“Probably won’t.” I shrug. “It’s fun watching you chew rocks, though.”
“You deserve to be slapped for that one,” she teases. “So what time are you flying out?”
“Bright and early. Five a.m.,” I tell her, and she gives me a look but doesn’t say anything. I already mentioned to Mason that I’d miss our New Year’s get-together.
She shifts on her feet and lowers her voice. “Is it to see a lady friend?”
I laugh so hard I nearly stop breathing. “It’s not like that at all, but I find it more than hilarious you’d even ask, considering how well you know me.”
Sophie shrugs and shoots me a wink. “I know you don’t kiss and tell, but I thought I’d check, you know, considering my little sister thinks you two are destined to get married someday.”
I suck in a deep breath and exhale slowly. “I’d like to keep my balls intact, thank you very much.”
“Perfect response, because you know I’d rip them off,” she states before leading the way back to the living room. Before I go to my room to pack a bag, Maddie speaks up, stopping me.
“You’re really going out of town again?” She pouts, searching my face.
“I’ll be back in a few days. Not a big deal.” I shrug it off. I’m gone most of the time.
She chews on her bottom lip and narrows her eyes at me. “What are you really up to, Hulk?”
“I should be asking you the same question,” I throw back, but she doesn’t respond and looks at me as if she’s trying to read my mind. Time briefly stands still before I force myself to walk away. Though I slept most of the day, I wanna try to get to bed at a decent time because I have to wake up at two, and I’m still exhausted from the past four days of traveling. At this rate, I won’t be surprised if I fall asleep before the sun sets.
Grabbing a small duffel bag, I put a few pairs of jeans and a few nice shirts inside but not anything too fancy. All I want to do when I get to Vegas is hang out in the casino, let loose, and enjoy my days off. Gambling is a fun way to pass the time and maybe win some money. While I don’t have a problem walking away when I need to, I’ve lost quite a bit, but I’ve also won close to thirty grand in poker tournaments. Winning first place was the moment I realized how lucrative a sport it is, and I’m good enough to beat some of the top players. Tomorrow, there’s a game to qualify to play in the New Year’s Eve tournament, and it’s big money. As soon as I got the invite, I booked a flight even though it was last minute.
After I pack, I go to the gym to pass some time. I work out hard, lifting heavy weights, then find a mat in the back corner and stretch. A smile touches my lips when I think about kicking Maddie’s ass at yoga last month. The shock on her face is something I’ll never forget, along with the satisfaction of her cooking for me. Considering she’s competitive by nature, I knew she’d take the bait. Hook, line, and sinker. Once I’m done, I take a shower, then stop to eat before heading home.
I drive the long way back to give me more time to get my mind straight. During the holidays, fugitives tend to let down their guard and show their faces. I’ve tracked down more than my fair share over the past several weeks, and I can’t complain too much because it’s given me bigger paydays. That, combined with it being my most hated time of the year, has left me in a shit mood.
Once I pull into the driveway, I park, then walk inside. The house smells amazing, and I immediately follow the scent into the kitchen where Maddie and Sophie are baking. Christmas carols are playing from one of their phones, and they’re grinning ear to ear. Just because I’m a scrooge doesn’t mean I want to ruin their time, so I put on a happy face to appease them.
“Whatcha up to?” I ask, snatching a sugar cookie from the cooling rack. It’s still warm when I take a bite.
“It’s Hallmark movie night!” Maddie cheerfully says. “And don’t you dare steal another cookie.”
I reach for another one, and she swats my way while Sophie scolds me. “I told Mason he couldn’t have one, and neither can you. The only way to get any of these cookies is to watch a movie with us. It was a hard no from him.”
“Seriously?” I ask, popping the rest of the warm gooey deliciousness in my mouth.
“He can’t handle it,” Maddie says to Sophie, who’s pouring a large glass of milk.