A high-pitched squeal interrupted them to see T.A. once again had been the one to sidetrack their conservation. She had spotted the two women that Jackal was opening the door for.
T.A. hurriedly set her armful of sodas on top of an unpacked box, to greet the two women that were carrying the enormous cake ordered for their wedding reception.
“Dalton! Willa and Ginny brought my cake. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it is.” Giving the two women he hadn’t met a polite smile as they went toward the kitchen.
Once they were in the kitchen Shade’s reflective lens’ returned to him.
“Leave it, the feed goes directly to Knox’s private office, and to the Last Rider’s security room. Viper had it installed when Winter used the pool to help with her pregnancy. It’s monitored twenty-four/seven. I oversee who and when someone watches the feed, and I can guarantee that only those watching have the best of intentions. There’s also a small panic button on each of the thermostat boxes.”
“Then I’ll take your word for it and leave it to your discretion.”
Shade was nodding his head when T.A. came back carrying the soda’s.
“Willa managed to get the cake in the refrigerator. They’re going to be coming out in a minute, and they offered to unpack the last box for me. Wasn’t that sweet?”
“Yes, it was.”
“By the way, Sex Piston, Crazy Bitch, Fat Louise, and Killyama wants to know if they can go with us to get your bike from the Road Slayer’s. They promised to behave; they want to meet Whip.”
“What do Stud, Calder, Cade, and Train think about that idea.”
T.A. gave him a complacent smile, that reminded him of the black cat that he was stuck with and was lazily snoozing away on the top of the cat tree that cost almost as much as the hospital chairs she had talked him into.
“They agreed to go along for the ride but left it up to you if you didn’t mind the extra company.”
“No.”
“But they’ll behave, I promise.” Trying to whittle him down, she ran a tantalizing finger down the sleeve of his shirt.
“No.” He was no fool; the other men had left him to take the fall for being the one that would put a stop to what the five conniving bitches had planned.
“Fine,” she snapped, dropping her hand. “Come on, Byte. Papa is being a Grinch.”
“Leave, Byte. He’s getting wet.” Dalton snapped his fingers and the little Dachshund went to his haunches. Ignoring the tongue that she stuck out at him as her dog obeyed his command, T.A. turned tail when he smacked the folder that Viper had sent him in frustration at not being able to paddle her in front of Shade.
Redirecting his attention back yet again, Dalton realized that Shade had raised his sunglasses to his forehead.
“When you get back with your motorcycle give me a call, the brothers and I will take you out for a ride and show you the town. Later.”
Dalton was still staring at Shade’s back, when Willa, and Ginny came out of the kitchen.
“I’m so glad you bought this house, it needs a family to give it life again,” Willa said as they stopped before going out the door to the backyard.
“Dalton,” Willa continued. “Have you met Ginny?”
He held his hand out for the young woman to shake. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”
“She’s a friend of mine,” Willa explained, giving Ginny an affectionate glance. “I didn’t know if you had a chance to meet her yet, she’s the opening act for Mouth2Mouth. I’m thrilled she’s offered to help me with yours and T.A.’s wedding. The doctor ordered her to rest her vocal cords, so she’ll be able to help with the reception, also.”
Dalton winced when Max and Jackal came inside carrying a bureau mirror.
“T.A. and I will be appreciative of any help you could give. As you can see, we’re overwhelmed at the moment.”
“I’m glad to help.” Ginny gave him a shy smile as she handed a glass of water to him. “T.A. forgot to bring it to you.”
The yells from the pool had Willa hurrying outside. Instead of following her friend, the attractive woman continued to watch the men carry the mirror up the stairs before glancing around the room.
“You have a lovely home.” The reserved woman spoke so low that Dalton almost didn’t catch the compliment.
“Thank you.”
“It was nice meeting you, Dalton.”
Expecting the unassuming friend of Willa’s to go outside, he was surprised when she took a step toward the door.
“Aren’t you going outside to the party?”
An expression of longing passed her face so quickly, he almost missed it.
She raised a hand to brush back wisps of her hair. “No, I brought my own car. I volunteered to babysit for Lily so she and Beth can come for a visit.”
“All right.” Gruffly, he nearly spilled the water from his glass. “It was nice meeting you too. I’ll see you at the wedding.”