AllFreeNovel
Share Us
All of her defenses are down, making her even more gorgeous. I wink, which makes her blush the way I love. “Just the beginning, angel. Pete will always eat that well.”
A slow nod is the only answer I receive from her. I know she thinks she’ll be gone soon. That’s never happening. Besides me not allowing her to leave, I need to figure out how to make her want to stay.
After four flashes from Chelsea’s phone, I tap the tip of my knife on her plate. “Stop fucking around and eat your food.”
Addie watches our interaction, and another small smile brightens her face. She probably doesn’t know our parents died when Chels was little, so I’ve had to be a father to her more than a brother. My sister’s spoiled and immature, but overall a good person. At least right now anyway. I’m just grateful she’s not bitching at me for being so bossy.
Seemingly pleased, Addie picks up her fork, only getting in one bite of salad before my sister jumps out of her seat and slides into the chair next to her.
“Look! These are the outfits I bought for Pete.” Crazy fast, she swipes across the screen. “I’ve got sweaters, jogging pants, even matching pajamas. Aren’t they adorable?”
With a slight frown, she finally looks up from the images to Addie, seeking her approval. As much as a goofball as she is, she loves Pete and Addie already and wants to make them happy.
My woman’s from the street. She gets people and vibes quickly. Well aware she’ll crush Chelsea if she disagrees, she grins and points to the picture on the glass. “They’re really cute. He’s never worn clothes before, so I don’t know what he’ll think.”
Chels, on the other hand, is in her own world and gets nothing. Unaware dressing up dogs is ludicrous, she shakes her head. “He’ll think they’re fabulous, of course! We’ll do a photo shoot and call it…”
Her gaze flits to the chandelier as if answers hide there. “Pete’s Posh…Hmmm…what’s another word that starts with p?”
With her dinner totally forgotten, she pounds her keyboard searching. I roll my eyes and open my mouth to call for Mrs. Z to bring me some Tylenol. Addie’s soft voice cuts me off.
“How about poses? You could call it Pete’s Posh Poses.”
Chelsea’s head flies up. Her mouth hangs open as big as her eyes. The phone tumbles to her lap, and she slams her hands on the table. “Oh! My! God! Ohmygod. Ohmygod. Ohmygod. That’s perfect!”
Her chair scrapes across the hardwood as she jumps up and shrieks. “Perfect is perfect too. Pete’s Perfect Posh Poses!”
Three of the guys sprint in from her scream with their weapons drawn, and Pete starts barking and running in circles with excitement. Fucking peas in a pod those two. Damn it.
I flip up my palm to the guards and shake my head. They holster their guns and retreat, giving each other knowing looks. At least they remain on the alert despite her almost nightly outbursts.
“We need a sign. And a backdrop. No scratch that. We’ll move him around depending on his outfit. We’ll need some swim trunks and maybe an apron.”
She swipes her cell from the floor and wanders off, lost in her new adventure. At least it’s an innocent one that will keep her out of trouble for a while.
Besides, I like being alone with Addie. “I have something for you.”
Addie doesn’t meet my eyes. Instead, she points to Chelsea’s full plate. “She didn’t finish her food. Should we go get her?”
“Nah, Mrs. Z will save it for her. When she wanders back hungry, she’ll warm it up for her.”
The striking grin returns. “I guess this happens a lot.”
“Yep.” I slide the iPhone out of my jacket pocket and lay the cell next to her plate. “I’ll be gone most of tomorrow. If you need me, call or text. If I contact you, answer right away.”
Her little body tightens and her mouth twists. I know she’s getting ready to unload on me for being an asshole. I pre-empt her complaints with an explanation, which I rarely offer except to her. “I need to make sure you’re safe. This shit with Greyson isn’t something to fuck around with. He’s small and stupid but that doesn’t make him less dangerous. Probably more so because he’s ambitious, but he has no idea who he’s up against.”
A shiver ripples through her. Her balls remain intact despite her fear, and she meets my gaze dead on. “You?”
“Yeah, me, fireball. Man’s got a death wish.”
Delicate fingertips graze the bronze case, as if she thinks I’m going to snatch the gift away. “It’s yours, Addie. No strings. If you want a different one, let me know. I’ll get you anything you want.”
She hesitates, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear while she mulls over my pronouncement. Jaded from who the hell knows what, but I know I fucking hate her cynicism, she remains cautious. I remain quiet, trying not to freak her out.
Until ever so slowly she picks up the phone. Her shoulders raise to her ears. “I’ve never had one before. I don’t know how to use it.”
Her voice squeaks with shame. “No worries.” I chuckle from the obvious solution. “Chelsea will take care of that in no time.”
