AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Dan’s warehouse is a dump. The building is gray and dirty and the sign is worn out and crooked. There are empty forty-ounce beer bottles everywhere and I have to sidestep glass when I get out of the car.
“How many people have been found murdered here?”
Jax says nothing but pulls me tight against his side and presses a loud kiss to my temple, setting off butterflies in my tummy.
Girl, you need to stop.
We go through the door and there are all sorts of things everywhere. It’s like an indoor junkyard. I’m so excited.Papi, my dad, used to say places like these are where you find treasures.
I stop Jax and wrap my arms around his neck. By the rounding of his eyes and drifting of his mouth, he thinks I’m about to kiss him.
“What is our budget here?” I whisper.
He stammers. “Uhhh.”
I shake my head. “I don’t care how low or how high. I just need to know so I can help you get there. So, what’s the limit?”
“You’re serious?” He frowns.
I roll my eyes at him. “In my family, we don’t joke about haggling.”
He presses me against him and gives me a quick peck. “This side of you makes me hot. Let’s go under one thousand.”
“I thought my ass made you hot and oh my God, what are you, Daddy Warbucks? Let’s shoot for six to seven hundred.”
“Saona, we’re talking kitchen cabinets here.”
I scoff. “I know but these are not new. I wish my sister were here. I think you’re going to fold like a cheap suit. Follow my lead when it comes to the money. If you want to argue with me, say ‘sidebar.’ Now, show me the ones you want but pretend you like the cheaper ones. I’ll work my magic from there.”
He nods and by God, I’m determined to get him those cabinets now that my reputation is going to be on the line.
And that’s how the fun starts. He signals the ones he wants and goes to talk to Dan, a big grizzly of a man who looks like he should be making moonshine in the woods. Dan thinks he’s getting over one thousand for these things. He’s trying to convince Jax on the cheaper option.
“Jax, these are the ones I want.”
“Those are—"
I sigh like a teenager at an adult gathering. “I couldn’t have the couch I wanted because it was too expensive too. Can I please at least get cabinets in my kitchen that I’ll like?” I air quote everything and channel my sister’s tone.
“But, honey…”
“Do. Not. Honey. Me.” I move away and cross my arms.
“Jesus. She’s as bad as my wife. Jax, you were fixing your house for a woman? You never mentioned you had a girlfriend.” Poor Dan tried to whisper but I heard it all.
And just like that, the door opens and I thank theDivineNiño Jesus.
I stomp my way back to them. “Wait a minute. What did you say?” I turn to Jax and shove a finger in his chest. “You come in here and pretend to be single? He’s what? Finding you pieces for the house and pieces of ass too? Is that why you didn’t want me to come with you this morning?”
“No, of course not. Dude.” Jax shoots the most exasperated look to Dan, who starts stammering and trying to reassure me.
And just like that, negotiations open. Because as Jax explains to me in the car, breaking Bro Code is the worst sin a man can commit against another. I just laugh because eight hundred dollars later, he has his cabinets, a chandelier, a vanity for the upstairs bathroom and even some plants.
