Charity Case - The Complete Series - Piper Rayne Page 0,94

Diane.”

“Thank you, Diane.” Reed winks at me and then heads into the kitchen.

“That woman might hire a hitman one day,” Pete says and then steps forward into the room, his arm extended. “I’m Pete Keebler.”

Hannah shakes his hand. “Hannah Crowley.”

“Crowley?”

She smiles. “The one and only.”

I’m surprised he doesn’t perch a seat right next to her. Everyone knows the Crowley name in the Chicago area, but Pete steps to the side to shake Chelsea’s hand.

“The cookie elf?” She shakes his hand briefly and then wipes her hand on her slacks.

“Funny,” Pete deadpans.

“I’m glad to be done with those jokes.” I laugh, heading into the kitchen. “Do you want something to drink?”

“Just a water,” Pete says, and I disappear to find Reed and my mom talking at the kitchen table.

“So, you’re not coming back in?” I ask.

He leans back, holding out his hand which I easily accept, and he pulls me to his side.

“Your mom and I have declared this the Pete-free zone.”

I shake my head. “You have to get along with him. He’s Jade’s father.”

“I’ll always be cordial, but it doesn’t mean I have to be in the same room as him.” His hand grips my hip and he pulls me into his lap.

We laugh, and my mom is staring over at us with happiness gleaming from her own eyes.

“I’m not sure I’m cool with the PDA while Jade is in the next room,” Pete’s voice sounds from behind me.

I stay planted on Reed’s lap and lock my arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Oh, yes, because you hiding in a hotel room with your mistress was great for your little girl. It destroyed her parents’ marriage.” My mom stands and leaves the room without another word.

“You’d think I cheated on her.” Pete shakes his head, pointing to the fridge. “Water?”

“Oh yeah, sorry, I got distracted.”

I can’t deny it feels good to see Pete walk on eggshells around my house after I walked on them for years.

“I see.” He heads to the fridge. “Your friend Chelsea should try stand-up.”

Reed and I share a look to say she’s probably nailed him with a few zingers already. With Chelsea, it’s any ex, not necessarily her own. She hates them all.

“She is funny,” I say.

He grabs a water out of the fridge. “Cute cake. Remember when we baked the turtle one that year.”

Reed’s muscles stiffen underneath me.

I’m sure Pete’s remembering the lovemaking on the kitchen floor covered in flour, but I remember him not coming home until ten that night. Me yelling, him screaming and then fighting until we make out. Pete always forgets the bad.

“The pizza should be here soon.” I stand up so when Jade comes out she won’t see me on Reed’s lap.

Pete sits down across from Reed and there’s enough tension in the room you’d think they were mob leaders having a sit-down.

“I gotta know, I mean I know you’re rich, but why choose the DA’s office? You could be a defense lawyer,” Pete asks. “Still trying to act like you’re holier-than-thou?”

“I enjoy putting the bad people away.” Reed spins his own water bottle on the table.

I busy myself getting the paper plates and napkins out. If they’re both going to be a part of our lives, then they have to get along.

“Lucky you’re rich, because the job pays shit.”

Reed stares blankly at him. “Money doesn’t buy everything.”

Pete huffs and leans back in his chair. “It’s funny that you have the whole golden boy act down pat, but you think it’s okay to steal my wife and daughter.”

My hand slaps the counter. “I’m not your wife.”

“Fine, my ex-wife,” Pete counters, but he’s still posing the question to Reed.

“I guess I’m not all that good then.”

I smile at Reed for keeping his composure.

“What if I was here to get her back?” Pete asks.

I freeze and every muscle in my body tightens.

Reed sits up straighter. “Are you?”

“Maybe.” He shrugs.

“Then I’d say you missed your chance. She’s with me now.”

“Hello, the choice is mine.” They each turn their attention to me. “Pete, cut the shit. We’re over and if you’re jealous over Reed it’ll disappear as soon as you’re back in L.A. Reed, you know what we have.”

He smiles.

“Last warning.” I hate that I sound like a mother delivering an ultimatum, but it’s the only way to do this. “Get along because it’s Jade’s birthday and if either one of you ruin her day, you’ll be asked to leave.”

They each glance at one another and then lean back in their