Page 184 of Cocky Caveman

A low dangerous growl comes from Phoenix, but I would call it an angry purr.

Damn, she’s too easy; I can’t hold back from flashing my pearly whites. “Oh, Sweetness, did you just purr at me?”

“Youdid not let me throw you to the ground. You were a cocky asshole, and I put you in your place. Fair and square.”

“’Fraid I did, Sweetness. No way I was going to fight you. I could have had you with your hands above your head—”

“Enough,” Slade sighs the word while pinching either side of his nose in frustration because he’s now fully aware of the harmless games I like to play with Phoenix.

Ignoring my taunts, he replies, “Things are gonna change around here between you and me, Firebird, and that’s something we are gonna be talking about when you have healed. But for now, you and I are sharing this bed and not another word about it, and don’t worry; I won’t lay a finger on you unless you choose to leave this bed without assistance.”

Phoenix’s face is coloring up to a nice shade of humiliation.

When opportunity knocks…I whip my phone out, set it on silent, and take a happy snap of the look on Phoenix’s face without her catching on. She’s too busy staring at the man-mountain with her mouth open, trying to think of a retort, and nothing is coming out.

“Tucker is now going to leave us alone, and I want you to be a good girl and rest because I am through with all this bullshit between us.” Man-mountain, figuratively speaking, beats his chest. Yes. Sir!

“Kids, I won’t be home for my last night here, so don’t wait up for me. Don’t miss me too much.” I plan on spending tonight in Ophelia’s arms now I know she’s in town.

“Tuckeer.” Adorable. Sweetness needs to have the last say.

And then she yawns noisily.

“Would you like me to draw the curtains? Plump your pillows, Sweetness?” Yes, I’m pushing it.

Another yawn from Phoenix. “No. Just get out, you fool.” She can’t hide the smile tugging at her mouth.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” I hand over the health drink from the tallboy. “It’s packed with all kinds of goodness that Doc prescribed.”

Phoenix takes a big gulp of the liquid.Atta girl.Then another, until she’s finished the lot.

I take the empty glass from her and the food tray. “Can I get your jammies, Slade?” I silently offer to take his empty plate by stretching my arm out.

“Oouut!” Slade yells, making me laugh loudly.

“Well, my job is done, and it looks like I won the bet. Go me.” Balancing the tray, I hold my hand out to Slade, wiggling my fingers. “Pay up, big guy. Two yawns before she drank the drink. Never doubt my ability.”

He grumbles, reluctantly handing over a fifty-dollar bill.

“Did you—” Yawn. “—bet on me?” Phoenix’s words are starting to slur. “What did you bet?” The fight is leaving her tone.

Slade puts his hand over his eyes and groans.

All good things come to those who wait. “To see if I could tucker you out (pun intended) in less than fifteen minutes. Hence all the dialogue before administering the little something Doc gave me to add to your drink to make life easier for Slade. The man needs some shut-eye without you doing a runner on him, and you need to rest.”

“You… you—” Longer yawn. “—sed… ated me?” And there go the droopy eyes.

“Well, I didn’t, I just gave you a healthy drink, but Doc prescribed what went in it.” No blame here.

“Oh, my… Go—” Yawn.

“Toodles.” I wave to her.

I think I just found one button that I hadn’t yet pushed from the creative words leaving Sweetness as she fights to stay awake.

What can I say?

It’s what the doctor ordered.

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