Page 77 of Cowboy's Last Stand
“He’s been following you,” he said in a low voice.“He threatened you.”
She could tell she wasn’t going to win this argument.
“Don’t tell me your safety isn’t worth getting upset over.”
“It’s not worth gettingshotover.”
“That depends on the circumstances.”
She threw up her hands in defeat.“I’m going inside.”
“I have to borrow your car.”
“The keys are in it,” she said over her shoulder.She entered the house and let the door slam behind her.
Marcus, who’d helped himself to a bowl of ice cream, startled at the sound.
“That’s not a healthy snack,” she said.
He hunched over the bowl protectively, but she didn’t bother to take it away.She had to pick her battles with him.London could deal with his sugar rush.Natalie made a plate of cheese and crackers for herself, even though she didn’t feel like eating.She was too wound up from her fight with Jason.
“Where’s my slingshot?”Marcus asked.
“Jason has it.”
“I want it back,” Marcus said.“I’m going to slingshot the firecracker man in the eye until blood comes out and he dies.”
Natalie pushed her plate aside.She felt sick.Jason wasn’t responsible for her son’s fascination with weapons or combat.Marcus had been interested in these things before Jason entered the picture.Jason was to blame for ranting about Billy in her front yard, however.
“If you try to hurt someone with that toy, I’ll take it away for good.”
Marcus’s lower lip trembled.“You can’t take it away.You didn’t buy it!”
She ignored this outburst.“Are you going to finish your ice cream?”
“I’m full.”
“Go to your room for quiet time until London gets here.”
“I like London better than you!”
She waited for him to leave the table.She wanted to lay her head down on the cluttered surface and cry.Instead, she cleared away the dishes and went into her room to change.Breaking down was a luxury she couldn’t afford.Angry tears pricked her eyes as she yanked clothes from her closet.She chose tight jeans and a fire engine red top, with bold lipstick to match.She left her hair loose and untamed.
London arrived early, for once.She did a double-take when she saw Natalie on the porch.“I don’t know what’s going on around here, but I approve of that outfit.”
Natalie glanced past her.Jason was leaning against the hood of her car.
“Your boyfriend is in amood.”
“So is Marcus.Watch out.”
“If I leave at ten, who’s going to pay me?”
Natalie dug some money out of her purse and handed it to her.London lingered near the front door, like she wanted to watch the drama unfold.After Natalie gave her a pointed look, she disappeared inside the house.
Jason straightened as she made her approach.His gaze cruised over her body, but he made no comment on her appearance.“I’ll take you to work.I can fix the tire after Wade stops by.”
“Are you going to pick me up too?”
