Chapter Twenty-Seven
NOAH
I wouldn’t have been opposed to staying another week tangled in the sheets with Katie at the B&B. I’m pretty sure I’ve had a permanent smile on my face since we got home yesterday afternoon. The morning comes quickly, and I’m looking forward to going to work.
Instead of taking Dad’s truck today, he offered to drop me off because he had a few errands to run. On the way to town, we stop and grab a dozen donuts, then make our way to the gym.
“Did ya have a good weekend?” Dad asks as the brick building comes into view.
“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 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.
She opens the box. “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.”
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, and Smith nods.
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, 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.”
“Sounds 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.”
“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 Katie.
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.
Katie
That sounds like a solid plan. Owen was asking when he’d get to see you again, so I was wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner?
Noah
Honestly, I’d love that.
Katie
Good! He’ll be really excited about this.
The thought warms my heart. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss seeing him. Though they visited a lot while I was taking it easy, I’ve already grown attached to him. There’s an internal desire to protect him and Katie from the world because I’ve seen how ugly it can be.
Noah
Great! I’ll pick up a cake for dessert. And ice cream. Maybe we can watch a movie after dinner? I did promise to watch the first Avengers with him.
Katie
As long as he’s in bed by 9pm at the latest.
Noah
Deal. It’s a date!
After I’m given my food and pay, I walk back to the gym.
I quickly eat, then spend the rest of the afternoon bolting things together.
By the time my shift ends, my muscles are sore, but it feels good.
Dad picks me up on time, and I ask him to take me by the bakery and the grocery store on the way home.
I run in and grab a half-gallon of vanilla Blue Bell ice cream, then we go to the bakery.
It’s almost closing time, but Jackie still greets me with a smile.
“What’s the special occasion?” Dad asks when I return with a big ass chocolate cake.
“Owen invited me over for dinner,” I proudly tell him as we make our way home.
“You can use the truck tonight. Belinda’s gonna come over when her shift ends, so I don’t need it.”
I thank him, and soon, we’re pulling into the driveway. I put the ice cream in the freezer, then jump in the shower to wash off the day. Once Katie texts me that she’s picked up Owen, I get dressed and make my way over.
“Noah!” Owen’s face lights up the moment he sees me.
“Hey! How’s it goin’?” I ask, and he fills me in on his schoolwork, basketball, and how he wants a dog as Katie cooks.
“A dog?” I ask, and Katie shakes her head.
“We’re not getting a dog yet. Maybe when we move into the house.”
Owen pouts. “That’s never gonna happen.”
Katie nearly pins him to his chair with her glare. “It will happen.”
“Bud, it’s gonna happen,” I assure with a grin. “Maybe by the end of the year,” I tell him.
Katie’s mouth curves up into a smile. “That would be a miracle.”
“It could happen,” I say, wanting to wrap my arms around her waist and kiss the softness of her neck as she stirs the noodles.
Owen grabs my attention. “Mom said we could watch Avengers after dinner!”
“I know! I’m excited to see it with you and even brought cake and ice cream,” I say, setting everything on the counter.
Soon Katie’s piling plates full of spaghetti and passes around garlic bread that’s fresh out of the oven. My stomach growls and I nearly inhale it as we chat about the chaotic day we’ve had.
“So work went okay?” Katie asks.
“Yeah, it was great. My muscles ache from lifting all the weights, but I’m happy to be back. We have four weeks until the grand opening. It's gonna fly by.”
“Yeah, it will,” she tells me. “I’m sure they’re glad to have you back.”
“Oh yeah, Tyler was thrilled with how much I was able to do.”
“That’s amazing,” she says just as we finish eating. Once the three of us are done, I grab our plates and rinse them off.
“Do y’all want dessert now or after we start the movie?” Katie asks Owen, then glances at me.
“Now!” Owen exclaims, and I laugh.
“He’s the boss,” I say as she passes me and slides her hand across my lower back. As she stands next to me, my body instantly aches for her.
“Please cut mine small. Might have to roll me outta here after that amazing meal,” I admit.
“I’m feeling the same way,” she tells me with a laugh.
Katie serves the ice cream and cake, and we make our way to the living room.
As we start the movie, Owen sits on one side of me and Katie’s on the other.
At this moment, with them both so close, I feel a deep sense of family.
I already know I want to spend forever with them.
As I think about our future, I wrap my arm around Katie, brushing my fingertips along her skin.
She leans into me, and I hold her close.
When the credits roll, Owen yawns, and Katie tells him it’s time for bed. He doesn’t argue, but he gives me a tight hug before he goes to his room.
“Thank you for coming,” he says as he squeezes me. I hug him back.
“Anytime.”
“Tomorrow then?” He raises his eyebrows, but before I can answer, Katie interrupts.
“Come on, Owen. Bedtime.”.
After he’s tucked in, she meets me on the couch. I can see how tired she is, but it doesn’t stop her from leaning over and kissing me.
“Baby,” I whisper against her mouth. “I’d join y’all for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week if that’s what you wanted.”
“I know,” she admits. “He’s getting attached, and I don’t want you to feel obligated.”
I run my hand under her T-shirt and touch the softness of her stomach. “I’m already attached to you both. There’s nothing you can do about it.”
A blush hits her cheeks, and our mouths crash together. “I need to taste you.”