Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
ANGELO
I can't stop smiling. This morning was the second time I got to wake up with Gracie in my bed.
Although, like the first morning, she snuck out before the kids woke up.
Thankfully without getting caught this time.
Before I left the house for work, I did make her promise me that we would tell the kids about us sooner rather than later.
The last thing I want is for our relationship to be a secret from my girls.
"Is my sister the reason you have that goofy look on your face?" Annie asks the second she sees me enter the pub.
"And if it is?" I challenge back with an even bigger smile.
"Then I'm happy. My sister deserves something great after her relationship with Jeremy."
"Speaking of. Do you think now that she changed her number, he’ll leave her alone?"
There should be no way for him to contact her now that she has a new phone number, but no man wants to easily let go of a woman like Gracie.
"Do you want my honest opinion or the sunshine-and-roses one?"
I snicker at the question. "Honest, please."
Annie sighs. "I think he's going to figure out where she is and come for her."
Her answer is not at all what I want to hear, and it makes me want to rush home and protect Gracie from a threat we don't even know exists yet.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because Jeremy doesn't like to lose. And as far as he's concerned, Gracie being the one to walk away means he lost."
I don't like the way that sounds for even a second, but Gracie’s assured me Jeremy doesn't know where she is. Because if he did, he wouldn't be just sending her texts demanding her attention. He would be trying to get it in person.
So instead of dwelling on the subject for longer than necessary, I change it. "Have you thought of a name for this place?"
We’re still about a month or so out from it being ready, but most of the remaining work is cosmetic.
The bones of the building are in great shape and it shouldn't take long for it to get up and running.
Especially now that my crew can work on it full-time without being pulled between two major jobsites.
"Sassy's Pub," she announces proudly. "Where your beer is served with sarcasm."
I toss my head back and laugh at how fitting the name is. When I can finally speak again after a few fitful moments of laughter, I ask, "You're going to steal your sister from me, aren't you?"
"I might," she tells me with a wink. "She would certainly fit in well."
That she would. Her shirts alone would be a hit with the patrons, but put an attitude with it, and she would be a dynamite bartender for a place like this.
"I have a feeling Sassy's Pub is going to fit in great with the townsfolk."
"You think so?" Annie’s eyes cast down and suddenly she doesn't look so sure. "I'm not a local. I'm an outsider coming in and bringing something that’s never been in the town before. Don't you think that might stir up some feelings?"
I'm quick to reassure her. "We never had a security company either, and look how well that was received, and continues to succeed."
Annie doesn't look convinced when she answers. "They’re a hit because the men are sexy."
I raise my brow at her knowing that one of those men is her brother.
"I'm well aware of how good looking my brother is. He's aged like fine wine, which is annoying as hell when you have single friends who like to remind you just how sexy he is. I'm kinda glad he's finally off the market. Now I don't need to listen to it as much."
I'm not sure Owen no longer being single is going to help how people perceive him, but what do I know. I don't even pretend to understand the inner workings of the female mind. I didn't when I was married, and I sure as hell don't now that Gracie is in my life.
Speaking of Gracie. My phone rings and I take it out of my pocket to see her calling. A smile forms on my face as I answer, but it doesn't stay long.
"Ang, you need to come home." Gracie's panicked tone puts me on edge. "Quickly."
"What's wrong? Is Everly okay?"
"She's fine. Everyone is fine. I just need you to come home as soon as possible."
"I'll be right there." I turn on my heel as I hang up the phone. Then I yell over my shoulder to Annie, "Go grab your brother and meet me at my house."
I take off at a dead run. Nothing will stop me from getting to those who mean the world to me.