Page 40 of Cowboy

The dog ran toward them as he opened the door, and he took off toward the cafeteria. Adam stood up, slobber all over his face.

“Are you coming?” smiled Luke.

“I think I’ll wash up first. Asshole.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Moose was shoveling in the food as Tailor, Noah, and Alec watched. Seated beside him was Brit, who was eating right along with him. When Moose sat back, pushing his plate toward the center of the table, Brit smiled at him.

“Are you done?” she asked.

“Give me a minute,” he frowned, rubbing his belly.

“Look, if you’re going to be a professional, you have to finish the job.” Brit laughed at the big man while her husband only smirked, watching the spectacle before him. He’d never met anyone that could put away as much food as his wife. Not even a full-grown man.

“How the hell is a little bitty thing like you able to eat so much?” he asked, releasing a huge belch. “Excuse me.”

“I’ve always had a big appetite and high metabolism. Even when I was little, I would eat twice as much as my uncle or any of my friends. I enjoy food and truly crave it. Coming here was like having all my addictive dreams come true. Food all the time, and really good food. I have to eat every hour, or I’m very cranky.”

“Trust me, she is,” smirked Aiden. Brit nudged his shoulder, smiling at him.

“I’ve never seen a woman put away so much food,” said Moose, shaking his head. “Do you work out? I have to work out like an animal to make sure I burn all this off.”

“I hate to tell you,” she grinned, “but I really don’t. I’m very lucky.”

“What about you three?” asked Moose. “Do you have to work it all off?”

“Not me,” said Alec. “My size came from a late growth spurt. I’ve always been able to eat a lot. It just never stuck until I was in my twenties.”

“I’ve always had a big appetite,” said Tailor. “Problem for me is I like all the wrong kinds of foods. Lena tries to keep me straight, but I admit it. I cheat big time.” He looked at Noah, who tilted his head sideways.

“I eat what I want. The difference for me is some days I eat eight or ten times, other days I don’t eat at all. I eat when I’m hungry, and I eat what my body craves. It works for me.”

“Red? What about you? Do we need to feed you more?” asked Tailor.

“Once again, he’s not a puppy,” frowned Alec.

“I know he ain’t a puppy, but he’s just a boy and still growin’. Maybe he doesn’t know he can have food twenty-four-seven here.”

“Tailor, I appreciate the compliment, but I’m not a boy, and I truly hope I’m not still growing.”

“You’re a boy to me,” he frowned.

“I guess I am,” laughed Red. “I’m getting plenty to eat. Don’t worry about me. But while we’re alone, I’m not sure if Tila heard, but her father and Koda were tried and convicted on multiple counts. Her father probably won’t ever see the light of day. Koda turned over like the coward he is. He gave evidence against Manto.”

“I won’t say anything to her,” said Tailor. “The girl’s had enough drama in her life, and she’s pregnant. Don’t want her to go into labor early.”

“She’s not due until after Christmas, right?” asked Brit.

“No, but you know how those things go around here. Everyone seems to deliver at the same time, no matter what the due date is.”

Cowboy came in carrying the box from the office. Once Luke said it was safe, he thought he’d bring it over so Autumn could open it in front of the others. He set it on the table and waited for everyone to finish their meal.

“I’m kind of nervous,” said Autumn. “I have no idea what to expect.” Cowboy slid his knife over the tape, opening the flaps. On the top was a letter from the attorney.

“What does it say?” asked Cowboy.

“Just that Annette and Constantine thought highly of me and were grateful for my service these last few years. They wanted me to have a few things of their own.” She pulled back the paper and saw four books inside.

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