“Hen, can you keep these two out of trouble while I go help in the kitchen?” Poppy’s rich voice comes through next.
The team flew home from Chicago this morning and I’m not surprised that I was their first stop. Delilah’s been reading me the text messages they’ve sent since I’m still on technology ban per the doctor’s orders. They’ve been checking in daily to see how I’m doing.
Pushing off from where I am leaning on the door frame, I make my way into the kitchen. Delilah’s got her back to me and Poppy’s helping her load up a tray with snacks and drinks for the guys in the living room.
“You know they can grab their own shit, right? The last thing they deserve is you serving them when they so rudely woke me from my nap.” I say, startling her when I sneak up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist, kissing her neck. “Hey, Poppy.”
“Hey Cruz, you’re looking better.”
“Thanks, I’ve had excellent care.” Delilah squirms in my arms, trying to turn around, but I know she’s just going to scold me for being up and moving around, so I hold her where she is bringing my lips to her ear. “I’m fine. I would’ve gotten stiff lying around for any longer, and not in the fun way.”
Poppy snorts beside me, and Delilah slaps my arm.
“Ouch, Hermosa. I’m injured. Take it easy.”
“Sorry, Cruz, I tried to hold them off one more day—Hendrix too, but they wanted to come see you and wouldn’t let it go until they did.”
“Children,” I say with a shrug because sometimes it feels that way with Dom and Dean. They are a couple years younger than Hendrix and I. Dom has the personality of a golden retriever puppy and Dean is a bit of a puzzle. To an outsider, he seems just as carefree and fun-loving as Dom, but he doesn’t let many people into his inner circle. Even though I consider him one of my closest friends, there is a lot I don’t know about him.
“I’ll get the kids their snacks before they revolt.” Poppy takes the tray from Delilah and leaves the two of us in the kitchen.
“We can ask them to leave anytime. If you need a break, just let me know and I’ll kick them out,” Delilah says, turning in my arms.
“I love this protective streak you have. So hot. You’re going to be such a sexy mama bear someday.” I kiss each of the worry lines on her forehead before adding, “I feel much better than yesterday. Let them stay for a little while. Don’t tell them, but I’ve missed their goofy asses.”
The lines on her forehead smooth as she melts into my embrace, looking up at me with those blue eyes that make my heart beat faster every time they’re on me. “I know you do. They can stay as long as they are on their best behavior. If not, I can’t be held responsible for any maulings that happen.”
“By ‘they’ do you mean Dom?” That makes her smile warmly. He’s been on the team since his rookie year last season. Lilah’s never been shy about putting him in his place. She treats him like an annoying little brother. Both of them like to see how far they can push each other.
“Of course. Every group has their problem child,” she says with a roll of her eyes.
“Just one thing before we go out there.” Her face falls, and then I lower my head and take her mouth. Kissing is all she’ll let me get away with right now. She hums against my lips and then opens, letting me sweep my tongue inside.
“Oh look, another couple in love and kissing.” Reluctantly, I pull away from Delilah and find Dom standing against the counter watching us with faux annoyance.
“Oh look, it’s the asshole who woke me up,” I toss back.
“Ouch man, that hurts. Lilah, you’re going to let me stay, right?” He brings his hands together in front of his chest, giving her his best puppy dog expression.
“I don’t know. Can you act like an adult?” Delilah asks as she steps out of my arms and leads me to the living room where everyone is waiting.
“I think we should tar and feather him,” Dom says, out of nowhere, as he drops onto the couch next to Dean. “Like they did in your day, gramps.” The tips of Dean’s ears turn red next to him, but he restrains himself from making a scene.
“What are you talking about?” Poppy asks, looking as confused as the rest of us with her head tilted to the side.
“Miller, we should tar and feather him. Tell me I’m wrong,” he challenges clapping his hands together. The sound echoes and makes me wince.
“I am going to tar and featheryouif you don’t stop clapping,” Delilah tells him with a glare that is enough to scare even me.
“Miller’s going to get what’s coming to him. He’s been on thin ice with the league for years. After that stunt he’ll be lucky if anyone wants him when his contract is up with the Commanders this season,” I say.
“Always wearing that captain hat. Take it off for a minute. Be irresponsible with us. We can come up with another way for revenge. Let’s hack his Instagram and post a dick pic, but make it super tiny. Hit him where it hurts,” Dom says excitedly.
“There is something truly wrong with you,” Hendrix comments from the other side of the room where Poppy is perched on his lap.
“I actually like that one. If you can figure it out, I fully support it,” Delilah says to Dom. Who replies with a silent but very animated fist pump. “But you need to find the pictures. I’m not taking on that task.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem for him. Just dip into the folder of dick pics you’ve sent your road hookups,” Dean says, taking us all by surprise. I choke on a laugh. The best thing about his humor is it takes you off guard because he’s usually the quiet one.
