Bullet growled, “Sit down.”
Bear lowered his ass to the chair, knowing better than to go head-to-head with Bullet at the end of a long night. “What?”
“Why are you giving him shit about Dix?” Bullet asked. “You know damn well he’s not going to budge.”
“Because someone has to.”
“He’s right, Bear,” Bones said. “You know I don’t agree with the old-school bullshit Dad pulls, but you’re trying to change generations of hard-core old-fashioned beliefs. You can’t teach that particular old man new tricks.”
“Bullshit.” Bear crossed his arms and sank back against the chair. “Has it ever occurred to you that I might want to do something other than give all of my time to the bar and the shop? Dixie’s fully capable, and she deserves to manage the project—and get the kudos that goes along with it. From Dad. If the three of us stood together, he’d have to listen. He’s only got one-fifth of the vote when it comes to the businesses.”
“It’s not about that. It’s about respect. You don’t go against the man who brought you into this world.” Bullet sucked down his beer, clearly ignoring the idea that Bear might want to do something other than work with the family business. He probably couldn’t fathom the idea, because Bear was Bear, and it was Bear’s own damn fault.
“Really, B? What kind of bullshit is that? You think it’s cool for women to do the heavy lifting behind the scenes but not get the credit they deserve?”
Bullet leaned forward, his coal-black eyes as mean as a snake’s. “I’ve got no issue with a woman doing anything. It’s not about whether Dix is capable or deserves to do it. It’s about respecting the decisions of the man who raised us.”
Crystal’s words came back to him with a vengeance.
“And what about Dixie? Who respects her?” When Bullet didn’t respond, Bear pushed to his feet. “That’s what I thought. Yeah, our father is old-school, and you’re so fucking militaristic that you salute whatever the hell he does. But we have a sister, and she’s got a fucking brilliant mind and just as strong of a work ethic as each of us.”
Bullet scoffed. “You just don’t want to give up more time now that you’re finally getting a little pussy.”
Bear grabbed him by the collar and got right in his face, gritting his teeth. “Respect her, B, or I swear I’ll tear you to pieces.”
“Bear,” Bones warned.
“I might get my ass kicked because B’s a fucking Sasquatch,” Bear seethed. “But I’ll get enough shots in to make my point. I learned from the best.” He let go of Bullet’s shirt and glared at Bones. “How about you man up for your sister?”
Conflicting emotions washed over Bones’s face.
Bullet crossed his arms, his massive biceps flexing, but he had a fucking gratified look in his eyes, trying to rile Bear up. He lifted his beer as if he were going to toast and said, “I respect Crystal, and you fucking know it. You’ve got big balls, bro, which is why whatever you think you’re going to do about her past, you are not doing it alone. Got it?”
“You’ve got my back when it comes to that shit and not when it comes to our sister? Yeah, B. I’m starting to get it. I’ll see you for my shift Wednesday night.” He turned to Bones. “See you around.”
As he drove home, his thoughts returned to Crystal, where they remained for the rest of the long damn night.
Chapter Fourteen
“BONES IS ON his way to Tru’s. We’ll be painting for hours,” Bear said. They were in the parking lot of Whiskey Automotive, waiting for Gemma and Truman to get the kids ready to leave. Crystal was meeting Gemma and Dixie to get Gemma’s wedding dress fitted and to shop for Crystal and Dixie’s dresses.
“I cannot wait until Friday,” he said. “Still on for our date?”
“Yes. I’m counting down the lonely nights.” Crystal’s stomach flipped. She was looking forward to dinner and a walk on the beach, but she’d been hot and bothered last night thinking about what they’d done—and how much more she wanted to do. She’d stayed up late putting the finishing touches on two of the costumes she’d started last week, and then she’d tossed and turned all night, considering trying to take care of her neediness herself. But she knew that even if she could bring herself to orgasm, it would pale in comparison to the way Bear turned her inside out. Waiting had only served to make her more desperate for him. Even Gemma had noticed, teasing her about how she looked like a girl in love. She hadn’t corrected her. And now she was counting down the hours until she could be close to him again.
“If I had it my way, you’d never be lonely.” He nuzzled against her cheek. “Why aren’t you making your own dress for the wedding? Something black and lacy, with a splash of red satin?”
Even hearing him talk like that got her all revved up. How would she make it until Friday? “I’m too busy making costumes, and because we’d never make it to the wedding if you saw me in something like that.”
“Damn right.”
As he lowered his lips to hers, Dixie hollered, “Get a room.”
“What does that mean?” Kennedy asked as she ran across the parking lot toward them, looking adorable in the new shirt Bear had bought her and a pair of purple shorts. She launched herself into his arms, and he kissed her cheek.
“I saw you kiss Cwystal,” Kennedy said with a sweet smile. “Mommy says girls only kiss boys when they love them. So Cwystal loves you.”
“Let’s hope so,” Bear said, winking at Crystal.
Dixie lowered her voice, for Crystal’s ears only. “Mommy will be surprised when her little girl gets into high school.”
“I love you, Uncle Beah.” Kennedy pressed her lips to his cheek.
“I love you, too, peanut.” Bear’s eyes warmed. He’d go to the ends of the earth trying to make Kennedy’s dreams come true.
Crystal had a feeling he’d do the same for her.
Truman came out of the shop with Gemma under one arm and Lincoln in the other.
Lincoln looked cute in his new Future Dark Knight shirt. He held his arms out toward Bear. “Bababababa.”
Bear reached for him as Kennedy wiggled out of his grasp. Crystal melted anew at the sight of Bear smothering Lincoln in kisses, earning the most adorable little-boy giggles.
Gemma kissed Kennedy. “Bye, sweetie. I love you.”
“Bye, Mommy. Me and Uncle Beah will paint weally pwetty.”
“I know you will,” Gemma said as Tru pulled her in for a kiss.
“Bye, princess,” Tru said. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“I’ll text you later, sugar.” Bear kissed Crystal, giving her ass a swat as she walked away.