“Hold my hand,” she whispered. “I want to know you’re here.”
“I’m always here,” Leo said. “Even when I fuck up, I’ll never abandon you.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she teased. When Leo didn’t laugh, she said, “Too soon?”
“Yeah,” he said, taking her hand. “I’m sorry I let you down.”
“I didn’t mean it, Leo,” she chastised. “Everything’s fine. Let’s be grateful. We’ll get to the other stuff later.”
“Deal,” he said, kissing her forehead.
Leo held her hand until she drifted off to sleep. He texted his team.
Kit Kat faintedin her office. She’s on bed rest until Monday. I’ll be at home. I need a grocery run, a schedule for the kids, and someone to bring dinner from Ty’s.
A minute later,Taco replied.
Aunt Tess and Uncle Taco will take the kids to the museum on Saturday, and we can have a sleepover.
I’ll pick up dinner from Ty’s. Saint answered.
Send us the list. Ragu ordered.
We’ll take the kids tomorrow. Whiskey volunteered.
Claire and I will provide dinner. Patch texted.
Gabby and I will take Friday. Knight confirmed.
We've got you covered on Sunday. Cole responded for him and Stormy.
Ty will have the soup ready by the time Saint gets there. He’s making extra and packing up some food and snacks for you. Let us know if you need anything else. Sparky informed him.
I’ll bring something on Saturday. Liam typed.
Leo smiled. He built this team from scratch and felt proud of every one of them. They had his six, and Leo knew they’d never let him down.
CHAPTER 16
Liam grilledthe chicken and vegetables while Addy made some lemonade and worked on dessert. They spent a lovely afternoon together, starting with lunch at Ty’s. Then, they made their way over to Jake’s house to visit Zeus. The dog seemed happy and on the mend, which lightened Addy’s mood considerably. By the time they reached the grocery store, the woman he had known intimately the night before made an appearance. She held his hand, leaned on him, and they picked up groceries based on what they both liked to eat. Every decision seemed like an indication of her momentary guilt faded into the background.
Never wanting her to push Sam out of her memories, he only wanted a shot at making her happy. They enjoyed the same things, and the more Addy came out of her shell, the harder he fell for her.
“I finished dessert,” she announced, coming outside to join him at the grill. Handing him a glass of lemonade, she sat on the wooden bench while he sipped the cool beverage.
“This hit the spot,” he said, setting it on the grill tray.
“The food smells amazing. I’m glad you’re getting use of the grill. I never got the hang of it. One time, I went to make burgerson it and caught the side of the house on fire,” she confessed with a chuckle.
“Come here, and I’ll show you the trick to keeping the flame even,” he beckoned. Liam waited until she set her drink on the bench and approached. Her poor finger went to her mouth as she chewed on the jagged nail.
“Really, I’m not good at this,” she said with trepidation in her voice.
“It’s why practicing with someone who is, works out perfectly,” he said, taking her finger from her mouth and sucking on it. “It seems you have a nasty habit I need to break. Why do you bite them?”
Shrugging, Addy watched as he opened the grill lid. “I’ve always done it. I guess it’s a nervous response.”
“Maybe I will show you another way to relieve your anxiety,” he teased, glancing down at her.
