Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

Tyler flashes him an apologetic look before Eric goes outside.

“Alright, Smith has the list of tasks that need to be done today so we stay on track for the grand opening in three weeks,” Tyler tells me.

“I’m on it, boss,” I say, then give Gemma a hug. “Don’t be mad, sis.”

“Don’t give me a reason to be then,” she snaps.

Tyler mouths, “Hormones,” while shaking his head, and I snicker before walking away.

The workday goes smoothly, and Eric’s right, I barely noticed him. He walked around, making a note of the emergency exits, then he checked the alley and the other stores on the block. Since the gym is near downtown, several taller buildings would give a hit man a perfect bird’s-eye view of the area. Eric came prepared, though, and won’t hesitate to shoot this guy if the time comes.

“Ready?” I ask Eric once I say goodbye to everyone.

“Yep. Secured the perimeter and the whole damn block. Now I just need this guy to show up so I can—”

“Arm wrestle him,” Tyler quickly interjects.

Gemma scowls. “I’m not an idiot. I know exactly what Eric’s planning.”

“G’night, sis.” I give her a side hug.

“Be careful. I mean it,” she orders, squeezing me in return.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep him out of trouble.” Eric winks.

Once we’re at the house, I take a shower and get dressed.

“I’m gonna have dinner at Katie’s tonight. You’re more than welcome to come eat with us, or you can grab something on your own if you’d rather.”

“Nah, I ate only a couple of hours ago while I was at the deli. I’ll drive you there and stake out from the car just in case there’s any suspicious activity. Forgot to mention earlier that I’m running a background check on Brittany and Loretta. I also have a friend in Vegas who’s digging into their financials and cell phone history.”

I raise a brow, shocked he’s able to do all that. Instead of asking questions and getting answers I don’t want to know, I change the subject. “Alright, well, text me if you get hungry. I can bring you some leftovers.”

Eric smirks, patting my shoulder. “Not my first rodeo, Noah. I’ll be fine. I’ll text you if I see or need anything.”

Before we leave, Eric walks around the house, then lets me know it’s safe to come to the car. The drive over is uneventful, and admittedly, I do feel safer with Eric close by. As soon as Katie answers the door, I pull her in for a hug, and her body molds to mine.

“Hey, baby. I’ve missed you.” I press my lips to hers. We’ve texted and talked on the phone all weekend, but I haven’t seen her in person since last week.

“I missed you more,” she whispers, moaning against my mouth.

“Noah!” Owen’s voice breaks us apart, and we realize we almost lost control.

“Hey, bud. How’s it goin’?” We bump fists, and he smiles.

“Good. Did you see another Star Wars movie was released on Disney Plus?”

We all walk to the kitchen, and I inhale the smell of Katie’s food.

“No, I didn’t. Guess we’ll have to watch it this weekend.” I grab the plates from the cabinet and set the table as Katie takes the casserole from the oven.

“Yes!” Owen cheers. “I’ll make sure we’re stocked up on popcorn.”

“Alright, time to eat,” Katie announces. “Owen, grab the silverware please.”

“I’ll get some glasses,” I say.

Once we’re seated, we dive in. Owen does most of the talking while Katie and I sneak glances at each other. As much as I enjoy hanging out with him, I’m dying to be alone with my girl before I have to leave. Though I’d much rather sleep over, it’s best if Eric and I are in the same space.

“But Mom, I’m not even tired,” Owen whines around a yawn.

“Oh really?” she muses, then reminds him to go brush his teeth.

Once he’s tucked in for the night, I help Katie pick up around the house and wipe down the counters.

As she rinses the dishes, I wrap my arms around her from behind and nuzzle my face into the softness of her neck.

“You know what sounds really good right now?” I whisper in her ear.

“A hot shower, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, and binge-watching Netflix?”

I chuckle. “I could get on board with that. Perhaps we should start with the first and go from there?”

Katie dries her hands before turning and wrapping her arms around my waist. “I know exactly where it’d go.”

The corner of my lips tilts up. “Only if you seduced me.”

She giggles, tilting her head so I can capture her mouth. “Hmm…might be a good chance of that happening.” She lowers her hand to my erection. “Though, I think you’ve made my job easy.”

“Mmm…don’t tease me, woman. I’ve been dreaming of your mouth on me for days.”

“Take me to the shower, and perhaps I can help make that a reality.” Katie smirks, and I immediately lift her and walk us to the bathroom, where she most definitely helps me out.