Page 87 of Talk Wicked to Me

“Everyone loves their dogs. Especially these girls.” Reese motioned to Junie and Rosie running toward the table. Leo toddled behind them, holding Leah’s hand. Leah looked hot and tired, but cute in denim shorts and a pretty orange tank top. Tank had been there early to help set up, but Leah and the kids had arrived about an hour ago.

“Mama said we could have cookies!” Rosie exclaimed, eyes going wide as she scanned the sugary treats.

“Two each,” Junie said, red ringlets springing around her face.

“I want this one, and this one, and this one, and this one…” Rosie continued pointing to cookies.

“That’s a million,” Junie said. “You get two…”

As the girls discussed cookies, Leah scooped up Leo before he could grab a bag of cookies off the table. “I don’t care if they have twelve each if it means I get a break from them begging me for cats and dogs. It’s exhausting.”

“Where’s Tank?” Emerson asked.

“He and Zan are bathing a couple of dogs. A little boy thought they were too hot and dumped his lemonade on them.” Leah laughed softly.

“Oh boy. If you want a break, Lettie’s here,” Reese said. “She can play with them for a while or watch Leo.”

“Lettie’s here?” Rosie and Junie exclaimed in unison.

“Yeah, she’s over there with Blaine and Zeke.” Reese pointed to them standing beneath a canopy by one of the dog pens.

“Mama, can we—”

“Go, but stay together.” Leah watched the girls run toward Lettie, struggling to keep Leo on her hip as he tried to get down.

“Go Sissies!” Leo whined.

“Sorry, baby, but you need to stay with Mama this time.”

“Can I give him a C-O-O-K-I-E?” Emerson asked.

“Sure. Thank you,” Leah said.

Emerson held up a kitty cookie. “Leo, would you like a cookie?”

“Ookie!” He snagged it from her and took a bite.

“Say thank you to Miss Emerson,” Leah reminded him.

“Ank you,” he said around a mouthful.

“He’s so stinking cute.” Emerson grabbed a bottle of cold water out of the cooler. “Here. If you’re not feeling well, I’m sure Baz won’t mind if you lie down at his place. I’d be happy to watch Leo.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine. Tank and I were just a little overzealous last night. And the night before that, and the night before that.”

“Okay, I no longer feel bad for you,” Reese said, and they all laughed.

Leah smiled as she opened the water bottle, and Leo grabbed it, spilling it down his shirt. He giggled, and so did Leah. “That’ll cool you off. Let me help you.” She helped him take a sip, and more dripped down his chin. “Boys.” She wiped it off and took a sip before screwing the top back on.

“Are you going to the Hog tonight?” Reese asked. “Dante’s band is playing.”

Everyone was getting together there after the event. Ginger, Conroy, Preacher, and Reba had offered to watch the kids so they could all go. Emerson was looking forward to it.

“We’ll be there.” Leah took another drink. “This is Emerson’s first time being out with all the Wicked boys. Don’t you remember how overwhelming it was the first time you were with everyone?”

“That was nowhere near as intimidating as meeting the girls,” Reese insisted. “They were like a firing squad, interrogating me about Blaine.”

“I didn’t feel interrogated at the book club,” Emerson said.