Page 50 of Property of Shotgun

“Oh,” I sputter. “Right, well, Legend has a football game this weekend. I bet he would love to see some of his uncles there, cheering him on.”

He smiles. “I’ll get the time and location from Shotgun.” He tousles Killian’s hair. “What about you? You’re too little to throw a ball, aren’t you?”

“I go school.”

“Preschool,” I clarify. “He goes half-days twice a week. Raiden is playing T-ball, though. He’s got a couple more games left in the season, but they may overlap with your trip west.”

“Shotgun tell you we’re keeping a few of the guys here?”

“We haven’t talked about it yet.”

“Well, I’m sure he’ll fill you in. You need anything, you just call one of them.”

“Right.” I lower my lashes, tugging the frayed hem of my shorts. “Well, we need to get going. I have the Salvation Army coming to pick up some furniture, and I didn’t entirely think that through. Now, they’re picking up my bed before I’ve had a chance to buy a new one.”

Biggie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Lots of changes.”

I lift my head. “Yeah, they’ve been on the horizon, though.” My gaze slides to Killian, and I crook my finger, signaling it’s time to go. “I hope you make it to the game, Biggie.”

“I’ll be there.”

I take Killian’s hand and start for the door, but something makes me pause. I glance over my shoulder, my eyes connecting with Biggie’s. “If it isn’t too much trouble, can I ask a favor?”

“Anything.”

Don’t say it, Jade. Just keep walking.

I ignore the warning inside my head, fearing I will regret the consequences of keeping quiet more.

“Make sure he comes home from your trip in one piece.”

He doesn’t ask who I’m talking about. He already knows.

Something tells me he knows everything.

Me: So when were your planning on telling me you were leaving for three weeks to go to California.

Shotgun: I planned on telling you the other night, but you distracted me by jumping on my cock.

Me: That’s not an excuse.

Shotgun: It wasn’t meant to be one. We’ll figure it out.

Right because that’s what we always do. However, knowing that doesn’t quell my anger. I toss my phone on the counter. A little while later the men arrive to take my bedroom furniture out of the house. I was too mad to go to the furniture store, so I don’t know when I’ll actually have a bed, but I found an air mattress in the garage that will suffice until I find something I like.

I’m helping Legend get dressed when my phone chimes with a text.

Shotgun: Running late. Raiden doesn’t have T-ball tonight. Think you can take Legend to the field? I’ll meet you at the practice, and you can take the boys home.

Me: No need to meet me there. I’ll just stay for the entire practice.

Shotgun: Jade.

Me: ??

Shotgun: You’re mad.

Me: I am not. Everything is fine. I’ll see you tonight when we get hone. I’ll pick up a pizza or something for dinner.

---