Hetch (Men OF S.W.A.T #1)(106)
“You’re welcome. Now, how far out are you?”
“Ten minutes.” Her tone is less tense now, and I’m cringing for what I’m about to ask next.
“Ahh, okay. Are you able to stop by the store on your way home and pick me up some beer?” I pause, waiting for her reaction. The last four months of living with this woman has taught me a lot. But nothing more than when she is sulking, you don’t poke her.
“W-what?” Liberty questions me while I smirk, watching Payton’s jaw drop as I try to buy us some more time.
“Well, it just so happens that I started the grill up then realized I needed beer, and you’re already out.” I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing.
“We’re eating in? I thought we were going to Il Centro’s?” Guilt sneaks its way into my reasoning, but I fight the urge to let the surprise out of the bag.
“Ahhh, yeah about that, they were booked when I called. We couldn’t get a reservation.” I’m going to boyfriend hell, front row seat.
“Oh, my God, this is the worst birthday ever!” she huffs in a fit of rage.
“I’m sorry, baby. I know you were looking forward to it. But I promise I’ll make it up to you.” I try to soothe her annoyance, but there's no use. She’s been looking forward to her birthday all month, and now we’re ruining it.
She doesn’t say anything for a while, her heavy breathing a clear indicator she is trying to calm herself. “Okay, so you just want the beer?” she somehow finds her Zen and asks.
“Yes, please, sweetheart.”
“Right, well, I’ll be home in twenty then.” She hangs up without a good-bye, and if it were any other day, I would call back and give her shit for it.
Pocketing my phone, I let Payton know the good news.
“We have twenty minutes.” I head back inside, ready to let everyone know we’re twenty minutes out.
“You’re so bad. You know that, right?” She follows close behind me, not letting me off the hook.
“What did you expect me to do, Pay? This whole night was your idea.” At first, I was opposed to Payton’s idea of throwing a surprise party for Liberty, but soon I learned saying no to Payton was almost as maddening as saying no to Liberty.
“Hey, this is a brilliant idea. Trust me, she is gonna–” She’s cut off when Arabella comes running into the kitchen, crying out for her.
“What’s wrong, baby?” She bends and scoops her up like a momma bear ready to pounce.
“The mean man told me to go away.” Her little lip wobbles and my own papa bear instinct comes out at the sight of it. Over the last four months, Arabella has completely cemented her way into my heart as the baddest little chick I know. With quick wit and a big heart, it’s hard not to fall in love with her.
“What mean man, baby?” Payton turns, looking for the culprit. My eyes follow the direction of Arabella’s pointed finger, centered right on Fox.
Jesus, here we go.
“What’s your problem, Mason?” she yells across the room, gaining the attention from our guests. The house is packed with my teammates, my mom and sister, some of Liberty’s extended family, and with permission, Sue and the boys from Haven.
“My problem is your kid. You should keep a better eye on her. She shouldn't be talking to strangers.”
I’ve never seen Payton and Fox exchange more than a few words. So the fact that she uses Fox’s first name isn't lost on me. But what’s more interesting is the slow smirk I see grace Fox’s face when he has her complete attention and the fact that he cares that Ara is apparently talking to strangers.
“You did not just say that to me.” Payton hands Arabella off to me and stomps her way over to him. In all the years I’ve known Fox, he’s never warmed to kids. Hell, the idea of having kids broke up his marriage. So while his attitude toward Arabella frustrates me, it doesn’t surprise me.
“Pretty sure I did, Payton.”
Jesus, just what I don’t need tonight. These two at each other’s throat or worse, in each other’s bed.
“Come on, Ara. Let’s go find Della.” I move us out of earshot, from her mother ripping Fox to shreds, and into the living room where Hart is watching a movie with his six-year-old daughter, Della, and Mitch.
“Should I be worried about those two?” I nod back over to Fox and Payton, who are still in the middle of arguing.
“I don’t know about them, but those two are freaking me out.” He points over to Sterling and Kota, who seem to be in a heated argument as well.
“Jesus, I don’t have time for this crap. I have twenty minutes to get everyone ready before my pissed-off woman gets here. Everyone seems to be forgetting why we're even here.”
“Hetch said a bad word.” Shit! I forget about small ears listening.
“Sorry.” I cringe, not needing to be tattled on.
“I told you this was all a bad idea.” Hart looks far too smug for a father stuck watching a Disney movie.
“A little help would be appreciated.”
“Do you need help, Hetch?” Mitch looks up, forgetting the movie for a second.
“Nah, I’m okay kid.” I turn my eyes back to Hart, a silent warning that I need his help.
“Sorry, boss. I have my hands full.” Before I can call him out, Liberty’s parents come racing through the door, followed by Liberty’s * brother, Jett.