The only white I’d ever worn were white undershirts and dress shirts. This is the one time my wife will see me wearing this much white.
“Reacher, stay with Serenity. I’m going to the cigar counter.”
He nods.
“Snacks here I come,” Serenity sing songs.
I shake my head as I make my way to the tobacco section. “Abe, let me know if my wife makes her way over here.”
“Yes, boss.” He stands with his hands in front of him. His eyes move around the store, taking in the patrons.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I unlock it, and tap the contact on the screen.
The phone rings a few times.
“Calling pretty late, aren’t you, Nico?”
“Yes,” I reply, glancing over my shoulder.
“I’m sorry about that,” I say.
“Grandson, don’t make this a habit,” my grandfather says in the background.
“I won’t, sir.”
My wife went to the bathroom in the middle of the night and called our son. Yes, I make my wife happy, but being away from Madden is tearing her up inside.
“How are things going?” I ask.
I have to talk in code in case Serenity sneaks up on me.
“He’s misbehaving more than usual. He needs more face time with Serenity.”
I blow out a breath. “I understand.”
“And with you,” she adds.
A warmth like no other explodes in my chest.
“I’ll make sure to handle business every day during normal business hours. Hopefully, the FaceTime from each of us will help.”
“I know it will.” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“Good night, Nico.”
Serenity comes into view, snacks overflowing in her arms.
“Good night to you both,” I mutter.
She dumps her treasures on the counter. “Look at all my goodies.”
My hand clasps the back of her neck, and I kiss her temple. “I see.”
“Who were you talking to?” She ask.
My heart races in my chest. This is new. Serenity hadn’t asked who I spoke to on the phone in the past. Probably because I made it a point not to take calls. I gave her my undivided attention since I didn’t have that much time with her.
“Just because we’re on our honeymoon doesn’t mean business stops at home. I was talking to one of my bodyguards, Devlin,” I lie.
