Ready For Love?

Chapter 26

Anne POV

I woke up to Reid coming back to bed. I didn’t bother to check the time, just feeling like I could relax now, knowing he was safe.

I woke to every noise while he was gone, hoping every noise was him returning... way too many times. I don't know how my mother did it. Then again, Dad was just a cop doing his normal rounds on night shift. Reid was different and the fact that I had no idea what he was doing made me worse.

I was going to be tired for the tour, but now he’s back, I could finally breathe and sleep… and there is always coffee. Always!

I snuggled in and went back to sleep.

We awoke to the alarm on my phone.

I told Reid to sleep a bit more while I showered and started breakfast. He mumbled what I think was ‘OK’ and rolled onto his stomach, cuddling the pillow.

He didn’t have a top on and, damn was his back fine. But what worried me were all the scars I could see, which reminded me of a few I thought I saw but didn't have a chance to pay attention to last night.

Shower. Shower! None of my business as it's just a fling. Shower.

The shower felt great and was always the best way to wake up. It almost felt weird not having a child come in and talk to me while I was showering… never a moment of peace. I couldn’t help but smile and wonder if they had accidently done it on my sister, but she hadn't mentioned it. I should ask.

After getting dressed, I headed down to the kitchen, being as quiet as I could.

I found a few people mulling about eating serial and toast.

“Good morning everyone!”

They all gave me a smile and 'morning' of some type.

“Coffee?” One of them asked. I hadn’t met him yet.

He was in his late twenties with a full-trimmed beard and hair to just below his ears, held back by a baseball hat.

“That would be lovely. Sorry, I’m Anne…”

“Bear.” Gypsy walked in, correcting me before giving me a hug.

“Yeah, I heard about my nickname last night. Morning Gypsy.”

“Ah, you’re the famous Mama Bear that’s taken over the club and tamed the Rip.” The guy smirked as he poured me a coffee. “I’m Blink. What do you want? Cream? Sugar?”

“Milk and two sugars please.” He nodded as I went to look in the pantry at what to make Reid. “I don’t know if I’ve taken over the club, more just tried to help Fire out. Poor sweet girl went through the ringer yesterday.”

There were a few snorts around the room. I turned, looking at them confused.

“Fire is definitely not known for being a sweet girl, but once again, that’s why you earned the name Bear.”

We were interrupted by… Hollywood, I think his name is… yep. I like how their names are on their cuts. Makes it a lot easier to remember their names when I can read it on the front of their cut hahaha

Hollywood definitely got his name by his model-like looks that would make any girl drool.

I didn’t expect a little boy about the same age as Ethan follow him in.

“And who is this handsome young man?” OK, OK, so maybe I do suit my name as I go straight into mum mode, leaning down so I'm not so tall and intimidating.

Hollywood let out a deep breath. “Yeah… uh… this is Hunter. My… son… apparently.” Oh… there was definitely a story.

My heart broke as the little boy’s eyes started to well up. “Hey Hunter. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I put my hand out to him to distract him with my biggest smile. “Now, do you shake hands? Or do you bump it? Or do you high-five? Or do a fancy handshake?”

His lip stopped trembling as he gave me a little shoulder lift.

“Alright. How about a bump it. Do you know what a bump it is?”

He gave me a small nod and tentatively put out his fist. I lightly tapped it with mine before making the big explosion noise and hand gesture making him smile.

“You have an amazing smile. Now, I was about to make pancakes. Do you like pancakes?” He nodded more eagerly. “Fantastic. Now if you sit up here, I will get started. Do you want some milk to start with?” he gave me another nod.

“I’ll get it. Thanks, Bear.” Hollywood gave me a smile and went to the fridge as I helped Hunter onto the chair, then went to grab everything I would need.

“Yep, name suits you.” Blink laughed.

I rolled my eyes. “Anyone else want pancakes?”

They all said no except for that deep voice that made my knees weak. “Please.”

I looked up to see him standing in the doorway, shoulder against the frame, which seemed to be his favorite stance. Why do men do that?

But it is hot, I have to admit. So hot!

I nodded and got to work, asking Hunter a lot of questions. His little face was fully relaxed now as he told me about his favorite sport, color, TV show and so on. We got to a sore point though, when I asked for his favorite book.

“I can’t read.” His voice was so quiet and unsure, unlike a moment ago when I was told green was his favorite color because it’s relaxing looking at plants.

I made sure to look at him, catching his eye. “That’s OK. My son is your age, and he struggles as well. We just started him with a tutor since a lot of those pesky letters keep changing their sound, and it doesn’t make sense. Do you find it all doesn’t make sense?”

He nodded quickly.

“I’ll get you a tutor.” Hollywood cut in, with a frown on his face.

“See! It’s good to get help. We all need help sometimes. You will be fine sweetie.”

And ironically, Basket walked in at that moment, almost like he knew it was his que. I told him to have a seat as well, remembering everything Reid told me last night. He slowly nodded and sat next to Hunter.

I couldn't imagine what Basket had gone through to have such bad PTSD. Last night I honestly didn't think anything of giving him food as well. I'll just make sure to keep feeding him while I'm here, because he set off all my instincts to look after him.. yeah the nickname really did suit me.

I tried not to jump when I felt the hard body press against my back, fingers digging into my hips. "Need some help?" His voice seriously vibrated down my spine as he whispered into my ear.

I had to remind myself to keep it together as I put all the ingredients in the bowl and started to stir. Concentrate on the bowl, not the bulge behind me... the bowl. The bowl!

"You can cut up banana’s, strawberries and blueberries to go on the pancakes. Don't forget to wash the strawberries and blueberries first." I tried to keep my voice even... even when he made sure to give my ass a good squeeze before he headed to the fridge.

I ended up with a spatula for the pancakes and a wooden spoon to swat his hand away as he continued to try to cop a feel as I cooked. Unfortunately, it seemed to make it a challenge for him, making even little Hunter laugh.

So you know how payback is great? Well, I may not have been able to help myself when Reid had his hands full as he walked the plates to the table… I may have used the moment to slap his ass with a good bit of sting behind it. And I mean enough sting to the point where it even hurt my hand, but it was so worth it.

He didn’t stop, didn’t turn around, didn’t make a noise, just put the plates on the table, then sat down. It wasn't until I sat down and looked up, that I felt my whole body flush from the heat in Reid’s eyes.

Damn!