I stand up, ready to go inside and find Gabriel. Trevor gives me another hug, and when I pull back, just because I can, I ask, “And what about the club whores? What are they in this whole family dynamic?”
Trevor smiles wide and says, “They’re what we call the perks of wearing a cut.” I slap his arm, and my boy laughs. “I’m kidding, shit. It was a joke!”
CHAPTER 8
GABE
“Go get changed, Mom. You’re soaked.” I overhear Trevor tell Linzie. Dad catches them at the door, offering thanks for their help.
“Wow. The weather took a turn fast, didn’t it?” Dad asks.
“Yeah. The snow is coming down pretty heavily now. It’s sticking to the ground too. Can’t see the road at all,” Trevor replies. “Mom, you’re shivering. Go shower and get changed. I’m going to do the same, then we’ll meet up and get some food and coffee in you.”
“Since when did you become the caretaker?” Linzie teases her son. Trevor smiles, kissing her on the cheek, then heads down the hall toward his room.
“You’ve done right by that boy, Linzie,” Dad compliments. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he takes great care of our family.”
Linzie smiles proudly. “He takes after his father. He was the same way.” She sighs wistfully, and my heart clenches. We make eye contact, and I turn away, not wanting to face the truth.
She’s not over her husband.
I head to the bar and ask Mason to pour me a double shot of whiskey. As soon as he hands it to me, I slam it back, letting the burn ease my frustration, then ask for another. I’m going to need it to kill this ache in my chest.
I thought we had something. I thought I'd found my ol’ lady.
By the time I’m about to ask for a third round, I’m finally starting to feel the liquor. My body is warm. My head’s a little fuzzy, and the ache in my chest has gone numb.
Perfect.
One of the women puts on some cheerful Christmas music, and Mom has brought out a tray full of cookies and hot cocoa for the kids.
“Damn it, Liz!” Andi yells. “They need to eat dinner first. I didn’t slave all day over all this food to let it go to waste.”
“It won’t go to waste around here, honey. These men will eat every bit and expect you to make more by morning.” Liz laughs.
“I don’t fucking think so,” Andi retorts. “I plan on going to bed at some point tonight. I need to get my beauty sleep if you expect me to be prettyandfeed all these people tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, Peaches,” Cash croons. “I’ll make sure you get to bed.” He smiles at Andi’s glare. “I’ll even make sure you’re good and spent so you get plenty of rest.”
“Cash!” Skyler hollers. “Leave the woman alone. She’s going to spit in all our food just to be sure she spits in yours.” Cash laughs. Andi gives Skyler a look that says she’s called her out. Skyler shrugs. “I have been watching you cook and bake things in there all damn day. I am not about to let this asshat ruin my chance of eating my fill of good food. If you need to mess with his plate, though, you let me know. I’ll get Eli or Xander to help you out.”
“Hey!” Cash yells, grabbing Skyler around the waist, spinning her in circles while she laughs. “I’m your bestie! Nother. You'd better remember who knows all your dirty little secrets, Miss…”
“No! Nope! Cash! No,” Skyler reprimands. He puts her down, laughing, just as Ethan comes up behind them.
“What are you threatening my wife with, asshole?” Ethan snaps, snatching Skyler away from Cash’s grip. “And what does he know I don’t, Sunshine?”
“Nothing,” they both say in unison. Having everyone in the clubhouse, talking shit, stirring up trouble, and laughing together helps lighten my mood a little bit.
This is what it’s all about. My club. My family.
So, make Linzie a part of both.
Fuck.
The door swings open. Austin and Jake come rushing inside, pushing the door closed, shaking snow off their jackets and boots.
“Hey, uh, Pres. We may have a problem,” Jake says, scrubbing the snow out of his hair and onto the floor.
