside the dresser, please?”

I’d just finished clearing out one of the drawers I’d used. Looking down, I saw two bags on the floor. The outside of the bags had a popular grocery store logo on it. “Here,” I said, giving him what he’d requested. “What’s in them?”

He gazed up at me, then undid the tied handles. When I looked inside, I saw an absolute ton of Coffee Crisps, ketchup chips and other Canadian candy. “Holy cow, you’ve hit the motherlode,” I said, stuffing my hand inside and touching his wares.

Beau laughed. “I needed to restock after your last episode.”

Shocked, I dropped a chocolate bar and said, “I had one bad day. And it wasn’t an ‘episode’.”

“G, it was totally an ‘episode’.”

I tsked at him and said, “You were partially the cause of it.”

He grabbed my waist with his hands and hauled me into his warm, hard body. “I didn’t know that, so it doesn’t count.”

“It counts,” I said, a look of hunger on his face.

His eyes traced over my face, down to my cleavage, then back up. “You are so beautiful. Do you know that?” Those strong, insistent lips of his found mine. I sighed when his tongue touched mine, swirling around it.

“This makes a mother’s heart happy.” We broke our kiss and turned to see Monique at the door again. “I forgot some bags,” she said in a half laugh, looking indeed like her heart was happy.

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