Cocky Delight: A Hero Club Novel

by Maria Macdonald

  “Get your damn animal away from me,” I order the owner. She crosses her arms and sticks her nose in the air.

  “She’s protecting her mommy.”

  “Oh, give me a break, my cat’s scarier than her.”

  And as if to prove my point, Blanche comes back, hisses at the dog and swipes her twice, then the woman kicks Blanche, kicks her! The nerve. Before I know what’s happening, I pull my fist back and slam it into the woman’s cheek.

  “Don’t touch my cat, you miserable, sex-starved heathen!” I scream, not really thinking about the actual words I’m saying. Weirdly – as Mrs. Peterson tries to console the woman and tells her she’ll be a witness to my unprovoked attack which could have left her blinded, and I roll my eyes – Blanche jumps up onto a trash bin and then into my arms.

  I ignore the fact that her feet have been God knows where, including on a trash can, and instead, revel in the fact that finally, after years of being a bitch, this cat is snuggled up to me purring.

  “Who knew,” Aubrey says, standing as the women rush off to find the yapping dog and Pixy finally seems ready to move, “all you had to do was defend her honor and she’d love you forever.”

  I smile and feel a warmth toward the stupid cat.

  “She’s still the devil’s spawn, but she’s my devil’s spawn,” I tell Aubrey.

  “You know that sounds so wrong,” she replies with a smile.

  “I think it’s time to get you home, Miss,” Big Mike tells me, urging us to leave the crime scene. Kind of crime scene… minor offence scene maybe?

  “What’s your name?” Aubrey asks him.

  “Rufus,” he replies and we both burst out laughing.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  NOLA

  I make my way to the bakery. Big Mike – I refuse to call him Rufus - follows me. It’s late afternoon now, tomorrow is the official opening day and I’ve been running around getting last minute things done all day. It’s been nearly a month since the rock was thrown through the window and nothing strange has happened since. I’ve had no more threats, thankfully, and after visiting this place with Aubrey, Chance and Kato individually, I’m finally stepping foot inside on my own – metaphorically speaking, because…well, Big Mike.

  I want to complete the final touches, make sure it’s organized how I envisage. More importantly, I need to make sure I’m here today for all my ingredients to be delivered, so I can set everything up for an early start tomorrow. Being in work at four am for a five am opening time is no joke, especially when you’re nearly six months pregnant. I’m only glad I quit Chance’s job a while back or I would be a state right now.

  “I’ll do my checks, then do you want me to wait outside?”

  I look up to my bodyguard who has, over time, become my friend, “No, Big Mike, come in and sit down.”

  He shakes his head and his lips twitch. He’s never asked me to stop calling him Big Mike, I think secretly he loves it. He walks through the bakery, his eyes taking in everything. He opens the back door and checks the alleyway, before placing a chair against the door between the front and back of the store, wedging it open. He then stands in a position where he can see both rooms.

  “Is there a Mrs. Big Mike at home?” I ask as I drag my coat down my arms and hang it over a chair, placing my bag on the table in front of it.

  “No,” he answers, looking out toward the street.

  “A dog, cat, baby gorilla?” I question.

  “No, Nola, I have no one at home.”

  A grin graces my lips when he calls me Nola, it took ten whole days of me complaining, before he would call me Nola instead of ma’am or Ms. Lewis.

  I edge over to where he stands and try to pop myself up on the counter opposite him. However, I have put on about two hundred pounds, okay, not really, but I’m freaking huge now, even though I’m not quite six months, and I can’t haul my fat ass up on the counter. I wonder if I’m growing a baby in here or an elephant, I ponder rubbing my belly. Big Mike takes pity on me and picks me up like I weigh five pounds, placing me on the counter.

  “Isn’t it lonely?” I murmur.

  Something passes through his eyes and I don’t know him well enough to know what it means, but I do know the answer to that question is yes. I also know he won’t actually give me that answer.

  Before I can ask him anything else, the bell over the door chimes. Big Mike stands to attention and comes toward me as I jump down from the counter. As I turn toward the door, I see Lance striding toward me, an angry expression on his face. He also has two black eyes and what looks like a broken nose.

  “Lance?” I question, stepping around Big Mike who holds an arm out, effectively stopping me from stepping too close to Lance.

  Lance belatedly notices Big Mike and his forward motion slams to a halt as his eyes flit between me and Mike.

  “Can we talk?” he hisses.

  “No.” Mike’s word is immediate and final.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I tell him.

  “I didn’t go to the cops, but I will if you don’t give me some of your time, Nola.” It’s a threat and Big Mike tenses at my side.

  “What would you go to the cops about?” I question.

  “This,” he growls, pointing to his face, “your fucking boyfriend did this to me and I’m about five seconds away from heading to the police station.”

  Shock ripples through me as my eyes roam his face again.

  “I don’t believe Kato did this to you,” I state, crossing my arms. “And if he did, I’m sure it was because you deserved it,” I add, which is probably not the best idea.

  “Fuck you, Nola.”

  “Not anymore,” I singsong with a smile, before Mike can intervene. “Although if I remember,” I say, tapping my finger on my lips in thought for a moment, before my eyes meet his again, “it was less like fucking and more like putting together a bedside cabinet.” I hold my hands up and pretend I’m screwing pieces of wood together, “This bit goes here, oh let me check the directions…yes that’s right, now move back and forward until complete,” I laugh at myself, even though this situation is anything but funny.

  “Fucking bitch, you’ll regret this,” he sneers.

  “Enough,” Big Mike orders, and grabbing Lance by the collar he physically drags him to the door, as Lance complains he can walk himself. Mike doesn’t give him the option, instead, when he reaches the door, I listen to the dangly bell and the oof which comes from Lance as he lands in a crumpled mess on the sidewalk.

  “Are you okay?” Big Mike asks as he walks back toward me.

  I watch Lance stand up, give me a look which should kill and walk away muttering to himself.

  “That was fun,” I grin up at Mike who only rolls his eyes at me. He walks away and pulls out his cell.

  Thirty minutes later, while organizing the kitchen space, warm hands slide over my hips and a woodsy smell envelopes me. I smile and turn, meeting Kato’s lips with my own. My arms slip around his neck as he owns our kiss and my blood heats with desire. He pulls away slightly and his eyes track over every inch of my face, “Are you okay?” His question isn’t surprising, after the visit from Lance I knew it wouldn’t be long before he turned up to make sure I was good.

  I look into his eyes, giving myself a moment to take in the love and concern shining there. “I am actually,” I smile, and it’s genuine. “Did you do that to him?” I ask.

  His face shuts down for a moment and I consider that he might not tell me.

  “Hey,” I murmur as his eyes drift away. He looks back at me again and I can see the worry. “If you did, there must have been a reason.”

  He takes a step back and blows out a breath. “I visited him, to ask about the rock. No,” he shakes his head, “it was more than that. I wanted to know if he had anything to do with the threats you’ve received.”

  I wrap my hands around his neck offering him my warmth as he opens up to me.

  “He said he didn’t and the wor
rying thing is, I believe him. Although that doesn’t explain him turning up in places where you’ve been and I still don’t think that’s a coincidence,” he offers and I agree.

  “So how did the fight come about?” I question.

  Kato raises an eyebrow and smirks, “It wasn’t a fight, gorgeous.”

  I roll my eyes, men. Ugh!

  “He said some things… about you.”

  “What things?” I ask, leaning back so I can get a good look at him. Kato’s jaw works, but he shakes his head.

  “Nothing good, but I’m not going to repeat his shit. Just know he pissed me off, can you accept that?” he whispers the last part.

  I take him in and know he doesn’t want to hurt me with Lance’s bullshit, and that is because of his love for me, but he’s still worried that I’m upset about what he did to him.

  I move one of my hands from his neck to his cheek and I watch for a moment as my thumb strokes back and forth over his cheek.

  “I’m not porcelain, I won’t break.”

  His lips thin and I decide to take another route.

  “But it’s okay if you don’t want to tell me what he said. I know it had to have been pretty nasty for you to react the way you did. I love you, it’s okay.”

  His shoulders relax and I smile up at him.

  “He did say he was going to the cops though,” I warn.

  Kato shakes his head, “Don’t worry, Mr. Clark is on it.”

  I roll my eyes, “Is there anything Mr. Clark doesn’t do?”

  “Definitely certain things,” he smirks lazily.

  “Oh God,” I murmur, shaking my head slightly.

  “So, how far are you with organizing? I was hoping to whisk you away for a nice meal before your first day tomorrow.”

  I smile up at him, “I’m actually done. I’m just waiting for some ingredients to arrive, which should be in about an hour,” I state, looking at the clock on the wall, “and then I’m all yours.”

  “Well, I want you to be all mine now. Come on,” he orders, grabbing my hand.

  “Rufe, will you wait here for Nola’s delivery to arrive in an hour? Then you’re off for the day.”

  Big Mike nods to Kato. “Of course.” His gaze comes to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Nola.” I nod and offer a cheesy grin which makes his lips twitch as Kato drags me out of the shop.

  “This place is nice,” I say as Kato holds the door open for me to enter.

  “Yes, it is, so behave.”

  The look he gives me speaks volumes and I splutter.

  “I’m sure I have no idea what you mean.”

  “Hmm,” he replies and his lips tip up at one end. “Reservation for Black,” he tells the host, who checks our reservation and signals a waitress over. We move toward the waitress, who eyes Kato up like he’s a prize. I open my mouth to say something, but Kato places a finger against my lips, smiling down at me indulgently. I narrow my eyes on him and he lets out a low chuckle.

  “Your table,” she purrs, still eyeing Kato, who, lucky for him, pays her and her willowy body no attention.

  We both sit and take the menus she offers. I snatch mine from her and I narrow my eyes on Kato when I notice he’s suppressing a chuckle.

  “Can I get you a drink?” she offers sweetly, still only looking at the man across from me. I watch him too, and to be fair he does look hot. His face is all angles, chiseled and smooth. His tan skin giving him a glow. His dark hair is overgrown and messy in a ‘I don’t give a shit’ way. As he looks down at his menu, his thick soot black lashes are stark against his skin, showing how long and lush they really are. His white shirt has a couple of buttons open at the top and the sleeves are rolled up showing off his toned forearms. In all honesty, I want to high five the waitress, although I’d really like to high five her in the face, then stick out my tongue like a child because I go home with this fine specimen.

  Kato’s eyes sweep up and the caramel hues land on me at first, then move to the waitress. God knows what he sees in both our faces, but when he shakes his head grinning, I know we probably both look like lovesick school girls.

  “I’ll have a beer,” he tells the waitress, who stares back at him for a moment, seemingly stuck in a trance, before flushing beet red and turning to look at me. I now feel sorry for her… well, kind of.

  “I’ll have a water please… pregnant,” I state, tapping my tummy. Her eyes move between my stomach and my face.

  Ha! Take that Stary McStalkerson. Mentally I high five myself.

  The waitress’s eyes widen and she nods, “Of course, I’ll be back to take your order, when you’ve had a few moments to see what you want.” With that she rushes off.

  “You’re so bad,” Kato’s deep gravelly voice touches every part of me. “But I love you bad.” He smirks, his eyes are lazy and I melt.

  “Just letting her know you’re taken,” I reply snippily, while pressing my legs together at the heat gathering between them.

  “I know I’m taken, and wouldn’t have it any other way. You don’t need to worry, gorgeous.”

  “True, but I’m getting huge-”

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “But-”

  “No. No comments, discussions, questions and definitely no arguing. You. Are. Beautiful. And to me, you always will be.”

  Tears form in my eyes and I shake my head. “Stupid hormones,” I splutter.

  Kato takes a deep breath which catches my attention. For a moment he looks worried, then the emotion disappears and he smiles, dimple and everything. Then he starts talking and flips my world upside down again, in the most incredible way.

  “Nola Lewis, the first time I saw you, in the rain, with your shoe stuck in a grate, you took my breath away. I’d never seen anything as beautiful as you in my life, and when you flipped me off, I knew it was love, without a single word shared between us.” Kato reaches one hand up and wipes some tears, which have sneaked onto my cheeks, away with his thumb. “I thought I’d lost you after that. I even tried to pay for my coffee and run out to find you,” his lips tip up with a small smile. “I don’t think I ever told you that,” he says, shaking his head. “Anyway, when I found you at Chance’s place, I thought it was a miracle and I wasn’t about to let you go again.”

  I quickly swipe at my eyes, as hot tears now sting my lips with the emotion they hold.

  “Every moment I’ve spent with you since then, has been amazing and refreshing. You’re like no one I have ever met before. You excite me and amaze me and there is never a dull moment with you. I never know what’s about to come out of your mouth, but I love that about you most. You are everything I didn’t think actually existed, and now I’ve found you, there will not be a day I’ll ever let you get away from me. I planted our child in you, and I’m so glad I did, because this is just the start of our journey. Please marry me,” his eyes beg me, but he doesn’t need to, because I was his the moment he laughed at me in the coffee shop.

  “Yes.” It’s a whisper and my voice cracks with emotion.

  “I didn’t want to wait to ask you, but the ring isn’t ready yet. I’m sorry,” he says. Hauling me up, he drags me to him, lifting and spinning me around.

  Suddenly, Aubrey and Chance appear, smiling and laughing and we go in for a round of hugs.

  Aubrey holds me for a moment longer, and whispers in my ear. “I saw that waitress, I also noted which jar had her tips in. I put a twenty in there.”

  I jerk back and frown at her.

  She smiles, “Don’t worry, I wrote on it with a sharpie.”

  “What did you write?”

  “Don’t be a ho bag.”

  We both burst into laughter and I know I’ll be smiling for the rest of the night, with people I love, a baby on the way, a business opening tomorrow and my future with an amazing man.

  Life is bliss.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  NOLA

  The buzz is still strong in me. Four weeks of getting up at four am and I’m s
till loving it. Even on Sundays I now wake up early, okay, not four am early, but I’m always awake before eight and that’s the one day I keep the bakery closed. It’s not that I’m not tired, I’ve actually never been more tired in my life. With waking at the ass crack of dawn and the baby not allowing me much sleep – I thought that shit was supposed to happen after they were born – I’m shattered most of the time, but still, I can’t shake the buzz off me and in truth, I don’t want to.

  Pulling the last batch of sweet sticky pecan buns from the oven I place them on the side rubbing my protruding tummy. I know I’ll have to think about hiring some more staff soon to cover for when the baby first comes. I employ Sammy, a young mom who I met on my first day of opening, to manage the front of house.

  On opening day, Kato came and helped me. That was the first time it occurred to me that I wouldn’t be able to bake and serve at the same time. I’m not sure where my brain was, I keep blaming the baby for the fogginess of my mind, at this rate the baby will be born with a complex. So that first day everything was a bit of a scramble. During the weeks before opening, Kato had spent so much time helping me organize the bakery that Chance had pushed all his jobs back to accommodate us. And even though it was clear I was going to struggle, Kato couldn’t put off going to work. He said he could pay for someone to come in and help me, or if I really wanted, he would ask Big Mike, but I refused. I didn’t know what I was going to do at that stage, but the answer wasn’t Big Mike scaring the customers.

  I take a peek at the man in question. He must be six and a half feet and broad, he’s built like a line-backer, in fact, he probably was at one point. His hair is shaggy brown and his eyes are a deep blue. He’s traditionally handsome, like boy next door handsome, but the issue is he also has this ‘don’t fuck with me ‘cause I can kill you with a spoon’ vibe about him, which scares most sane people. However, when he smiles, which is rarely… wow! He renders those of us who find men attractive, useless, because we all stand and openly gawk at his hotness. The fact is he hardly smiles, and again, the kill you with a spoon thing is an issue for someone trying to sell baked goods. Plus, I figured if Kato asked Big Mike for that favor, it might be a step too far, and I didn’t want him punching Kato.