My Libertine (Trio Book 2) (2 page)

“Thank you so much,” I tell blue eyes when I finally find my words.

“No problem Dove, just don't like seeing a man disrespecting a woman is all.” That damn accent is so thick I want to ask him where his cowboy hat and belt buckle are. But decide against it.

“I… ah, well thanks again.” I tell him and go to get in my car.

“I take it he isn't too happy about the baby?” he says gesturing to my stomach which is huge thankfully I only have a few more weeks to go.

“Not that it is any of your business, no he isn't.”

“Sorry, I have a problem with overstepping. Names Row.” He says holding out his hand for me to shake. Taking it sends a tingle up my spine once more. I will blame the wet panties on the pregnancy hormones.

“Shana. Row? That’s different, short for something?” I ask still holding the man’s hand.

“Sure is.” Is all he says not going any further. He just looks at me, smiling.

“Not going to tell me what it’s short for are you?” I get a little flirty, I mean who wouldn't? I’d love to hear what Linn would say about him.

“Only two people know what my given name is, one is my mom the other, my dad. Sorry Dove I just met you, not going to be handing out secrets already.” He is flirting back and damn does it feel good. The last person to show a little interest was Chase and that was some time ago eight months to be exact.

“Oh, there you are Row baby I thought I lost you.” Some bleach blond chick comes walking up to us carrying a coffee. By the looks of her, it’s probably some nonfat soy bullshit. When I realize she is staring at our still joined hands I take mine away quickly. Then look up at Row to see him still looking at me. Clearing my throat I back away a little bit more. He shakes his head then looks over soy Barbie.

“Yeah sorry. I was just helping out Shana here. You ready?” she nods her head and he starts walking toward her. Then stops for a second to turn my way again.

“You take care now, Shana.” He says then continues back to Barbie wrapping his arm around her, walking to a large black pickup truck then opening the door for her. After helping her in he looks my way once more, and like an idiot, I'm still standing there gawking at him. He smiles and tips an imaginary hat rounds his truck and gets in. The loud black beast of a truck roars out of the lot leaving a gust of black smoke in its wake. Yuck must be a diesel truck, I hate that smell. Getting into my car my thoughts of Chase’s outburst are gone replaced with a certain deep southern accent and blue eyes.

One month and two very long overdue weeks, followed by four months after that…

Sleep has never been so precious to me, just as precious as the little bugger that keeps me from it. Karter Bruce Cloud. Yes, I gave him my dad’s name for his middle name. Our relationship has grown so much in the last year, and when I told him I was having Karter he was over the moon. Unlike my mom who hasn't spoken to me since I told her at brunch, been the best seven months of my life. I think it had a lot to do with the fact I told her Bruce, my dad, and I had been getting to know each other and was happy to hear he was going to be a grandpa. It doesn't matter anymore if she wants to reach out, so be it, but I will not waste my time trying. Not anymore, I have more important things to worry about in my life. Number one on that list is my four-month-old son, my world. My world who happens to be sleeping right now, probably going to be waking up any minute.

Lee and Linn are going to be here soon to take him for the weekend. Still feels weird to call Kyle, Lee.

I do believe that Linn is hooked on the whole baby thing and I wouldn't be surprised if she and Lee had one of their own soon, never thought I would see that one coming.

She and Lee got a place in a quiet little suburb shortly after they figured things out between them. She still gets pissed at him and comes over to stay for a night or two, but it has been happening a lot less lately, maybe she is growing up? That makes me laugh to myself, her growing up is like me getting more sleep, not going to happen.

Karter loves his catnaps only sleeping for a half hour or so at a time no matter what I try and at night I still have to wake up at least three times to feed him. Needless to say, he is growing like a weed. When he was born he weighed 9lbs 14oz, and has tripled in size it seems now.

I hear the door quietly open and then soft knocking, Linn must be here. People that come over know to be quiet because if they wake the baby, momma is going to snap.

“Hey, we’re here. Is he still sleeping?” she whispers. She is wearing jeans and a tee shirt, recently becoming her normal outfit, getting more laid back with the makeup too. I think Lee has much to do with that, making her feel loved and more confident. Today I see she isn't wearing any makeup on her face and her hair is up in a messy bun much like mine. Messy buns, ponytails, I rarely have my hair down. I hold up the quiet monitor and nod yes to her.

“Its fine you don't have to whisper, he needs to wake up anyway if you guys are going to take him. Where is Lee anyway?” My step brother and I have had a rocky relationship at best I have only just recently been able to look at him without wanting to deck the guy. My best friend is in love with him and he treats her like a princess so that helps.

“He is out playing with the buttons in the new car we just got.”

“New car? You mean he got rid of the Jeep? That thing was cool as hell.” not really something to put a baby in, but cool.

“Yeah thought if we were going to be taking Karter and what not we should probably have something that’s always enclosed, it can still pull his boat though. Just a different kind of jeep, I don't know what the hell its called, but its blue.” That is probably her only knowledge on vehicles, the color. Not that I'm much better.

“Well, blue sounds cool.” As if on cue Karter makes a little squeaking noise on the monitor. “Oh, he must have heard auntie Linnie.” Just then Lee walks through the door with Cristal and Dez.

Now don't even get me started on those two. I swear one week I think they are together then the next day she is complaining about him having a new girlfriend, I really don't get it because the guy is helplessly in love with the girl, you can see it every time he looks at her.

“I will go and get him.” Linn tells me heading off to my room to get Karter.

“What do you think about bull riding Shane?” Dez asks me, catching me off guard, he really doesn't seem like the bull riding type to me. Ripped jeans, piercings, tattoos, yeah not really feeling it. He just recently cut his hair, though. No more man bun for him. Now he has his head shaved on both sides sporting a short Mohawk. It looks good on the tattoo god. Oh yes, he is still sexy as hell.

“Um I never really thought about it.”

“Some guy came in and got a tattoo done, gave me five tickets as a tip. You want to go, I'm taking marshmallow here” he says referring to Cristal, “Rick said he would go and is bringing Check. One ticket left, just for you.” His damn Aussie accent is so sexy I really don't know how Cristal can keep her hands off of him.

“Yes I suppose I could use a night out, sounds fun.” I haven't really watched bull riding I do know cowboys are hot as hell. Instantly a pair of blue eyes I could never forget flashes through my mind.

“Cool, we will pick you up around five, sound good?”

“Yep sure does, see you then.” With that Dez gives Cristal a quick look then is out the door. I really wish she would talk to us about what is going on with them two.

“Well got him all packed up and ready to go, say goodbye mama,” Linn says coming out of my room holding Karter, he makes my heart melt every time I see him.

“Goodbye baby, mommy will miss you,” I say taking him from Linn’s arms and hugging him to me. Kissing his head. I go and put him in the car seat, getting him all strapped in for the ride.

“Alright little man,” Lee says grabbing the car seat. “Uncle Lee and you are going to have some fun this weekend aren't we?” He really is taken by Karter, I can only imagine what he is going to be like when he and Linn have kids. We say more goodbyes then they are gone leaving the apartment so quiet it feels weird to be here.

“You want to start getting ready? This is your first time out since Karter was born, we have to go all out.” Cristal says heading to my room. Now, my ass and boobs may have gotten bigger but thankfully the rest of me is slightly back to proportion after Karter was born so I am able to fit in my clothes. I go for my jeans that have a few holes in them and black tank top. Oh my black boots and black leather jacket, the usual for me. My signature messy bun and a little mascara to finish it off. I really don't go all out like Linn would, all that glam really isn't for me.

“Ready?” Cristal asks me a couple hours later walking out of her room. She is actually wearing cowboy boots, jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She looks like a little cowgirl, sans hat.

“Well aren't you just all westerny tonight.”

“Westerny? Don't think that’s a word, Shane.”

“It is, just made it up. The definition is a picture of you right now. You pull it off, though, cutie pie.” She sticks he tongue out at me then there is a knock at the door, must be Dez and Rick. I open it and they walk in. No cowboy getup for them. Really don't think they would be able to pull it off. The closest thing to western Rick is wearing is an unbuttoned button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up with a white tee shirt under it. Dez is still wearing what was earlier but has added a black zip up hoodie. My favorite color.

When Dez gets a look at Cristal I think his jaw dropped to the ground and rolled back up smacking him in the face. I really need to stop watching so many cartoons.

When I said she was wearing a button down shirt I may have forgotten to mention that it’s unbuttoned enough so you can see her cleavage and is tight as hell. She really doesn't wear things that are so revealing, obviously by the look on Dez’s face.

“Where is Check?” I ask Rick referring to his boyfriend, hot as hell boyfriend. Honestly, I really don't know how the three of us got so lucky to have all this eye candy around.

“Oh, he is going to meet up with us there, got stuck at work again.” The guy works too damn much but don't try and tell him that.

“Alright, well I'm ready whenever they are done eye fucking each other,” I whisper to Rick and we let out some snickers catching their attention. Dez clears his throat, snapping out of the trance Cristal’s boobs put him in.

“Let's get going, parking is going to suck.” He huffs walking out the door without us. Rick and I laugh some more and get an evil eye from Cristal.

“What?” I ask innocently.

“You know what.” She scolds us. “What was so funny.” Rick takes that moment to zero in on her boobs. Yes, I know he has a boyfriend but that still doesn't stop him from appreciating a pair of boobs, he does still have that sleazy man jean after all.

“The girls are looking good Cris.” He winks at her, causing her to turn completely crimson, then walks out the door. Cristal looks down at her boobs and seems as if she is just noticing how much they are on display.

“Oh, crap.” She says and buttons up two more buttons. “I got distracted and didn't button it up all the way, I'm so embarrassed.” I chuckle and pat her on the shoulder.

“It's all good, I don't think anyone minded the show.” She smacks my arm and we walk out the door.