I also got to hear all about Jett’s real brothers over in Atlanta, and the way he described the five men made me hope to meet them someday. He said they were all very different, good men who’d been raised right by their mother. He didn’t have nice words to say about his father, though.
Fuse, Tonk, and their families stayed at The National Hotel those two days, and Antonio told them if they didn’t go to The Truffle Shop they were idiots. They went, and practically bought up the whole place, much to the happiness of its owners, and the chagrin of the tourists behind them in line.
Scratch and Mona took over the Bridal Suite reservation, saying they’d always wanted a second honeymoon. After Christmas dinner we never saw them again. The other Ciphers said they were getting re-acquainted and deserved it, with all the time he spent on the road.
On Christmas day when Antonio forced the doctors to let him leave that day, everyone took over my house for an unconventional dinner. We packed up all the decorations from his hospital room and used them to make my house bright and festive. I hadn’t bought a tree since I was feeling a bit sorry for myself that year, so I suppose now looking back on it, Antonio gave Christmas to me, too.
The house was filled with laughter and shouting — The Ciphers aren’t quiet.
Antonio was so happy I don’t think he ever stopped smiling.
Melodi did most of the cooking which blew my mind considering how many people there were and how well she planned it all to come out at the same time. We didn’t have time for a turkey so she made lasagna, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, and sautéed broccoli that was bright green and more delicious than I’d ever had it.
She wouldn’t let me help much, and Luna whispered in private to me that Mel is a control-freak and a mother hen. I liked the blonde immediately because she was so ballsy and loud, the opposite of me, but I’ve now learned Luna was right.
I adored Luna and was so happy to have more time with her after everyone left that night, since they stayed in my home. She’s a gorgeous Latina with no fear in her bones whatsoever, and she can drink me under the table, not that that’s hard to do. Still, I was impressed. Or just drunk. Or both.
She and I got to be friends over the next couple days. I told her that her daughter Sofia Sol is going to be a true heartbreaker. She nodded with a sneaky smile, but Jett balked and shouted that Sofia wouldn’t be allowed to date until he was dead.
When taxis drove them all to the airport, Honey Badger and I watched them go. Then while we were still on the porch he asked me to quit the hotel and, giving two weeks notice, I did.
When it was up and I said my final goodbyes to my co-workers, Flo called me over and gave me a hug. She claimed full responsibility for bringing us together. I think she gives more power to her cocktails than she should. But who knows. Maybe there is some magic in them?
When my love was well enough to have sex, if we were careful of his healing ribs, we pretty much stayed in the bed until food was needed. Then we ate and climbed back in. It was heaven.
I bathed him and he allowed me to, with promises that he would reciprocate when he was well again. We told each other stories from our very different lives, cooking or ordering take out if we felt lazy, and binge-watching television together. After hours and hours of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Now, we declared Westworld our favorite show, but we were both surprised by Mozart in the Jungle.
For movies, he wanted to watch The Godfather with Marlon Brando and Al Pacino a thousand times, but I said twice was enough for me. He begged for one more time, so I caved on condition: that he watch Fried Green Tomatoes.
He fought me hard, but had to admit when it was over, “Not bad.”
As time passed neither of us spoke about future plans. We were too busy enjoying the present. Looking ahead felt too serious. But then one morning I awoke and felt the need to tell my parents what happened. In the calm light of morning while he still slept naked in my bed, I wrote and told Mom and Dad that I had met someone, and that I cared about him very much, and hoped to marry him one day. I didn’t tell him I’d written until their return letter arrived on the day he would have his cast removed…
Antonio
She’s been quiet this morning and I don’t know why. I’ve asked her a couple times if I did something wrong, but she said no in a way that made me believe her. But just in case, I pushed her for more information and asked again. She shook her head and said we had to go. The doctor was waiting.
“It’s healed up quite nicely. I see you’ve stayed off this arm.”
I eye my girl and tell the doc, “We’ve been careful. She made me.”
He nods, distracted by his schedule. The waiting room was packed. Lots of people got the flu this February. Can’t believe it’s been six weeks since Christmas. Flew by. I have to go back to Louisiana soon. Very soon. I’m itching for home.
“I expected your arm to take longer than it has with as many fractures as it had. How are those ribs doing? Mind if I check?”
“Nope.”
He pokes around them. “Still fractured.”
“Really?” I mutter. “Don’t feel nothin’.”
Meg offers, “Well, you might be used to it, Antonio,” making the doctor’s eyebrows bounce up. She smiles, but tells him nothing about my extreme and very long history of injuries. With all the story swapping we’ve been doing she knows more about me now than anyone ever has. It’s a strange feeling to be this locked into someone. I like it a lot.
His head is buried in a manila folder as he says, “Why don’t you check back with me in another month…”
“I won’t be here.” They both look at me. “Gotta go home. I’m needed.”
He nods and gives me a pain killer prescription that I won’t fill. The second I take Meg’s hand and lead her out of that claustrophobic room, I toss the paper in the trash where it belongs.
We walk in silence to the car. I open her door and kiss her before she gets in. When I shut my door and turn on the ignition, I pause and turn it right the fuck back off. “What’s going on, Meg?”
She frowns at me. “What do you mean?”
“Your face…it’s got no life in it. You’re always smiling. No smile. What’s up? Are you sick of me?”
Her eyelashes flutter like crazy. “No! I’m not sick of you at all!” After a staring contest her shoulders relax into submission. “I told my parents about you. I got a letter back from them, yesterday.”
I shift in my seat, aware that I’m in danger. If she’s this pissed, or off her game, then what they said about me ain’t good.
How could it be?
How could they be happy about a guy like me?
What’d she tell them?
“So? They coming back to save you or somethin’? They worried?”
Her pretty head lowers as she whispers, “They said they’d love to meet you. After they travel to Africa and then to Thailand and then Honduras.”
My tension shifts from anxiety at having to fight to be accepted to rage that they’re ignoring their daughter. “They’re not coming back?”
“They’ll come back to America, eventually, maybe, just not for me.”
“You know what you do? You draw a hand with a middle finger sticking straight the fuck up, and you send that to them.”
She stares at me then starts to smile. “That would be terrible.”
“It would serve them right.”
She starts laughing. “I can just picture their faces! They’d be so surprised.”
Shrugging I mutter, “I think you should do it.”
She crawls over the armrest to kiss me. “I love you, Antonio.”
Those words shoot into my heart in a big way. We’ve never said them yet. I grab her and grunt back, “I love you more than my own life.”
I move the seat back so she can sit across my lap. We’re twisted up and it’s not comfortable for either of us, but who the fuck cares about stupid shit like that?
“You’re going home?” she asks,
her voice soft and cautious.
“Yeah. Of course. But you’re coming with me.”
She kisses me and murmurs, “You never mentioned it.”
“What part of you’re who I’ve been searching for and I have to go home made you think I was going back without you?”
We kiss until our mouths are raw, with both of us thinking this is where we need to be. Together. We’re gonna share oxygen until there’s no more air for us to breathe. Share lives. Share parenting. Share friendships. Share misery. Share joy. Share every Christmas that comes our way, especially since our first child, Luke Jett Scratch Martinez, is born the following Christmas Eve a little after midnight.
When my wife holds our boy up for me to see, I cry for the first time since I was six years old. Just a little. Not like crazy sobbing or anything stupid. But I did cry and I didn’t hide it.
I will never let anyone hurt them. Especially not me.
Oh hell yes! Bonus Scenes!
I’m writing bonus scenes for the entire series. For each love story the multiple, extra scenes take place years after each book ends. Anywhere from 2-5 chapters, so far.
I’ve always wanted to know what happens to my favorite characters later, and this answers that call. In addition to finding out about their futures you get to meet their children, which is important because I’ll be writing love stories for them, too.
The Cocker Brothers will be a generational series — and so much fun.
Grab these free bonus chapters of Honey, Meg, and Luke by joining my private romance lover’s club here.
Already in the club? Check your emails where I’ve notified you about a new release, the link for the Goody Page is in them. Bookmark that page for when you read future Cocker Family novels, too. That way you’ll be ready to go!
Add Honey Badger to Goodreads Here.
Follow this series’ board on Pinterest and see the places from the stories pinned. My family lives in Chicago Park, Colfax and Truckee so this story was also for them, as I’ve spent many Christmases in Nevada City, California, where everyone in the area goes to enjoy their Victorian Christmas celebration. Pinterest has pictures of it there.
A couple of readers are helping me pin — Carmen and Sandra! Thank you, lovely helpers. You make life easier for me.
Thank you for being a fan. And thank you for your wonderful reviews! You make my day with each and every one. I’m forever grateful to you for spreading the word about my sweet and sexy, modern-day love stories.
Happy Holidays, and may your new year bring you much love, laughter and adventures!
xx, Faleena Hopkins
JAKE COCKER - COCKY ROOMIE
A Stand-Alone Bad Boy Romance
The Cocker Brothers of Atlanta, Georgia, have earned their nickname -- The Cocky Brothers. Their daddy taught them to be REAL men. Their momma told them, “Hold out for a different kind of woman." They have one thing in common: Sexy ARROGANCE. Meet Jake Cocker - Book 1.
Buy or borrow in Kindle Unlimited
Audio book is available, too!
Add To Goodreads Here.
JETT COCKER - COCKY BIKER
A Stand Alone MC Romance
The Ciphers motorcycle club (MC) saves victims from their abusers. But when Jett Cocker meets a woman with revenge on her mind, his whole life changes in the span of one gunshot. Raw and sexy as hell.
Buy on Amazon or Borrow in Kindle Unlimited Here.
Add To GoodReads.
JAXSON COCKER - COCKY COWBOY
A Second-Chance Romance
Jaxson Cocker needs no one. Or so he thinks.
He gave his heart to a girl when he was only eight years old, and then she moved away. Well, she’s returned to Atlanta, only she’s not single…and drama comes with her. Good thing Jaxson can handle anything.
Buy on Amazon or Borrow in Kindle Unlimited Here.
Add To Goodreads Here
JASON COCKER - COCKY ROMANTIC
A Stand Alone Hot as F*ck Romance
JASON COCKER:
My latest obsession is a rockstar on the verge of greatness, and I'm helping her get there. But her redheaded, smart as a whip, soft around the hips, 5'2" assistant is making my life a living hell.
Sarah Daly drives me fucking crazy. We fight at every turn. Sarah's not my normal type at all, which is why my twin brother Justin would tell you she's exactly who I need.
Buy on Amazon or Borrow in Kindle Unlimited Here.
Add to Goodreads here
JUSTIN COCKER - COCKY SENATOR
Somehow Justin’s book became 10,000 words longer than his brothers, he’s that hot and that complicated. What a ride this cocky bastard is.
Add To Goodreads
Buy or Borrow on Amazon Here
JEREMY COCKER - COCKY SOLDIER
WE can't wait to welcome this Marine back to Atlanta!
Add To Goodreads
Preorder on Amazon Here
WEREWOLVES OF NEW YORK
Contemporary Romance with Supernatural Tendencies. Readers have said, “I don’t normally read Paranormals but I loved this series!!” Werewolves of New York. Over 500 five-star ratings across Amazon and Goodreads. Now here in one spectacular 4 book box set, and available in Kindle Unlimited.
"Great characters and great writing. The characters are awesome, and you can totally lose yourself in the story." - The Leisure Zone Book Blog
"Now on to the men....I freaking LOVED them. And I believe that they were the part that drove the story. They really made me laugh out loud so dang much. Especially that Eli." - StoryLand Book Blog
About the Author
Faleena Hopkins is an actress and author who tells stories of love, redemption, and often both. She lives in Atlanta, GA, where she loves the unpredictable weather and does her best to avoid housework.
“I write my books steamy, twisty and unpredictable because to me that’s what life is, a grand experiment. A game. We mess up. We get back up and try again. When we fall in love we fall hard. And we’re all magical in our own ways.”
Check out my acting stuff here.
My Instagram is the same as Twitter. Pinterest: FaleenaMHopkins
@faleenahopkins
authorfaleenahopkins
authorfaleenahopkins.com
A Honey Badger X-mas: The Ciphers MC (Cocker Brothers of Atlanta Book 7) Page 7