Riley’s Downfall(43)

“He said no, dipshit.” Chauncey growled, leaning over Sterling’s shoulder, crowding him, and stared menacingly at the clerk. “Now release his hand before I break yours.”

The clerk quickly released Sterling’s hand and rang his items up so fast that Sterling was finished and out of the door in less than five minutes.

“Thanks.”

Chauncey winked at him as he stored his items in the back of his truck. “You’re family, Sterling. No one messes with my brother-in-law.”

Sterling felt ten feet tall. He had always wanted a big family, and he had one now. He had so many brothers-in-law that he worried he’d go broke come Christmas. But it would all be worth it just to feel the love and camaraderie he felt every time he was surrounded by these men.

“I have one more stop.”

“Anywhere you want to go, shorty.”

Sterling quirked a brow.

“Well, you are short,” Chauncey pointed out.

Chauncey had him there. Sterling laughed as he walked down to the barbershop-slash-nail-salon.

“Getting a haircut?” Chauncey asked as he opened the door for Sterling.

“No, I want to get Bacon’s nails done.”

Chauncey paused, glancing down at Sterling and then at the pig in his arms. “No shit.”

“She’s a girl and should be pampered,” Sterling defended his reason. He didn’t want anyone making fun of his pig, but he knew Bacon would love the royal treatment. This was Sterling’s first pet, and he wasn’t sure if he was taking good enough care of her. Giving her a day of pampered treatment seemed logical to him.

“Hey,” Chauncey said as he placed his hand on the small of Sterling’s back and ushered him inside. “I ain’t said nothing about it. Have fun with Bacon. I’m going to get a trim while I’m here. I have to look spiffy for Curtis.”

“Hello, gentlemen.”

“Hey, Heaven,” Chauncey called out, “one trim job for me and one pampering job for the pig.”

Heaven placed his hands on his hips, eyeing Chauncey like the man was joking. Sterling was starting to think that maybe he would just buy a bottle of nail polish at the grocery store and call it a day.

“I’m serious.” Chauncey chuckled. “Give Bacon the works. Sterling wants his pet looking like a beauty queen.”

Heaven eyed Sterling, and all Sterling could do was nod.

“Okay.” Heaven tossed his hands up. “At least I can add polishing a pig’s nails to my portfolio.”

“Can you give her a pink bow around her neck, too?” Sterling asked once he saw that Heaven was going to pamper his pet.

“Honey, by the time I’m done with your little piglet, she’ll be the talk of the town.”

Sterling wasn’t sure if he liked the way Heaven’s blue eyes sparkled with merriment. Was he making fun of Bacon?

“Have a seat over there, and just as soon as I’m done with Chauncey, we’ll hook Bacon up.”



* * * *



Chauncey chuckled at Riley’s mate. The man was too much. Not only did the dang pig have sparkling pink nails, but she also had a cute pink bow to match around her neck. Sterling was carrying the damn thing in one of those papoose carriers that belted the pig to the front of Sterling’s chest. The nutty little fella was treating the pig like she was his damn kid.

Never in his life had Chauncey ever thought to see someone treat a pig like a whelp. It was comical as hell, and he was loving every damn minute of watching it.

“Are we done, or do you want to take Bacon for a mud bath?” Chauncey hooted with laughter as Sterling growled at him. For a human, it wasn’t half bad.

Chauncey leaned against his truck, crossing one arm over his chest as he answered his cell phone, which had been vibrating at his hip. He was still chuckling. “Yello.”

“Hey, have you left town yet?” Riley asked.

“Not yet,” Chauncey answered, grinning at Sterling as he stood outside the barbershop talking to Heaven. “Why, what’s up?”

“I’m done repairing the fence Hell Raiser knocked down, but I tore my work gloves up. Can you pick me up a few pair?”

“No problem.” Chauncey waited. He knew Riley wanted to ask how Sterling was doing. His oldest brother had been up at the crack of dawn and was out of the house early. It was late afternoon, and Riley hadn’t seen his mate all day.

The guy was jonesing, and Chauncey knew it.

Fuck, this was priceless.

“How’s…uh…how’s shopping going?”

Chauncey held back the laugh. “Just fine.”

“Did you…uh…get what you needed?”

Chauncey had to cover his hand over his mouth to bite back the laugh. Riley had never asked him about shopping and if Chauncey had gotten everything he needed. He was going to make the man ask.