Hang Tough(89)
“You are?”
“You’re beautiful, smart, talented, a tiger in bed and you make me laugh. Every day I learn more about you and I like it. I like you. Hell, I love you.”
She sucked in a quick breath. “What?”
“I’m not good at playing my cards close to the vest, am I? I want you to know before we walk in there . . . if you get overwhelmed, look at me. And imagine that’s how I feel every time I look at you. I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“That is so getting you laid later,” she whispered. Then she placed her hand on his wrist and pulled him in for a kiss. An achingly sweet kiss.
The door banged open behind them. Tobin expected someone to yell, Get a room! but a small body smacked into their legs.
Looking down, he said, “Hey, Tyler, watch it, okay, little man?”
Tyler’s hands were on his hips and he tilted his head back to peer at Jade. “Do you know kung fu?” he demanded. “’Cause I do.” With a loud hi-yah! he spun and karate chopped the boy behind him in the head.
But Bran’s son didn’t pull any punches. Tate never said a word; he never looked away. He just socked Tyler in the stomach with all his might.
Tyler doubled over.
Jade started to bend down to help, but Tobin tugged her away, inside the lodge.
“Trust me. You’re better off just letting it go. Last time I got between them? I ended up with a damn black eye. From a fucking four-year-old.”
She snickered. “Those kids are just allowed to run wild?”
“I could lie and say no, but the truth is . . . their parents own the business so they’re around a lot. You want me to give you a tour?”
“I’m pretty sure I need a drink first.”
Tobin ran his palm up the outside of her arm. “Still nervous?”
“Not as much as I was, now that I know you’re in lurrrve with me.” Jade snaked her arms around his neck. “I need a good-luck kiss.”
He sensed her nerves leveling out at the touch of his lips to hers.
“I’ve gotten better at kissing you when you’re wearing your cowboy hat.”
“It’s like I told you. It just takes practice.” Tobin gave her one last smooch and stepped back. He looked up to see they had an audience. Great.
Renner, cradling his sleeping son, Rhett.
Plus Abe with his youngest son, Dylan, slumped over his shoulder. And Fletch, who also held his sleeping son, Gus.
All three men were grinning at him.
“Hey, guys. What’s up? Did your wives send you to the naughty corner already?”
“This is a far sight better than wranglin’ the kids that ain’t asleep,” Renner said.
“Which is most of ’em,” Abe said dryly.
“Yeah, we ran into Tyler out front. Or rather, he ran into us.”
“Runnin’ from Tate or chasin’ him?” Abe asked.
“Couldn’t tell as they were hitting one another,” Tobin said.
Abe sighed. “His mama is supposed to be watching him.”
When Tobin saw Abe staring at Jade expectantly he said, “This is my girlfriend, Jade Evans. She’s Garnet’s granddaughter. Jade, this is Abe Lawson. His wife, Janie, is the Split Rock GM—technically your new boss—and they’re the parents of the karate chopper we met out front.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jade said. “I won’t shake your hand as it appears yours are full.” Then she looked at Renner and smiled. “Good to see you, Renner. What’s your son’s name?”
“Rhett. We’re mighty glad you’re comin’ to work here.”
Fletch was a big enough guy he could juggle a sleeping toddler and a horse. He offered Jade his hand and an enormous grin. “Well, well. Tobin’s girlfriend. I’m very happy to meet you, Jade. I get a huge kick outta your grandma.”
“I’m afraid I’m not nearly as entertaining as she is,” Jade said.
“Sugar, no one is.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”
“Sorry. I’m August Fletcher—you can call me Fletch. The little guy is Gus. I’m a veterinarian so me’n Tobin work together a lot.”
“Is Tanna here?” Tobin asked.
Fletch shook his head. “She’s got a touch of morning sickness again. My dad fusses over her like a mother hen, so he’s with her. But she sent me with very clear instructions, Tobin; you are to bring your girlfriend by sooner rather than later.”
“Go ahead and tell her I saluted.”
Everyone laughed.
“So am I good to take Jade inside? Or did you all wanna gawk at my beautiful girlfriend before she’s officially on the Split Rock payroll?”