“I did. Finish your lunch, and I’ll make you some ice cream.”
Dusty was almost finished eating his ice cream when Dallas walked in. Her mascara was running down her cheeks, and she was carrying a balled up tissue in her hand. She stopped before Dusty caught sight of her, and tried to clear the traces of her tears, but it was no use. She was a mess.
“Dallas? What’s wrong?” I asked as I stood up and walked over to her.
“I’m fine… it’s nothing,” she said as she wiped her nose.
“Dallas…” I started.
“It’s that damn insurance company. They’re still giving me a hard time, and it’s just wearing me out. We’re not hurting for money, at least not yet, but Dusty’s behavioral therapist is expensive. His bills add up fast. Daniel wanted the kids to have that insurance money for their future, and those assholes are trying to keep it from them,” she snapped.
“Anything I can do?”
“Thanks, but Cotton is looking into it. He said he might be able to contact some resources.”
“Good. Be sure to let me know if you need anything. All you have to do is ask,” I told her.
“I know that, Maverick. I really appreciate you being so good to Dusty. He’s had a hard day today, and he loves being with you.”
“I like hanging out with him, too,” I said smiling. “Don’t worry about the money, Dallas. We’ll work it out.”
“Thanks, Maverick. I better get going. Katie has a game tonight, and she’ll freak if I’m late,” she said as she reached up and gave me a quick hug. “Come on, buddy. We’ve got to hurry.” She took him by the hand and led him out of the kitchen.
I was opening up the refrigerator when I felt Dusty’s body slam across my back. His little arms wrapped tightly around my waist as he said, “Bye, Mav-wreck.” He quickly let go and ran out the door. Damn, I loved that kid. He was just the distraction that I needed. For the first time since we’d got home, I had something to smile about.
After I finished my lunch, I went to my room looking for Henley. She was lying in the bed reading one of her books, and I was tempted to lay down with her. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time.
“I’ve got some club business to see about, so I’ll be gone for a few hours,” I told her.
“Okay,” she said, never looking up from her book.
“It shouldn’t take long.”
“Okay,” she mumbled as her eyes remained focused on her book.
“I might get attacked and eaten alive by a pack of wild beavers.”
“Okay,” she whispered as her teeth grazed across her bottom lip. Yeah. She was fucking with me.
“Alright, check ya later,” I told her as I took a step towards the door. When she still didn’t look over to me, I lunged towards her, pouncing right on top of her, and pinned her hands to the bed. Her eyes widened with surprise as her book went sailing across the room. “Are you pouting, Henley Gray?”
“Maybe,” she whispered as she gave me her best puppy dog eyes.
I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers before I said, “You missing me, Henley?”
She rolled her eyes and said, “Ummm… nooo. I’m not.”
“Yeah, you’re missing me,” I teased as I ground my hips against hers. When she bucked against me, I asked, “You miss my mouth, don’t you, baby?”
“Ummm… maybe a little,” she admitted as she squirmed beneath me.
“You want to feel my cock deep inside you, don’t you?” I asked, rocking against her.
A deep, frustrated sigh vibrated through her chest as she said, “Yes!”
“Good,” I taunted her as I pulled myself up off the bed. “I like you missing me. Now, behave until I get back.”
“Maverick?” she called out. “I’ve been thinking…” her voice trailed off as she thought about what she was about to say. “I know you’ve been having a hard time finding the guys that shot Skidrow, and I imagine they had something to do with your friend being in the hospital. I’d like to do something to help.”
“Henley, I should tan that pretty little ass of yours for even thinking about this. Trust me. I’ll take care of it,” I assured her. “Gotta go. Let Smokey or Boozer know if you need anything. The rest of the guys will be out.”
“Okay. Please be careful,” she pleaded.
“Always,” I assured her as I walked out of the room. I’d meant it when I told her that I liked her missing me. I hadn’t had much time to spend with her over the past couple of days, and I liked the thought of her thinking about me, longing for me to hold her, to love on her. Amidst all the turmoil that’d thrown her into my life, she’d given me a light that I’d never known possible. I was missing her, too, and I was looking forward to making up for lost time as soon as I got back tonight.
Chapter 22
Henley
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