Grace for Drowning

Her brow creased. "Cook?"

"You need something to pour your energy into when you're not at work. Something that makes you happy and reminds you that life is worth living."

"I guess I can do that," she said slowly. "That's all?"

"For now. The most important thing is that you promise to call me if it all gets too much. I meant what I said; one more drink and you're done. And that doesn't just mean at work, that means everywhere. It only takes one slip to wind up right back where you started."

"Okay."

"That's not good enough. I'm putting myself out on a limb here, but I'm not willing to cover for you again, so I want to hear you say that I won't have to."

Her mouth tightened a fraction, and for a few seconds I thought maybe she was going to turtle up again, but eventually she gave a quick nod. "I promise. No more booze."

"Good. You got your phone handy?" She passed it to me. "Here's my number. You can call me any time, day or night, whenever you feel the urge to reach for a bottle."

She gave a wry little shake of her head. "Does this make you my sponsor or something?"

"It makes me your friend," I replied.

Her eyes narrowed a fraction at that. "Righ

t."

She turned to leave, but I called after her. "One more thing, Grace. Eventually, you're going to have to tell me what happened."

I didn't receive an answer.

Chapter Nine

Logan

I wasn't sure she'd actually show up. Following through on a decision like that is easier said than done. But at one o'clock in the afternoon, the gym door opened and in walked Grace. For a few seconds, all I could do was stare like an asshole. Women's workout clothes are a perfect example of how you don't have to show a lot of skin to be knockout sexy. I usually only saw her in the Charlie's shirt and jeans, and while that always made her look good, this was something else entirely. Between the three quarter black tights and the form fitting red tank top, every gorgeous inch of her was on display. I don't think I'd have gotten a better idea how perfect her body was if she was naked. My mind was already peeling those layers away, relishing the sight of her, those spectacular tits, that tight little ass. I felt a hunger growing in me that shot straight between my legs.

Tony clicked his fingers next to my head. "Earth to Logan. Earth to Logan. This is ground control, do you copy?"

Jesus Christ, pull yourself together.

"Sorry," I said, giving the bag he was holding a few more cursory punches. "I need a minute."

He chewed his cheek for a few seconds. "Alright, but just one. Don't want your muscles coolin' down."

I nodded and walked toward Grace. "You made it."

She flashed an embarrassed little smile. "Only just. I nearly talked myself out of it about a hundred times."

"But you didn't."

"I guess not," she said with a shrug. In one hand she held a plastic bag, which she offered to me. "These are for you."

Inside was a clear container stacked high with cookies. "Oh wow, you didn't have to do this."

She shrugged. "You told me to get back in the kitchen, so I did. It actually felt really good to be back there. Besides, I wanted to make you something. Consider it a peace offering." She drew a purposeful breath. "I do appreciate what you're trying to do, Logan. I'm still not sure I understand it, but I appreciate it."

"Well I appreciate these." I glanced over my shoulder. "Just don't tell Tony or he'll have my balls. A big box of carbs doesn't really fit the training diet."

"What if I told you I packed them full of canned tuna?"

I laughed. "Disgusting, but that might do the trick."