“I know.” Holly flicked her eyes to the ceiling. “That jerk.”
Holly saw Ripley and Twitch slowly inch their way toward Waffles out of the corner of her eye. She knew exactly what was coming next. “Don’t even think about it you two.” Holly pointed at Ripley and Twitch who were seconds from pouncing. “For once in his life, he isn’t being a butthole. Let’s keep it like that.”
Ripley watched Holly for a few moments before glancing back at Waffles. She saw the exact moment in Ripley’s brain when she’d made her choice.
In less than a second, Ripley pulled back before jumping onto her brother with all her might. Followed by little Twitch doing the same.
“Dang it!”
Their attack scared Waffles so bad, he farted as his life flashed before his eyes.
“Eww, Waffles, that’s gross.” Jimmy laughed, as he waved his hands through the air.
Waffles turned to Holly like she was the one that’d betrayed him. “Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t jump on you. Your sister and Twitch did.”
Waffles darted his scowl toward Ripley, who was now playing with Twitch in the discarded wrapping paper that was once Waffles’ bed.
Oh, for fuck’s sake.
“Here it comes.” Holly let out a heavy sigh.
Waffles backed up, shaking his butt from side to side ready to make his move. Just as he was about to jump, Ben walked back into the room. “They got you fair and square, Waffles.”
Instead of going after his sister, Waffles snapped his eyes to Ben.
“I’m sure you’ll get her back eventually.”
Waffles grunted loudly before sulking his butt out of the room.
“How long do you think he’ll play the victim?” Ben asked, as the corner of his lips turned up into a smile.
Jimmy jumped to his feet. “Until we start cooking!”
“You’re probably right.” Holly watched as Waffles turned back one more time giving everyone an evil look before stomping away.
“I know I’m right,” Jimmy giggled watching Waffles leave. “I know my dog.”
That he did.
Holly laughed while jerking her head toward the direction Waffles went. “Go give him some pity scratches and get dressed. You and Dad need to get Grandpa before everyone starts arriving.”
“Isn’t he gonna know I’m only doing it ‘cause he walked away upset and in a mood?”
“When is Waffles not in a mood?” Holly quirked her brow at him.
“True!” Jimmy chuckled. “Waffles, I’m coming! And you’re the biggest scariest dog the whole world has ever seen.” With that, Jimmy took off out of the room.
Holly eyed her husband, a small smile on her face as she shook her head. “At least we aren’t the only ones having to deal with his highness anymore.”
“Jimmy does make it easier in that department. Doesn’t he?” Ben plopped onto the couch pulling Holly into his arms.
As he kissed the top of her head, she snuggled into his side. “We did good, Ben.”
“That we did.”
He tightened his grip around her shoulders as a wicked smile appeared on Holly’s face. “Now, when do I start the potatoes?”
“Fuck!”
Chapter Thirteen
“Don’t cut yourself, Grace.” Ben eyed Holly with a warning. “I don’t want to go to the ER today.” As he studied her up and down, a smile appeared across his face. “Although, they can always check out your ankle while they are at it.”
“I don’t want to go to the ER today,” Holly mocked, glaring at him. “I’m not gonna cut myself. And for your information, my ankle is fine. See, I’m standing on it, aren’t I?” She bounced a few times.
“For now.” He laughed, giving her a look. “The moment I unwrap it, who knows what will happen.”
Holly growled. “You aren’t taking this away from me, Ben.” She pointed the knife in his direction, causing him to hold up his hands in surrender.
“Down, killer.”
Before Holly could reply, John walked around the corner into the kitchen carrying the red remote-controlled car he’d ripped open when he’d arrived. “Why does she have a knife?” He fell backward, hitting the wall dropping his toy on the ground. “Oh God, I thought you said she wasn’t cooking?” John’s eyes quickly shot to Ben. “Did you lie to me?”
“I—"
“Are you trying to kill us?” John interrupted, in a panic turning his angry glare back on Holly.
“Who’s killing who?” Emma asked, walking into the kitchen. She and her Great Dane, Bruce, arrived shortly after John did.
“Holly’s cooking,” John answered, not taking his eyes off Emma as he eyed her up and down.
Ben couldn’t help but laugh. Every time Emma walked into the room, John was glued to her. Hell, he didn’t know how the guy managed to walk around the house without running into something.
“For real?” Emma shot her eyes to Ben. “I hate, and trust me I hate to agree with John but he has a point here.” She cautiously glanced at Holly who was now pointing the knife at her.
“Some best friend you are,” Holly snapped. “All of you can kiss my ass. Ben promised me I could make the mashed potatoes and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”
When John was finally able to tear his eyes away from Emma, he shot a death glare at Ben. “You’re an idiot.”
“Do not call my husband an idiot.” Holly turned the knife toward John. “He trusts me.”
John’s brows shot up as he stared at his best friend, who shrugged. “I grabbed an extra first aid kit at the store and some supplies from the clinic yesterday.”
John instantly flung his hands up. “This is gonna be a disaster,” he groaned before turning to Emma. “What did you bring, so I know what’s safe to eat?”
At his question, Emma’s whole face brightened with pride as she stood taller. “Broccoli casserole and green bean casserole.”
“Vegetables, blah.” John shuddered. “It’ll have to do, though, or…” He glanced at Emma again as his eyes twinkled. “Wanna go out to eat?”
“Don’t you dare.” Holly waved the knife around through the air, causing Ben’s heart to drop. Oh shit, this was a bad idea. A very bad idea…
“Maybe it’ll be okay?” Emma shrugged, forcing a smile on her face as she anxiously glanced around the room.
“You remember Thanksgiving.” John’s eyebrow quirked up.
“Again, he has a point.” Emma’s eyes moved to the burn marks on the walls. Apologetically she shifted back to Holly, her eyes darting from the spot back to her best friend once more.
“She’s just making the potatoes,” Ben interjected. “Everything else I’m making.”
John narrowed his eyes at him. “I’ve heard that one before.”
“She’s only doing the potatoes, I promise.” And if Ben were lucky, he’d somehow get Emma to make them and get that freaking knife away from Holly.
Ben reached for his pocket, checking to make sure his phone was there just in case. You never knew when you’d need to dial nine-one-one when Holly was involved.