See You Smile (Reapers MC: Pema Chapter Book 3)

by Bijou Hunter

  Denver opens his eyes and laughs, too. Though they’re breathtakingly stupid, I admit they still manage to enjoy each other’s company despite spending all their time together.

  “Cav, here’s what I think,” I say when they shut up. “If this woman is yours, you don’t have to woo her.”

  “Woo,” Sylvie says, and they start laughing again.

  This time, I walk to the kitchen and get myself an ice tea while they giggle at whatever they think is so funny. I return to find them still grinning.

  “In our family, when we find that right someone, everything comes together,” I explain, sensing they’re done snickering. “You might need to be patient or change your plans for the future to make it work. But it’ll click,” I say, and he gives me a lazy smile. “However, if she isn’t the right someone, nothing you do will work.”

  “I think he ought to find a better woman,” Sylvie grumbles, and our brothers frown at her. “Nadine should already see how great you are.”

  “Maybe she does,” I say just to fuck with her. “Nadine might not be ready to fall in love yet. That’s why she pushes Cav away. She might know if she lets him close that she’ll never be able to live without him. That’s what happened with River and Max.”

  “Who?” Sylvie asks.

  The bane of my existence irritates me to no end, but she’s super attached to certain people—Mom, Dad, and these two dinguses. If they pull away, she flips the fuck out. Always been that way, too. When River and Maverick left Ellsberg, Sylvie barely noticed. I headed out, and she applauded. Oh, but if Cavalry spends too long in the bathroom or Mom and Dad enjoy a trip out of town, the little shit loses her mind.

  I can’t imagine what she’ll do if Cavalry moves to Houston to charm his perfect woman. Will she stay with Mom and Dad or chase after our brothers? I have no doubt Denver will go wherever Cavalry does. It’s his nature to follow his slightly different brother. Sylvie, though, could go either way.

  “Her uncle Beckett said she’s too old for me,” Cavalry explains, mentioning a long-time member of the Reapers who will be moving to Pema soon. “But she’s like only six years older. I figure she just hasn’t noticed I’m not a kid anymore. How do I get her to see I grew up and have man feelings now?”

  “I have no idea,” I admit, not knowing Nadine well enough to devise any plans.

  The next few minutes are spent with Cavalry explaining how Nadine wasn’t impressed by the flowers he bought her last summer. He claims she’s classy in a profound way. No normal gift will do, but he can’t figure her out. I’m pretty certain they have no shot together.

  But I wouldn’t have put money on my obsession over Handsome Sam. A month ago, I would have laughed my ass off if Kiefer claimed I’d fall hard for his friend, embrace dick again, and work to improve my empathy skills to be decent stepmom material. No one would have believed it, certainly not me. But now, my entire life revolves around when I can see Sam again and if I’ll be capable of bonding on a deep level with his kids.

  So, while Cavalry’s heartfelt plans sound doomed, I’m now a believer in the “you never know” theory of love.

  THE CHARMER

  As she’s done several mornings now, Nev sneaks out of the house before the kids wake. After she leaves, I rest in bed, thinking of her scrambling home at dusk.

  Nev is a drug I’m already addicted to, which surprises me some. I’ve never clung to anything in my life. Maybe I never needed to before. Things fell into my lap, and I didn’t worry over them disappearing.

  The deaths of Garbage and Teigh might have been wake-up calls, but I didn’t feel any different until I met Nev. The gal’s something else, and I’m only truly at peace when she’s nearby.

  I show up late to Whiskey Kirk’s after helping my parents with yard work. Pricilla and Fred bought the wrong kind of seeds. After a quick trip to the store, I got them fixed up. But now, I’m running late with Nev.

  As soon as I enter, Nev ditches her customers. Her arms wrap around my shoulders before her lips plant one helluva kiss on my lips.

  “You can’t know how relieved I am to see you,” she says once we breathe separately again.

  I glance back at her irritated customers and smile. “Want me to run them off?”

  Nev grins at the idea of her needing my help to scare people.

  “They’re my siblings from Ellsberg.”

  “Oh, are they, now?” I ask, peering over her head to find two very similar-looking fellas and a messy-haired girl. All three resemble Nev and the twins. “Can’t say no to meeting more members of the Majors family.”

  Taking my hand, Nev reluctantly directs me to her siblings. “This is Cavalry, Denver, and Sylvie.”

  “Why are you slumming it with my sister?” Sylvie asks immediately. “I assumed it was because you’re old, but you’re too attractive to settle. Dump her and hook up with someone better.”

  “No,” I reply, wearing a smile. “Anything else?”

  Looking defeated, Sylvie sighs heavily. “He’s the opposite of obedient.”

  Denver stands and shakes my hand. “Nev is very good at dropping a target from a long distance. She can also train dogs to not crap on the floor. You’re getting a real catch.”

  Realizing he’s serious, I wrap an arm proudly around my squeeze. “She’s a keeper.”

  “Dude,” Cavalry says with great seriousness, “I heard what you did for Kiefer and Gunnar. Respect, brah.”

  “Respect,” the other two say in unison.

  Nev shuffles closer as if she’s about to blow. Instead, she smiles. “They’re spending the night in Pema, over at The Solar. The twins are cooking them dinner.”

  “Nev’s a terrible chef,” Sylvie tells me.

  “She’s cooked plenty for me, and I’ve never had any complaints.”

  “Are you calling me a liar?” she asks, standing up to face me.

  “I guess I am.”

  Sylvie doesn’t like my smile or Nev’s lack of reaction. I’m also a little surprised by how quiet my girlfriend is acting, considering how much she complains about her youngest sister.

  “Brah,” Denver says before Cavalry adds, “Dude.”

  Sylvie nods. “Yeah, I hear you.”

  “I’ll put in your order,” Nev tells them. “And get your drinks.” Tugging me along, Nev hisses when they’re out of earshot, “The Triad is here to fuck with me.”

  “Why?”

  “I tried to be nice to Sylvie.”

  “Sure sounds like the kind of thing that ought to be punished.”

  Nev grins. “Your family is so sugary sweet. We probably seem deranged.”

  “Different is all.”

  “Sure,” she says, sliding her hand up my shirt. “But I’m glad you aren’t scared off.”

  “No offense to your baby sister, but she isn’t all that intimidating.”

  “She’s a stone-cold killer,” Nev says, holding my gaze. “Everyone in my family has taken a life. Never forget that.”

  Chuckling is probably the wrong response, but Nev’s warning only makes me want her more.

  “I’ll get settled in my booth and watch you work.”

  Nev deflates a little. “I wish I could fuck off like those three dipshits, but I decided to be the manager.”

  “Power is sexy.”

  Nev perks up immediately. “Sorry, I’m moody. Not slapping Sylvie has sucked some of the joy out of my life.”

  “And you’re holstering your hand, why?”

  Suddenly awkward, Nev shrugs. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll talk more after the lunch rush.”

  For the next hour, I watch Nev move around the bar. Everything about her is hyper self-aware. She might actually be the literal opposite of me.

  Of course, I’m not too concerned about that fact. While my parents are very similar, Brick is with a woman completely different from him. Successful couples don’t share a set formula.

  Before leaving, Nev’s siblings walk over to me.

  “If you have
a dilemma of the heart,” Cavalry says with complete sincerity, “I’m there for you, brah. Nev really helped me today with my love life problem.”

  Sylvie rolls her eyes, saying nothing. Denver wraps an arm around her shoulders and then grins at me.

  “If you break up with Nev, we’re still good, dude. Respect, bro.”

  “You’re the real friendly sorts, aren’t you?”

  “I’m not,” Sylvie growls, even flashing her teeth.

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. Seems like you’ve been the friendliest of the bunch.”

  Denver snorts. “Sarcasm, brah.”

  “You’re alright, dude,” Cavalry says and then backs away like he’s about to make a run for the door.

  Instead, the three of them turn as one and stroll toward the entrance. I watch them disappear before glancing at where Nev throws up her arms triumphantly. She looks like a damn kid while doing her little celebratory dance.

  When our gazes meet, though, she’s got fucking on her mind. Yep, her youthful vibe never lasts long.

  “Sorry about them,” she says, joining me for lunch after Whiskey Kirk’s quiets down.

  “They have a really specific way of talking, don’t they?”

  “It’s a con,” she says and kisses me.

  I swear if we weren’t waiting for food, she’d have me with my pants down in the office. The gal is currently running hotter than the sun.

  Tugging her lips free, Nev smiles softly. “Spending the last few nights with you was great. Nothing awkward about it at all.”

  “Not even the sneaking-in-and-out part?”

  “No. I like to practice my stealthy skills.”

  Grinning, I take her hand. “What do you mean it’s a con?”

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  “I’ll be heading down to Ellsberg not so long from now, and I wouldn’t mind knowing how your family operates.”

  “Are you worried?”

  “No, just curious.”

  Nev smiles again. “I’ve heard them talk to each other when other people aren’t around. There’s way less ‘dude’ and ‘brah’ crap. They also aren’t nearly as stupid as they act. It’s a con to keep people away.”

  “Why do you figure they act that way?”

  “Our family always lived in a bubble. We were largely homeschooled. Most of us were only friends with each other or people tied to the Reapers. We’re weird, I guess. The twins had each other. River has his VP, Shane’s sister, and a fourth member of their tight little group. Maverick and I were more loners, though I eventually got tight with Alyn. And there were the three dorks at the bottom of the barrel. They didn’t want to play with other kids or bond with different people. So, they created their own little code, and they play dumb to get out of work. I mean, don’t get me wrong, they are morons, but they’re not nearly as stupid as they seem. Assume fifty percent of what they say and do is a con.”

  “Good to know,” I say as the waitress brings our plates. “Do you play cons, too?”

  “No,” she says in a voice so similar to Maverick’s.

  “I wouldn’t mind if you were sneaky. Just don’t break my sweet heart.”

  Nev smirks, leaning over to kiss me. Her lips linger, and I sense her struggling with something again.

  “Just spit it out,” I say while cutting my steak. “Whatever’s rolling around in your pretty head can’t be worth the stress you’re giving it.”

  Nodding, Nev moves the grilled shrimp around on her plate. “Alyn and I were talking about how Caesar is avoiding you. We figured if you two were alone and he couldn’t bail, you’d probably be able to get through to him. He’s a good kid and not really the angry sort. The stuff you’re seeing is him unable to express himself.”

  Nev pauses to glance at me to see if I’m bothered by her comment. When I smile, she continues, “Maybe you could take him out of school early and go somewhere private. Force him to face you. I bet if he actually talked to you, you’d both feel better.”

  “That’s a good idea, but what about Raimi? She gets upset a lot on the bus and rarely rides without her brother. I guess I could bring them both home and then take him out somewhere.”

  “He’ll likely bail if he has a choice,” she says and pokes at her food. “Maybe someone could pick up Raimi at the end of the day, so she doesn’t have to ride the bus alone.”

  “My parents can do it.”

  “Or I could. I know how Fred and Pricilla like their routines.”

  I smile at Nev’s offer and how she understands my parents. But my grin doesn’t last long. This sexy gal looks ready to pass a kidney stone.

  “You don’t need to do that. Really, Nev.”

  “I’ll take her out for a snack or something,” she says, shrugging. “I babysat Avery’s kids once, and they crap their pants. This should be fine.”

  Chuckling, I can’t believe how wound up Nev gets over kids. I think to shut down her offer. However, I wouldn’t mind getting my son alone, where we can talk man-to-man. I keep thinking he’ll chill out and warm up to me. Instead, every day I’m free, he gets angrier.

  Raimi and Nev already know each other. I wouldn’t be ditching my girl with a stranger. They could talk about school and Nev’s pets. Raimi is dying to meet them.

  I suggest Nev ask Raimi which pet she’d prefer since my daughter is crazy about both cats and dogs. I hope my little hint on possible conversational topics will keep my sexy gal from hurting herself trying to bond with my baby girl.

  THE CRACKERJACK

  The twins claim having dinner at The Solar is easier than fitting everyone in one of their homes. I suspect they fear the Bliss Triad will set up camp wherever they get tired and refuse to leave.

  So, the Pema Majors meet for dinner at The Solar. As soon as I arrive, I feel hunted.

  Though Sylvie looks like a brainless and sloppy cunt, she’s a vicious little killer who’s currently stalking her prey.

  Dodging her, I end up in the kitchen, where the twins hit me up for gossip about Sam.

  “Your lovestruck behavior is adorable,” Savannah insists, looking like a whale with that kid in her belly.

  “Jealous?” I mutter since my empathy experiment is reserved for Sylvie.

  “I’m already in love, harpy.”

  “Are you sure?” I taunt. “You seem a little bored with the surfer.”

  Bjorn frowns over at us, clearly eavesdropping like a possessive jockstrap.

  “Don’t listen to her,” Avery insists, carrying Io around like a pack mule doing its owner’s bidding. “Nev isn’t comfortable with her human emotions.”

  “She is quite the Terminator,” Savannah replies, and the twins share a smile that leaves me rolling my eyes.

  I free myself of their flirting and walk to the front door. Maverick takes this moment to make his move.

  “Thoughts on Sam’s readiness?” he asks as Violet stands nearby, looking lost.

  “He needs more time to get his kid situation in order.”

  “Is that a real concern, or are you looking to monopolize his time?”

  “Both,” I admit and shrug. “It hasn’t even been a month. Let him get bored of free time before you dump work on him.”

  Maverick’s nod is so slight many people might miss it. But I know when dealing with my brother, attention to detail is key. He offers little in the form of signals. Snooze and lose with Maverick.

  “What happened with those two shitheads from the other day?” I ask him.

  “Colton told them they were suspended from work for a few weeks. I figured kicking their asses wouldn’t get the message across. They used to run with the former president who hit people as an inspirational technique.”

  “Suspension seems like a wussy punishment,” I mutter to annoy my brother.

  “They’re broke. Losing income for two weeks will hurt.”

  I smile at how he knows everything about everyone. If someone’s dealing with IBS, he’ll pick up on it by what they order for dinner. Nothing
gets by Maverick.

  “What do you think about Sam and me?” I ask, curious about his laser-sharp brain’s opinion.

  Maverick’s green eyes study mine. “I have no fucking idea what you’re doing.”

  “Didn’t you feel the same way about Avery?”

  “Yes, but I understood her core reasoning. Avery’s choice to take in Jett and then move Kiefer into the hotel five minutes later felt reckless. But her feelings for him made sense.”

  “And mine don’t?”

  “You aren’t suited for relationships.”

  “Neither are you,” I point out and gesture at a still lost-looking Violet. “Was it worth getting over your shit so you could make things work with her?”

  “I had no shit to get over.”

  “No way you’re stupid enough to believe that bullshit. I assume you’re insulting my intelligence, then.”

  Maverick allows a small smile. “I struggled on occasion.”

  “Are you afraid to have kids?”

  “Fuck yeah,” he whispers, allowing his face to reveal his feelings.

  “We want the world to fit in a certain box. But for the right people, I believe we can work our way into a bigger or different box.”

  “I did for Violet.”

  “And is it worth it?” I whisper so she can’t hear. “You gave up Shasta and started over here for her. She needs your attention a lot. You can’t just be yourself or take off for a ride when you get overwhelmed. Is the pressure worth it?”

  Maverick doesn’t look back at Violet or ponder my question before nodding. “Every single day, she’s worth everything.”

  “I can’t tell you why Sam rather than someone else. When we’re apart, I wonder if I’m overreacting to lust, even while I miss him like crazy. But when he’s nearby, I can’t see anything else. I’m afraid the feeling will go away as fast as it showed up.”

  “With Violet, I didn’t know right away. Once I did, I wished the feeling wasn’t so overwhelming,” Maverick says, grudgingly admitting a weakness. “I hated not being my own man. Now, I had another person to always worry about. Once I accepted how the feelings weren’t going away, I felt less anxious. I don’t know if that’s the case with Sam.”