“Do I scare you?”
Her eyes widened and she laughed a little. His expression didn’t change. He was totally serious.
“Oh, well, I guess if I didn’t know you I might be a little intimidated.” She shrugged.
“What are y’all talking about?” Ava walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the refrigerator. She examined the contents before taking out some cheese. For someone so slender, Ava sure ate a lot.
“Nothing.” Damon straightened and kissed his mate before striding out into the living room.
Ava arched her brow at Haley. “He’s acting weird. What did he say to you?”
Haley hesitated.
“Come on. I’m his mate. That means you have to tell.” Ava crossed her arms.“Fine. He asked me if he scared me. I hope I haven’t given him that impression. I mean Damon was the one who got me into see Barrett when I started getting these notes.”
“No, it’s not you.” Ava’s expression relaxed. “I heard the other guys ragging him about how he didn’t look so badass since we mated.” She popped the slice of cheese into her mouth and chewed. “I think they are confusing badass with being happy.” She shrugged. “I don’t think Damon wants anyone to think he’s a *.”
“That’s the last thing I would think.” Haley lowered her voice. “When he asked me that I thought he was talking about his scar.”
Ava nodded. “I think he’s more secure in it now. I told him I like it. Makes him look like a hot pirate.” She cocked her head to the side and looked at the empty doorway that Damon had disappeared through. “I wonder if they make a pirate costume in his size.”
“I’m not sure.” Haley snorted. “Possibly. Since male strippers are built like him. Surely there’s a place that makes stuff. It’s not like their Granny’s are making it for them.”
“What are Grannys doing, dear?” Granny rolled into the kitchen wearing a muumuu splashed with yellow daffodils.
“Granny. Does your sex toy line carry outfits for guys?” Ava turned her attention to the old lady.
“Of course. What do you need?” Granny plucked a grape out of the bowl on the island and popped it in her mouth.
“You got a pirate outfit? In Damon’s size?”
Granny tapped her finger to her lips. “Mmmm. I know we got a cop outfit. Oh wait, we have a Blackbeard outfit. Will that work?”
Ava’s eyes glazed over and she slowly nodded. “Yeah, I think that will work just fine.”
#
“Come eat while it’s hot,” Granny called out from the kitchen.
Everyone stood up from the living room and piled into a line to dining room. Jayden waited until he and Haley were alone before he pulled her into the laundry room.
“What are you…?” Her words were cut off when his mouth came down across hers.
He’d needed this all day, needed to taste her and touch her without everyone watching. He’d spent the entire day with Barrett looking at possible suspects and deleting ways into her Facebook account. Still they had to wait on the CODIS results.
He pulled back and looked down in to her sleepy eyes. “I missed you.”
“I was here all day,” she murmured.
“I missed being alone with you. I didn’t realize how much freedom we had until everyone showed up.”
“We can still spend time together.” She ran her hands down his chest.
“Yeah, but I can’t strip you naked in the hallway.”Her eyes widened with shock and then arousal. “But I can always sneak into your bedroom.” She nipped his lower lip with her teeth.
Jayden growled.
“And I bet I can sneak into the shower early enough and lock the door so no one will bother us.” He went hard.
He glanced down at his watch actually contemplating if he had enough time to take her up against the wall before someone came looking for them.
“I don’t think there’s enough time.” She winked, reading his mind.
“I want to talk to you when this is all over.” He blew out a breath and pressed his forehead to hers.“We can talk now.”
He shook his head. No, he needed to give her a choice. And right now with her safety at stake she might feel pressured to choose the safe option.
“Later. I promise.” He covered her lips again with his.
The door flew open and Braxton stuck his head in. “You two need to get in the dining room before Granny comes looking for you.” He gaze dipped down and then back up to Jayden’s eyes. “Well, at least you have your pants on. She can’t get on you about that.”
Haley laughed while Jayden glared at his friend.
Granny’s familiar shuffle on the hardwood floor had Jayden pushing past Braxton before the old lady could say a word.
#
Dinner was an event of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn casserole, fruit salad and apple pie.
Haley couldn’t remember ever having a dinner as enjoyable.
Dinners with her family were a formal event, each course served at the appropriate time.