When we walked into the club the next morning, it was without the reservations that had plagued me in previous months. Though nervous about the fuss they would inevitably make, I was looking forward to seeing my friends.
Sophie and Axel had stopped by the previous day. She’d tried hard not to fuss over me but had failed in near spectacular fashion. I loved my friend but by the time they’d left I’d been ready to pass out from exhaustion.
I felt better today, stronger. My neck still looked awful—the bruises had turned an ugly yellow and green—but the pain had decreased.
I’d take whatever wins I could.
Cal held Mason in his arms, his hand in mine as we walked into the main room where a majority of the guys were gathered. Aside from Ettie, who came to wrap me in a quick hug, I assumed most of the girls were out back.
“Prez,” Mack greeted with a chin lift before his eyes turned to me. “Hi, Jill.”
“Hi,” I replied.
Cal handed Mason over. “Gonna meet for a while, baby. You got what you need?”
I nodded, shocked when he dropped a soft kiss on my lips. I was still getting used to him kissing me at all, much less in front of other people.
“Come on, Jilly,” Ettie coaxed.
I nodded, following her.
All the girls sat at the table out back in various stages of sipping coffee or caring for a child.
“We’re gonna try really hard not to bum-rush you,” Connie announced in greeting.
I laughed. “I appreciate that.” I set Mason in the Pack ’n Play they had set up, hoping he’d be willing to stay in there. There were enough toys to occupy him for a few minutes at least.
“Coffee?” Piper offered, before handing over a cup.
I accepted it gratefully before cocking a brow at the table at large. “Your restraint is impressive.”
“We practiced,” Scarlet deadpanned.
“Don’t hurt yourselves,” I quipped.
“Are you okay?” Kat asked, concern evident in her blue eyes.
“I’m okay.” I nodded. “The pain is way better today. It looks worse than it feels,” I assured them. “What do you think they’re meeting about?” I asked, craning my head toward the club.
“Probably how they’re going to hunt down your ex,” Scarlet replied as she nursed baby Tatum.
I bit my lip and nodded. I’d assumed as much.
“Cal must be so pissed,” Sophie muttered.
“He’s not thrilled,” I replied dryly. “He’s doing a good job of keeping a handle on it though. He’s been great.”
“Great, huh?” Connie giggled, wagging her eyebrows suggestively.
“Wow, you guys lasted all of five minutes without any sexual innuendo. I think it’s a new record,” I replied sarcastically.
Laughter erupted around the table.
“He’s taking things slow with me,” I added, serious now. “Maybe a bit too slow,” I complained. After that scorching kiss, I was hungry for more.
“Well, you might have to make the first move, babe,” Piper suggested. “After everything you’ve been through, I’m sure he’s just being cautious. You might have to set the pace.”
I hadn’t thought of that. I’d never made the first move before. The prospect was daunting, but I was revved up enough to go for it.
