Closing Time (15 page)

“Bring me something back,” Cade said.

“Order a pizza,” I snapped.

“Geez, I’ll lay off.” He turned to the television and increased the volume.

Hazel was wearing a simple blue dress, something she got at a thrift store. She liked buying cheap things because she insisted clothes weren’t worth buying if they were expensive. She went through them too quickly. I agreed with that statement in theory, but she didn’t need to buy used clothes. But whatever. There was no arguing with this woman. “You look great.”

“Thanks.” She spun around like a ballerina.

“And very lovely.”

She grabbed my tie and pulled me in for a kiss. “You look sexy in that suit.”

“Thanks.” I grinned while I kissed her.

“But you never dress up. Where’s your sweater and jeans?”

“We’re going somewhere nice.”

“Hopefully, it isn’t too nice,” she said while giving me the eye.

I knew she wouldn’t be too thrilled about the restaurant, but I refused to propose somewhere cheap. I wanted her to remember this night forever. “Let’s head out.”

“Good. Because I could eat a moose.”

I closed the door then locked it. “I really hope not. They are magnificent creatures.”

She hit my arm. “You know what I mean.”

“Okay, okay.” I grabbed her hand and we left the building. Instead of getting a taxi or limo, we walked. She and I both preferred getting around on foot. I hated being in confined spaces. Besides, it was quicker to walk anyway.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Just a little place a friend recommended to me.”

“I don’t care what they serve. I’ll eat anything.”

I sure hope so.

When we entered the restaurant, Hazel took one look around and knew how classy it was. “Um…”

“Reservations?” The host asked.

“Indeed. Robbins for two.”

He scanned the list and his eyes widened. “I see. Right this way.”

I wondered if he recognized my last name. I definitely wasn’t as successful as my father, but people still
knew me from time to time. I grabbed Hazel’s hand and guided her to the table.

“This place looks expensive,” she whispered in my ear.

“It’s not,” I lied. I pulled out the chair for her then she sat down.

I sat across from her then grabbed the menu. There were two different dinner choices, and each was a three-course meal. At three hundred bucks a pop, it better be good. But that was pocket change for me. It also came with a vintage bottle of wine.

Hazel looked at the menu and her eyes widened. “Why isn’t the price on there?”

“Because it’s so cheap, it’s not worth writing.”

She gave me a frightened look, not believing my lie. “Flynn.”

“Just relax and have a good time.”

“Pizza would have been just fine.”

I tried to put up with this but it was really starting to get annoying. She was used to being poor. I got it. She didn’t want me to think she was with me for my money.
I understood that too. But the fact she got irritated every time I wanted to do something nice for her was just a pain in the ass. But I couldn’t snap at her, not tonight. “Do me a favor and just enjoy dinner with me.”

She looked torn.

“We’re already here and this is what I want for dinner. Now be pleasant company and don’t suggest how I should spend my money.” We got into an argument once before and I didn’t want to repeat it.

She sighed, defeated. “Okay.”

“Thank you.”

The waiter came to us then took our wine order. Hazel knew nothing about wine so I took care of it.

“Why are there only two choices?” she asked.

“The chef puts more emphasis on those two creations.”

“I guess I’ll get the steak.”

“Okay. I’ll order for both of us.”

She sipped her wine then savored the taste. “It’s good.”

It better be. The bottle by itself was normally four hundred bucks. “It is.”

“So…” She looked around the room, seeing all the spiffy people. “How was your day?”

“Good. But it got better once I came home to you.” I winked to accompany the cheesy line.

She rolled her eyes. “Do those lines actually work?”

“You’re living with me aren’t you?”

She chuckled slightly. “It’s only because you don’t have any murderous cockroaches.”

“I think there’s something more to it…”

“Nope.” She gave me a playful look. “You’re arrogant, cocky, annoying, full of yourself, and not to mention, cocky. I’m just with you for your bug repellent abilities.”

“And how I rock your world in bed.”

Her cheeks tinted and she looked away.

That’s what I thought
.

They brought the courses to us one at a time and we dug into our meal. The plates contained tiny and pretentious servings of food, but it was absolutely delicious. I knew Hazel liked it because she almost licked her bowl like a hungry puppy.

“You like it?” I asked fondly.

“It’s better than
McDonald’s
.”

I laughed. “I’ll be sure to tell the chef that.”

The waiter brought the main course, and again, Hazel consumed her food like she hadn’t eaten in weeks. Despite her small and limber size, she ate like a bear. Her metabolism and athleticism automatically gave her a petite body and burned all the calories she pumped inside. It was amazing.

When she was done, I knew it was time to ask. Shit, I was getting nervous again. Why was
this such a big deal? I loved her and she loved me. I knew she wouldn’t say no. She wouldn’t, right? I mean, of course she wouldn’t.

I cleared my throat, my voice suddenly becoming weak. “Hazel, you’re the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me.”

She stilled at the sound of my voice. Her eyes locked onto mine and she suddenly became nervous. Her cheeks flushed and they tinted. She swallowed the lump in her throat multiple times.

“I’ve met so many different people and experienced so many different things, but that chapter of my life is over. I never imagined myself settling down with a wife, but that’s what I want with you. I want to watch you scarf down your food like a bear then tell me you’re hungry an hour later. I want to take care of you, always making sure you’re well-fed.”

Judging the emotion in her eyes, she was connecting the dots. We were at a ridiculously fancy restaurant, I was dressed nice, and now I was declaring my undying love for her. Perhaps she remembered a few things she said the other night when she was drunk. Maybe she didn’t. But she certainly knew what was coming.

“Hazel, I—“

“Hazel?” Kyle came over to our table, a sad look on his face.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me right now.

Hazel took a moment to react, too absorbed in the moment we were just sharing. “Uh…Kyle? What are you doing here?”

“I’m having dinner with my mom.” He looked at me awkwardly then turned back to Hazel.

I would normally kick his ass but I was so depressed that the moment was ruined that I didn’t care.

“Oh.” She still seemed loss. “Well, have a good night.”

“Um, actually my mom wants to say hi.” Kyle said as his mom approached.

Seriously? Why was this happening?

“Hello, dear.” She leaned down and hugged Hazel. “It’s so nice to see you. Wow, you look stunning.”

“Oh.” She fidgeted with a piece of hair. “Thanks…”

She better introduce me
.

“I was so sorry when I heard you and my son parted ways,” she said. “I was very disappointed in him. Still am.”

Kyle averted his gaze.

“Well, sometimes things work out for the best,” Hazel said awkwardly. “By the way, this
is my boyfriend, Flynn.”

‘Hey,” I said rudely. I should be her fiancé right now, not her damn boyfriend. I didn’t extend my hand to shake hers. She raised a piece of shit son. She wouldn’t get any respect from me.

Hazel glanced between me and Kyle. “Well, we should get back to dinner.”

“Yeah.” Kyle came to her the
n hugged her.

I was on my feet instantly. “Back off. You forfeited your right to touch her when you fucked someone else.”

The guests at the nearby tables all turned their heads in our direction. Quiet whispers ensued across the room.

Kyle stepped away. “Sorry…”

I stared him down, about to make him feel sorry for something else.

He and his mom finally went across the room and took their seats at a table.

I sat back down and looked at my date.

Now it was awkward, like, really awkward
.

We both knew what I was about to ask her. Should I keep going? The moment was gone, dead and buried. I wasn’t going to force it, and I certainly didn’t want Kyle to be in the memory of the night we got engaged. I stared at her then looked away, waiting for the tab to come. The ring sat in my pocket, suddenly feeling heavy.

When the check finally came, I threw my credit card inside and waited for them to ring us up.

Still awkward.

Hazel played with her nails and kept her gaze averted.

I sipped the last of my wine and waited for the waiter to return.

After the bill was squared away, we finally left. Walking hand in hand, we headed back to the apartment.

“You seriously didn’t bring me anything?” Cade asked.

“Shut the fuck up.” I stormed into the bedroom.

“Damn…what’s his problem?” Cade whispered to Hazel.

I called the Plaza and canceled the room. We clearly weren’t going to use it. I jumped in the shower so I could be alone. The night couldn’t have gone worse. That was not how I planned on proposing to my wife. It totally blew up in my face. Now I had to come up with another plan. The biggest problem was the fact she would expect it from this point on. It had to be so unexpected and random that she couldn’t see it coming.

Back to the drawing board.

11

Scarlet

“You’re home early.”

Sean came in the door then dropped his bag by the coat hanger. “Yep. I’m staying home with you from now on.”

“You are?” I asked excitedly. I was sick of being coped up in this house by myself, so fat that I couldn’t even roll over.

He came to the couch and kissed me. “I am.”

“Are you sure? Mike doesn’t need more time?”

“No. It seems like they have everything under control. Mike even took Trinity to work so Cassandra could have some alone time.”

“Awe, that’s adorable.” I knew Mike would be a great father. He was stupid for ever thinking otherwise. “So, you’re going to be with me every day?”

“I’ll wait on you hand and foot, darling.” He grabbed my feet and started to massage them.

I sighed while I laid back. “I want to be pregnant forever.”

He laughed. “Pretty soon you’re going to want to tear someone’s eyes out.”

“If you keep rubbing my feet, it won’t be you.”

He smirked and continued to massage the muscle. “You doing okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Is there something I can get you? How about a milkshake?”

“Ugh. I’m fat enough as it is.”

“You aren’t fat,” he said firmly.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. I’m a cow.”

He rolled his eyes. “Would I come so quickly if you were so damn fat?”

“Maybe you just want to get it over with.”

His eyes narrowed his annoyance. “You’re lucky I don’t hit women.”

“Same to you,” I teased.

“Ha ha. Very funny.”

I watched him attend to my feet. “You’re sure you want to do this? I’m not upset at all if you need to work.”

“My primary duty and obligation is to you.”

“No, it’s to carry on your legacy and make your father proud.”

“
No, that’s secondary. You are first and foremost in my life, forever and always.”

Sometimes I couldn’t believe how sweet my husband was.

“If I don’t remember anything else my father taught me, I’ll at least remember that. And that old man is never wrong about anything.”

“I’m going to tell him you said that.”

He tickled my feet. “You better not.”

I laughed then kicked his hands away. “Don’t tickle me!”

He kept going, enjoying the upper hand.

“I’m going to pee myself. Stop!”

He finally ceased. “Fine. But only because you’re pregnant and it’s a little unfair.”

“A little?
”

He leaned back into the chair. “What do you think of Trinity?”

“What do you mean? I think she’s absolutely gorgeous.”

“She is.” His eyes stared far ahead, distant. “I can’t wait until ours gets here.”

“Me too,” I said happily.

“I just hope she’s hideous and the boys don’t like her.”

I rolled my eyes. “If she looks like a combination of us, she’ll be perfect.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of…if she has my height and your looks she’ll be a damn supermodel.”

I loved how protective Sean was, but I knew he was dreading being a father to a sexually active daughter. When that time came, I would have to deal with the birds and bees because he clearly couldn’t handle it. At all.

“Bachelor party is this weekend,” he said. “But it’s going to be lame.”

“Why would it be lame?”

“Because I’m not going,” he said with a laugh. “And you know I’m the life of the party.”

I narrowed my eyes in hatred. “Sean, you are going.”

“I’m not leaving you here
by yourself.”

“It’s just for a few days. I can manage.”

“If Mike doesn’t have to go, I don’t have to go.”

“I’m sure Mike will go. Cassandra will probably kick him out of the house. She’s perfectly capable of taking care of their daughter by herself.”

“Then I’m definitely not going.” His eyes carried his determination. He wasn’t backing down.

“Sean, this is my brother. You need to be there.”

“I do want to be there. Honestly, I really want to be there. But my wife comes first. Ryan will have to deal with it.”

I wanted to slap him right now. “If I were about to go into labor, that would be a different story, but I’m clearly not.”

“Well, you scared the shit out of me the other day!”

“And everything worked out fine.”

“Forget it. I’m not leaving you. You can be pissed all you want. I really don’t give a damn.”

This argument was going to take a while. “Sean, please.”

He didn’t look at me.

“I’m the best man and I can’t be there. You need to go in my stead. One of us needs to be there.”

“He’ll understand, Scarlet.”

“I’m not letting my brother have a bachelor party with just Cortland and Flynn, who he’s only known for a few months. He needs you, Sean. You’ve known him for ten years and he’s your brother too.”

“Scarlet—”

“Please.” I’d beg if I had
to. “My brother has been through a lot. He’s always taken care of me and put me first. This is such an important day for him. If I can’t be there, then you need to be there for me. Please. It’s really, really important to me.” I felt the tears in my eyes because I was so emotional about this.

He sighed then finally looked at me. “Damn it.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll only go if Mike stays here. I need to know that he’s only a minute away from you.”

That was the best deal I was going to get. “Okay.”

He leaned back against the couch and sighed. “God, you’re stubborn.”

“God, you’re overprotective.”

“There’s no such thing as overprotective for a husband and father.”

“No, believe me, there is,” I said sarcastically.

“Shut your mouth and let’s have sex.”

Wait…what? Did he just say that?
“Sorry?”

He pulled my legs down then lifted up my dress. “I’m really annoyed with you and sex always fixes it, so we’re going to have sex.”

That sounded good to me. My husband was hot and amazing in bed. The combination of the two made him perfect. Lately, he’d been blowing his load early, but I knew it would pass. The best thing to do was to pretend it wasn’t happening. But the time we were together, it was still wonderful. And like always, he never left me hanging.

Mike came by the house after work, wearing a satchel that held Trinity across his chest.

Sean stared at him then burst out laughing.

“What?” Mike asked, annoyed.

Trinity leaned her head back on the support beam, watching us
with a giggle. She was fascinated by everything around her. Her eyes moved back and forth between me and Sean.

“You just…” Sean laughed again. “You look ridiculous.”

“What?” Mike looked down at Trinity. “This let’s me move around hands free.”

“Like a Bluetooth?” Sean asked, unable to stop laughing.

Mike glared at him. “It’s just easier this way. Now she can see everything rather than lying in her car seat or the crib. And I can keep an eye on her.” He ran his fingers through her barely visible blonde hair.

Sean stopped laughing but he had a wide smirk on his face. “Whatever.”

I elbowed him in the stomach, feeling the hardness of his abs. “Stop making fun of him.”

“You were laughing too,” Sean said.

“Because it’s cute.”

“You don’t laugh when something’s cute,” Sean jabbed.

“Just leave him alone.” I gave him a firm look. “You’re going to wear one too.”

“Ah, no.” He shook his head. “I’ll carry Skye.”

“Skye?” Mike cocked an eyebrow. “Is that what you decided to name your daughter?”

“Yep,” I said, smiling just from thinking about it.

“That’s a cool name,” he said. “I like it.”

“Thanks,” Sean said. “But we better have a boy next.”

“I want another girl,” I said.

Sean glared at me. “We haven’t even had the first one yet.”

“I know,” I said. “But I want two girls.”

“I’ll have a heart attack before I’m forty,” Sean said.

Mike looked down at Trinity. “Girls aren’t so bad. They’re really cute.”

I smiled while I watched him. “No, not all babies are cute. Trinity is exceptionally pretty.”

“She really is,” Mike said fondly.

“Wait until she hits puberty,” Sean said darkly. “We’ll both be regulars at the hospital.”

Mike groaned. “I’m not looking forward to that.”

I rolled my eyes. Men could be so damn annoying. “Sex is a normal part of life. Our daughter will have sex and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“But I don’t want some jerk using my daughter,” Sean snapped. “You do?”

“Of course not,” I said quickly. “But her decisions are her own. You need to stop thinking about it.”

“I’ll never stop thinking about it,” Mike said. “Anyway, we just stopped by to say hi.”

“You took her to work today?” Sean asked.

“Yep. Cassandra and I are switching off. I don’t want her to get burned out. Besides, I love having my alone time with Trinity. We eat lunch together in my office, and we just stare at each other. It’s the coolest thing in the world.”

“Awe, that’s so cute.” My heart was melting. “It makes me want to scream because it’s so adorable.”

Mike smirked. “Well, I am pretty cute.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Sean warned.

“I guess I’ll see you later.” Mike picked up Trinity’s hand and helped her wave at us. “Bye, Uncle Sean and Aunt Scarlet.”

Trinity giggled.

“Holy shit!” Mike froze. “Did you see that? She laughed.”

My grin was wid
e. “We did.”

Mike’s eyes were wid
e. “Wow. That was the cutest damn thing in the world.”

“Mike, watch the language,” I said.

“Oh yeah. Sorry,” he said quickly. “I’ll have to work on that.”

It was something Sean would have to work on too.

“I’m going to go home and tell Cassandra what she did.” He opened the door.

“Hold on,” I said. “We need you to do us a favor.”

He looked at me like I was crazy. “My hands are a little full right now.”                            “Actually, your hands are totally free,” Sean jabbed, eyeing the satchel.

Mike glared at him. “I’m going to tease you so much in a few months.”

I intervened before the brothers started throwing punches at each other. “We need you to stay home for Ryan’s bachelor party.”

“Obviously,” he snapped. “I’m not leaving my wife and newborn baby alone. You crazy?”

“Actually, Cassandra will be perfectly fine on her own, but that’s not the point,” I said quickly. “I really want Sean to go, but he only agreed if you stay here to keep an eye on me.”

“Oh,” Mike said. “Of course, man. She can stay with us.”

“No.” That wasn’t a good idea. “You guys should spend time with Trinity. I don’t want to ruin this time for you.”

Sean gave his brother a firm look. “Just check on my wife every day and come by the house.”

“You don’t even need to ask me,” Mike said. “I’ll be here in a heartbeat if she needs me and I’ll stop by after work.”

“Thank you.” Sean extended his hand and shook Mike’s.

“Now, I’m off. My wife is waiting for me and her baby.” Mike waved then walked back to his car. He put Trinity in the car seat then took off, driving ten miles below the speed limit.

I laughed while I watched him go. “Mike is so cute.”

Sean’s eyes narrowed in anger. “Excuse me?”

Seriously?
“We’ve been married for a year and you think I have a thing for your married brother?” Sean could jump the gun sometimes.

He didn’t say anything, still looking pissed.

“I meant he’s cute with his daughter. He loves her so much.”

Sean calmed down. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, you should be.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m just very possessive of you. This isn’t brand new information.”

“You’re right. But I wish it would be old information.”

“Well, I guess I’ll go to this damn bachelor party.”

“And you will have a good time.” I poked his chest. “You will get drunk and do horrible things.”

“Horrible things? Like what?”

“I don’t know. Just be crazy.”

“We’re going fishing,” he said sarcastically.

“You can still have a great time.”

“It’s fishing…”

I rolled my eyes.

“You need to call Mike if you need anything,” he said firmly. “Don’t worry about bugging him. I mean it.”