Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“I’ll pull the truck out front,” Ant says.
Kid comes to get AJ as he starts to have a fit as Ant leaves out the door. I don’t miss that Leo enters the foyer with her. I’m not sure what’s going on with them.
Leo seemed to be giving her space. However, I can tell she doesn’t like it. I’ve been meaning to talk to her about it, we just haven’t had time to hang.
“You guys have fun. He’ll be fine,” she says.
I move to kiss AJ’s cheek. He grabs my face as he cries. My heart aches. In New York, if I wasn’t working, I was home with him. This is all new to him.
Granted, I do believe he’s more upset about his daddy than me. Ant has returned to work, but if he’s not working, he’s home with us. AJ has been spoiled with time with his father.
“Give me a kiss. I’ll miss you,” I coo.
He gives me a kiss before turning to tuck his face into Kid’s neck. She turns to walk back to the living room, stopping to look up at Leo who’s focused on his phone. She purses her lips and shakes her head as she continues.
***
Pit’s bar is nice. This back room isn’t what I was expecting. However, it felt like coming home from the time we walked into the place.
Kid has told me so many stories about Fuck Off I feel like I used to work here or something. Different stories fall into place as I walk through and see the things she described. I’m learning Jenny has been a really good friend.
The details she gave in her stories and reports were to help me feel like I was there. Seeing it all now, I get how much she put into placing me in Ant’s life. It’s a little overwhelming. I have to thank her later.
“How’s your wrist?” Ant murmurs into my ear as he places a pitcher of beer on the table.
After the range, we all went to dinner and then came here. It’s been a lively night. This crew knows how to keep the laughs going.
I turn my face up to answer him. “It will be fine. I forgot how sore you can get from shooting.” He pecks my lips and smiles down at me.
“You did good. We can go again soon.”
“You’re not bad yourself,” I reply.
He wasn’t. I was surprised to see how well he could shoot. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of his barrel. His accuracy speaks of someone who knows their way around a gun and target.
While others in our group were clearly novice. Ant, Ven, Shawna, Jazzy, and I stood out at the range. While I already knew Shawna and Ven would fare well. After getting to know more about Jazzy, I understood why she, too, stood out.
“That was fun. We should do this more often,” Syd says.
“Don’t go signing us up for no bullshit,” Luke grumbles.
“You miss us. That’s why you moved back. You don’t have to pretend, we see you,” Tak says.
“Don’t you have a song to write or a tour bus to get on?”
I laugh. The way they all banter with each other draws you into their vibe. I totally get how they all work. It’s clear it’s all love.
A little family. Ven is the big little sister in the center of it all. Ant sits beside me and Pit leans into his ear to whisper something that makes him laugh. The way his face lights up warms my heart.
Knowing this is all he wanted at one point in his life makes me happy to see him have it. I reach for his hand and give it a gentle squeeze. He turns his gaze on me and smiles.
“Ugh, I’m tired. This baby doesn’t want me to be great. Babe, I need to go home,” Ven says.
“I was thinking of heading out,” Deacon says.
“Your car is at our place. I promised AJ a story, so we’re good to go,” Ant replies.
“Ox is a dad. That’s still rattling my brain. You let his big ass knock you up?” Tak taunts.
“And I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” I purr.
Ant reaches for the back of my neck and gives it a squeeze. I lean into him and he kisses my temple. I inhale his cologne and sigh.
“Speaking of babies, that’s our cue. Y’all have a good night,” Deacon says and stands.
“Let’s go. I want to stop for ice cream. It’s getting late, everything will be closed soon,” Ven says, looking as if she’s fighting to keep her eyes open.
“I’ll stop before we get to the house,” Ant offers.
“Thanks,” she yawns.
Hugs are passed around and we all head out. It was a good night. I had fun. This is what I was missing in New York, friends and family.