Banking the Billionaire (Bad Boy Billionaires Book 2)(70)

“Don’t worry,” I said, handing Phil to Thatch. “I’ve got that covered,” I assured, grabbing the ID off the nightstand. “He’s a registered service pet.”

“Service pet? For who?”

I held up the ID. “For you, silly.”

His eyes scanned the ID. “Mr. Philmore F. Bacon?”

“Isn’t that the best name ever?”

“What does the F stand for?”

“Mr. Philmore Fucking Bacon. He’s classy, but he’s also a badass. I think it suits him.”

“How in the f*ck is he a service pet?”

“He helps your anxiety and depression.”

“I don’t have anxiety and depression.” Thatch adjusted Phil in his arms so he was holding him like a football.

“I know that, but the city doesn’t know that.”

“Cassie,” he started to say, but I interrupted before he could continue.

“Thatch,” I said quietly, fluttering my eyelashes as I prepared to unleash the big guns. “I really feel like this is the next big step in our relationship. You know, before marriage and kids. I want to make sure we’re responsible together before we move forward. I figured a pet was the best way to do it. And, well,” I whispered, feigning emotion. “He just reminded me so much of Dad. And you remember how much I loved Dad.”

“Jesus,” he muttered to himself.

“Do you want to move our relationship forward?” I asked, pretending to get choked up.

He stared at me for a few seconds before glancing down at Phil.

When his eyes met mine again, he finally answered, “Yeah, honey. I think this was a great idea.”

I waited for my chest to fill with the usual disappointment and annoyance of not being able to get Thatch to fold, but it never came.

Thank f*ck.

I never wanted him to fold.




“Wake up, honey,” Thatch whispered in my ear.

“Go away.” I groaned and swatted at his face.

“C’mon, Cassie. It’s time to rise and shine.”

I rolled onto my side and pulled the comforter over my head, and his chuckles practically followed me under the blankets. “It’s too early for this shit.”

We’d spent the rest of last night eating and watching trashy Lifetime movies while Phil fell asleep in Thatch’s lap. And when I had fallen asleep, I’d relished the idea of spending today sleeping my ass off. This wake-up call was not on my agenda.

“You don’t even know what time it is.”

“I know it’s too f*cking early.”

He wrapped his arm around my waist and turned me onto my back with ease, even managing to pull the comforter away from my face in the process. “But I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“I don’t want a boner, Thatcher.” Though, my * hadn’t gotten any kind of party last night, so maybe I did. If only the pull of sleep wasn’t so strong.

He laughed. “It’s not my dick.”

I peeked out of one skeptical eye and turned my head to face him. “Then what is it?”

“Belgian waffles. What breakfast dreams are made of.”

“As in Wafles and Dinges?” They were my favorite waffles. Think whipped cream and hot fudge and caramel and pretty much any topping you wanted, and that was Wafles and Dinges.

He nodded. “I figured we’d get Phil some fresh air in Central Park before the Saturday morning crowd hits and grab waffles on our way back.”

“But what if you and Phil went together? You know, since you haven’t really had a chance to get to know each other…” I trailed off and turned over on my side again. “I think that’s the best idea. You take Phil to the park and bring me back a waffle on your way home.” I made kissy noises as I pulled the comforter back over my face. “Kisses. You’re the best, baby.”

He chuckled, and I felt the mattress move as he stood up from the bed.

I sighed a breath of relief, but before I could snuggle myself back to sleep, Thatch yanked off the comforter and flipped me over his shoulder. “Motherf*cker!” I shouted.

“Time to wake up!” He spanked my ass. “This is for the good of our relationship, honey. We need to be doing things with Phil together. We don’t want to bring him into this world only to immediately make him feel like he’s a part of a broken home. Which means, you get to accompany us to Central Park today.”

“What time is it?”

“It’s a little after six,” he answered, setting me on my feet.

“A little after six?” I shouted and poked him directly in the chest. “Are you kidding me? It’s too early! Way too goddamn early.”

He smirked. “I would agree, but Phil would not agree. He’s been whining—well, more like squealing—since about five thirty this morning.” And right on cue, Phil came tip-tapping in on his tiny hoofed feet and grunted when he plopped his little ass down by Thatch’s feet.

“See what I mean?” Thatch questioned, and Phil looked up at me.

“Fine,” I groaned. “But I’m not even brushing my hair,” I announced as I tossed my long locks into a messy bun.

“Just wear a bra and some gym shoes.”