Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

“Yeah, it was great to get away and relax,” I tell him. “You and Belinda should go visit that B&B. Would be a nice weekend getaway, and the food around town is really good.”

Dad nods. “That might be an idea. Belinda’s birthday is coming up soon. Might have to plan somethin’ special.”

He slows in front of the gym, and I grab the donuts. “Want one while they’re still warm?”

With a big grin, I open the box.

“I’m about to have breakfast at the deli. Better not tell Belinda,” he says, taking my offer.

“Your secret’s safe with me,” I tell him before getting out of the truck and waving goodbye.

I laugh and walk inside, where Tyler and Gemma are standing at the front counter. They turn and look at me then Gemma sees what I’m holding.

“You spoil me,” she says, moving closer.

“You? These are for Tyler,” I tease.

He chuckles as Gemma smacks my arm.

“Okay, you win,” I say, handing them over.

After opening the box, she looks at me. “Did you get a dozen?”

“Yeah,” I tell her. “Why?”

“They shorted you,” she says. “I might call down there and—”

“I didn’t get shorted. I gave one to Dad.” I shake my head.

She snorts. “I’m blaming my instant rage on hormones.”

“You only got a handful of months left to use that excuse,” I say, taking a donut for myself and looking around at what they’ve accomplished while I was out.

“It looks incredible in here,” I say, moving through the main area.

“Thanks,” Tyler says just as Smith walks through the door. “The grand opening is in four weeks, and we still have a fuckton of things to do.”

“I’m ready,” I say with a grin, and Smith greets me with a nod.

Tyler pats me on the shoulder. “Great. I’ve made a list, but mainly all the equipment that was delivered on Friday needs to be assembled.”

When I turn around, I see the stacks of boxes leaning against the wall. I’m surprised I didn’t notice them when I entered. “Wow.”

“We’re only waiting for a few more things to arrive. Smith, today I’d like you to finish working on the juice bar. Noah, if you can start assembling the equipment, that would be great.”

He hands me a piece of paper. “This is the floor layout showing where each one needs to go.”

A smile hits my lips. “Looks like a good plan.”

“If you have any questions, let me know. I’ll be working on the boxing ring.”

“And I’ll be micromanaging,” Gemma says around a mouthful.

Tyler presses a kiss on her lips and laughs. “While looking as pretty as ever.”

It causes me to chuckle as I move toward the equipment. I’m thrilled to have something to keep me busy. Considering there’s so much, I imagine it’ll take me all week to get everything put together. I move the boxes closer to their final place to make it easier. Some of it is heavy as hell, and I have to ask Smith to help me a few times.

“You been doin’ okay?” he asks after we set down a rack of bench press weights.

“Yeah, feel like my old self again, but it was a struggle not being able to do basic things.”

He nods. “Can’t imagine. Must’ve had an angel lookin’ over you, based on what Gemma said.”

“I did. Grateful to be alive right now,” I admit, knowing just how lucky I was to walk away from that accident.

After everything’s moved, I read the instructions and begin the assembling process. Katie texts me a few times, but we’re both so busy, we can’t talk much. By the time I lift my head, Tyler’s asking me if I’m going on lunch break.

“Yeah, I was thinking about getting a burger and fries. Want me to get you something’?”

“No thanks. I brought leftovers because Gemma will blow a gasket if we waste any food. Do you know how hard it is to cook for just two people? I’ve been eating meatloaf for four days straight.” He lifts a brow and grins. “Married life.”

“Can’t wait,” I say with a laugh reminiscing on how it felt to hold Katie through the night and wake up with her next to me.

Tyler’s expression softens, and he looks down at his cell. “Better get that burger before the lunch rush ruins it.”

“You’re right,” I say, then go and wash the grease from my hands. On the way to the diner, I text my girlfriend.

Noah: What’re you wearing?

Katie: Wish it were you.

Noah: Damn girl, gonna make me stop by that bank for a loan, if you know what I mean.

I fantasize about bending her over her desk and listening to her soft moans as she tries to hold back her screams.

Katie: So…what are your plans tonight?

Noah: Was hoping to devour you.

I enter the diner and order a combo to go. As I wait for it to cook, I step outside and soak up in the warm sunshine.