Shit, maybe it’s me he’s like and not Nightmare.
“Do you want to go back to Prissy’s barbecue and play with the other kids?” His pediatrician told me to speak to him in full sentences as much as possible. It’s supposed to help with his vocabulary development.
“Ummm…yep.” He sits up, already more awake than two seconds ago. I’m glad he’ll have someone to play with again because he’s about to be bouncing off the walls.
“Okay, I got our stuff ready. You go to the bathroom and then we’ll go back. Make sure you wash your hands.”
“’Tay’, Momma,” he replies and I go out to wait with London.
“He’s coming, just having him use the restroom.”
“I get it; I’m a boy’s mom too. Mine’s just a bit older now. He’s off doing man shit and fishing with my brother. I’ve learned that girls are fun but dramatic.”
I’m laughing when my own little man makes his way into the living room, and we take off for the compound again.
I’m about to crack open a new beer when a large hand takes it from me, opens the top, and hands the cold beverage back.
“Thank you, I could’ve opened it though.”
He shrugs. “What kind of man would I be if I let you open it?”
“Let me?” I mock, and Ruger grins devilishly, his eyes skimming over me from top to bottom.
“You’ve gotten hotter.”
“Well thanks, I think.” Laughing, I take a good-sized gulp of the beer. I need it after earlier. “I honestly didn’t think you’d remember me.”
“Of course, I do, and I’m not the only one either.” His eyebrows go up, and he flicks his gaze to the side.
Mine follow along and meet an irritated Nightmare’s dark glare.Well, shit.“He’s still charming, I see.”
He snorts, smiling widely. “Brother or not, that’s not the word I’d use for him.”
“Come on, Ruger, you know you follow his lead.” I giggle, and he laughs with me.
“You’re gonna get me in trouble smiling like that, B, with him watching us. You know he still hasn’t forgiven me for going swimming with you guys. I’ve gotta stay hands off when it comes to you.”
“What? That was years ago!”
“I know.” He shakes his head. “Still, he had his eye on you, and I should’ve known better. Just like Viking with Princess.”
“We’re nowhere near that level and never were. And I’m single, by the way, so he has no right whatsoever to be pissed at you for making me smile or being over here talking with me.”
He snorts again. “Yeah, that’s what you think, sweetie. I just wanted to say what’s up, but I better go find someone to hit on before my brother decides he wants to beat my ass to show off in front of you. I happen to like this nose much better when it’s not broken.”
“You’re just a flirt, no harm done. It was good seeing you, Ruger.”
“You too.” He winks, flashes a quick look at Night again, and takes off toward another chick like his ass is on fire.
That was weird, but I brush it off. Nightmare rarely said two words to me in front of his brothers back then. I don’t know what Ruger’s talking about, but I’m not going to argue with him. If he says Nightmare was territorial, then I’ll take his word for it. Clearly, I never received that memo.
The sun’s beginning to set, so I shuffle Maverick closer. I don’t want to lose sight of him in the dark. I’d freak out. There’s so much land around here, and God forbid he finds the pigs by himself. He’d try to touch them and end up hurt. I’d never forgive myself for it.
Princess told me earlier that we could take Mav to go feed them, but I don’t want him out there at nighttime. Maybe I’ll surprise him, and we’ll walk over there tomorrow. My son seems to be infatuated with monster trucks and farm animals. I don’t know if it’s an age thing or what, but those two things garner his attention if he notices them.
Princess comes over to my spot with two plates of strawberry pie. My guess is she made them yesterday before we arrived. Her mom had an amazing recipe she’d use when we were teenagers. “Hey, would you keep an eye on little man for a few so I can visit the ladies room?”
“Of course, take your time.” She smiles, and I know she’s going to let him eat his weight in pie while I’m gone.