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Grant nodded. “That something we actually agree on.”
Xavier looked from one of us to the other. “You two don’t need to get into a dick measuring contest. I expect you to be able to work together.”
“This is my ranch, and I am in charge here,” Grant said.
“Because I hired you.” I bit my lip to hold in my laughter. Xavier didn’t pull punches.
Grant glared at him, and I had to admit it made me admire Grant more. Not many people stood up to Xavier like I did.
“You put me in charge of Fox’s protection, so this is my mission, and I knew you as a kid, so that intimidation stuff doesn’t work on me.”
Xavier’s scowl was so fierce even I shivered. “Don’t start giving me shit. This is my mission, but really, this is about protecting a man from himself. Do the job. Keep him there. Keep him safe. I’ll be in touch. Expect Blade soon.”
“So we’re just supposed to sit here waiting to be attacked?” I asked.
“More or less,” X said. “I’m monitoring the situation. If I have any sense that they have located you, I’ll contact you immediately and send in reinforcements.”
I huffed. “I don’t like waiting.”
“It’s a good thing you’re not permanently on my payroll.”
“Damn right it is.”
Xavier ended the call.
That made Grant laugh. Maybe I was going to be able to get along with him after all.
“Grant?” It was Jacob.
“Come on in. We’re through.”
Jacob opened the door slowly and looked from one of us to the other. “You both look unscathed. I guess that’s good.”
“Were you seriously checking up on me?” Grant asked. “Did you think I was going to beat up the new guest?”
I snorted. “Good luck with that.”
“I came to tell you dinner’s ready.”
I didn’t want to sit through dinner with Fox’s former team. “I think I’ll just—”
“No, you won’t. Whenever we can, we eat family style, and you don’t want to miss Jacob’s cooking.” When Jacob glared at Grant, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Let me rephrase. Jacob has worked hard making dinner, and we all enjoy eating together. Please join us.”
I tilted my head to the side as if considering. “That was better, and I am hungry.”
“Did you tell Fox to come down for dinner?” Grant asked Jacob.
“He said he’d get a sandwich later.”
Grant scowled. “No. He’ll come down now. He’s pouted long enough.”
Once again, I found myself agreeing with Grant, but I was skeptical as I watched Grant take the stairs two at a time. When I looked at Jacob, I could tell he was trying not to laugh? “Any chance this will work?”
“Not a single one.”
“Is he always this much trouble?”
“Not always.” Color rushed to Jacob’s cheeks, and I laughed.
“Should I go up there?”
“No. That’ll just make Grant angrier.” And Fox, I thought, but I kept that to myself. “Go on to the kitchen. I’ll see if I can handle this.”
As I walked away, I realized Jacob was like the ranch’s Lawson. Nothing would function here without him. I also realized Lawson was due for a raise.
Before I reached the kitchen, I heard pounding and Grant saying Fox better come out right now. Did he really think that was going to work?
A few moments later, Grant stomped into the kitchen.
“Any luck?” I asked.
Rogue looked up at me. “Luck with what?”
“Getting Fox to join us for dinner.”
“Did he go up there yelling at him like some kind of ravening beast?’
“Just like when Beast tries to get Belle to come to dinner,” TJ said. We all stared at him, and he shrugged. “It’s a good movie.”
“Jacob’s taking care of it,” Grant said.
TJ nodded. “Right. Just like Lumiere.”
Rogue burst out laughing. “Like Lumiere if he and Beast were fucking.”
“That’s twisted,” TJ said. “It would make an interesting movie, though.”
Jesus, what had I gotten myself into.
Everyone was gathered around the counter, staring at the delicious food Jacob had made—fried chicken, biscuits, stuffed potatoes, and some cheesy broccoli.
“Why are we just standing here?” I asked.
“Because we’re expected to have manners,” Rhys said.
Grant scowled. “We’re waiting on Fox and Jacob.”
“We better not have to wait much longer,” TJ said. “I’m starving.”
A moment later, Jacob walked into the kitchen followed by a very angry Fox. I tried to get his attention, but he wouldn’t look at me. He didn’t say anything as we all made plates and sat down at the large dining room table.
I’d intended to sit across from Fox, but by the time I made it to the table, that seat had been taken by Ghost, so I sat between him and TJ. Grant sat at the head of the table. Rogue plopped down next to Fox, and Rhys sat next to him. It was amazing how identical the twins were and yet how different. They also looked a hell of a lot like Grant, just not as bulky.
