Free Numb (Senses Series Book 3) by Xavier Neal Page A

that?” Dean asks, his attention now on me.
    I fight the urge to chuckle, and C.J. says, “You’ll learn, Kid, that most people don’t have a cookie cutter life.” His phone rings on the table flashing a picture of an older version of himself. Immediately he ignores it and looks back at Dean. “You’ll also learn you aren’t the only one with a son of a bitch for a father.”
    I know. You’re sitting there with jaw agape, which by the way you can close now. Yeah C.J. has a couple secrets, but don’t we all? What? You really expect me to answer that? Well I won’t. I’m not gonna snitch on him just so you can have all the answers. What kind of fucking friend would I be? Especially with all he’s doing to help me with the Kid. That’s his story to tell. I’m sure he will. One day.
    Opening the file, C.J. points to where he wants me to sign on various forms. As my hand signs the last one I ask, “When’s it official?”
    “Saturday morning we can deliver the paperwork to his father.” C.J. shuts the folder and smirks. “I’m manipulating the system to save your ass, Kid. Don’t fuck this up.”
    Dean nods putting down the piece of pizza that was in his hands. “Kellar, Erin, Luke, Maxx…they’re all good people. Don’t make them regret this.”
    “I won’t.” Dean sighs slamming his back against the booth.
    C.J. looks to me. “And they all agreed?”
    “Everyone but Maxx.”
    “She doesn’t want me living there?” The hurt look on Dean’s face is surprising.
    Kid doesn’t even know her and he wants her approval. See. Just like me.
    “She’ll be cool with it. Just haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet.” My voice mumbles, “About anything.” Reassuring him I lift my water glass. “It’ll all be good. Don’t worry about it, Kid.”
    “So where am I staying ‘til Saturday?” Dean shoves the last piece of pizza in his mouth.
    Where the fuck did the others go?
    C.J. shakes his head. “No. I can pull many strings, but I’m not pulling that one.”
    I really don’t wanna fuck this up by keeping Dean before everything is settled. I wanna do what’s best and right for once in my fucking life, but C.J. and I talked about it. No more staying at the house until he’s legally in my custody. And yeah, that’s what all the fucking documents are about. I’m about to be a daddy. Who would’ve thunk it right? Well…maybe you, but it was probably followed with you sprawled out over my knee waiting for a spanking, huh? If it wasn’t before I bet now it is.
    “I can sleep at the gym, in the back on a cot.”
    “You’re not sleeping on that cot another night this week,” I tell him before pulling out my cell phone. Thumbing through my contacts an idea hits me. “In fact, Kid…I’ve got the perfect place for you.”
    I’m a genius. Wait. Did you just laugh?

Chapter 10
    Maxx
    Erin tosses her head back on a deep laugh. “You so got laid.”
    Tossing a hunk of bread stick at her I insist, “I really did not get laid.”
    “You’re much too happy for someone who’s not getting dick.”
    My best friend everyone…
    “Erin,” I snip at her, seeing the older women at the table behind us looking mortified at what she just said.
    And this is why when I go out to eat with her I try to do it inside at a corner table, far from ears that are going to have a heart attack at her choice of language. It’s not like I don’t say those words. It’s just that I prefer to do it a little more quietly.
    “Eh.” She shrugs and crosses her legs. “If they were getting it on the regular they wouldn’t scrunch up about it.” One of the women scoffs again, and this time Erin ignores her. “So if you riding the pogo stick of pleasure isn’t the reason why you’re smiling than what is?”
    Did she really just say that? Tell me I imagined it.
    “Wow,” I whisper out. “Can’t a girl just be in a good mood?” Her perfectly painted face tilts at me sarcastically. “It’s just been a good