Page 133 of Cougar

“Oh my God. It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

I move around the counter and pull her into my arms.

“Jayla, I know you don’t want to talk about what happened last night, and I’ll respect that. On one hand, I want to send Bass over to kick Zach’s ass for hurting my little girl, but on the other, I get it. I’ve been in his shoes. I’ve felt what he’s feeling. It’s overwhelming. You don’t have to take my advice, but before either of you does something you’ll later regret, you should give each other some space. Just for a few days.”

She nods, wiping the tears from her face. “Thanks, Mom.”

* * *

“Will I see you tonight?” Cam asks.

“I doubt it. I think I need to spend Valentine’s with the girls, but I promise to make it up to you on Friday. I’ll even spend the night.”

Cam sighs. “Fine. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll call you later.”

My phone rings and the number for the front gate pops up on the screen. “Hello?”

“Hey, Emerson, it’s Zach. Can I come in?”

I roll my lips between my teeth to keep from laughing. Poor kid. Jay must’ve deactivated his code to get in the gate. “She’s not here,” I tell him.

“It’s okay. I just want to drop something off.”

“Sure. Come on in.” I press the button on the keypad and disconnect the call.

A few moments later, the doorbell rings. I yank open the front door to find Zach standing there holding a large vase filled with Jay’s favorite flowers in one hand as he extends a smaller arrangement toward me. “These are for you.”

“Thank you.” I take the offered bouquet, a mixture of peonies, ranunculus, and lilies in various shades of pinks and purples.

Cole comes up behind him carrying his own apology flowers.

Shaking my head, I step back and wave them in. “Set them on the island in the kitchen so the girls will see them when they get home.” I follow them into the kitchen. “Both of you take a seat. I have something to say.”

They do so without hesitation.

Pulling a wineglass from the cabinet, I pour myself some wine and push the flowers to the side so I can glare at them.

I point my glass at Cole. “I’m seriously disappointed in you.”

He drops his head in his hands and groans in frustration. “I know,” he drawls. “I’m sorry. I don’t even remember half the shit I said. I was pissed at Harper, and I took it out on Jay.”

“Oh, I know what you did. I know what you said.” I take a small sip of wine and wince. It tastes like shit. “How would you feel if someone treated Willow that way?”

“It’s not gonna happen. Willow is never allowed to date.”

I snort. “You need to grow up, Cole. Harper’s been through enough with those girls. If you can’t handle a grown-up relationship, then don’t be in one. Harper’s tough. She’ll get over it, and someone who appreciates her will happily take your place.”

“I know what you’re doing, Em.”

“Good. Then you know I’m right.” I round the island and wrap my arms around his shoulders. “I love you, Cole Mackenzie, but if you ever disrespect either of my girls again, I will personally see to it that Bass kicks your ass. Or Levi,” I add.

Levi has grown quite fond of looking out for Jay and I could tell last night that he was upset by what Zach and Cole had done to her.

“Fuck,” Cole mumbles under his breath.

“Now get out of my house and let me talk to Zach.”