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“And that’s an automatic invitation to jump me?” he taunts, flashing a smoldering grin. “I mean, I’m not complaining, but it definitely wasn’t one-sided.”
Rolling my eyes, I push past him and walk toward the kitchen. “Yeah, yeah. You blame my hormones, but you’re all over me all the time.”
“Is that a bad thing?” He arches a brow when I glance over my shoulder. “You definitely weren’t mad about it last night, or the night before that, or the night before that, or the night…”
“Stop!” I burst out laughing, and he comes around the island, wrapping me up in his arms. “I get it. Over a year later and we’re still hot for each other.”
“Insatiable,” he adds.
“Do you think that’ll change once the baby’s born?”
“Only for the first six weeks. Then I’ll go back to trying to knock you up again.”
“Oh my God, no you’re not! I’m not taking care of two babies under the age of two.”
“Why not? I bet we make adorable kids. Hell, let’s have ten.”
I groan, pushing back so I can start the coffee maker. “You’re insane. Let’s get through one pregnancy before you start renting my uterus out for nine more.” I grab a mug, then the creamer from the fridge. “Plus, with us remodeling the gym and planning the re-opening, I don’t know that we should be biting off more than we can chew. I’ll already be juggling a newborn by the time it’s open plus all the paperwork and office stuff. I’ll be lucky if I don’t go crazy.”
“Gemma, I already know you’re gonna be an amazing mom. Stop worrying.” Tyler cups my cheeks and brings our mouths together. His tongue swipes along my bottom lip, and I hum at the sweet gesture.
This past year, he really reminded mewhyI love him so much. After moving in together, we got to know each other on a deeper level. Even after all this time, he still cooks me breakfast every morning. We spend our lunch breaks together, and soon, we’ll see each other throughout the day even more. He’s worked so hard to save money and between the two of us, we were able to get a business loan to buy the old gym downtown. The owner, Sam, was finally ready to sell it, and after Dad started dating Belinda six months ago, he’s ready to retire early. He claims it’s because he wants more time to spend with Noah once he’s out, but we all know the truth. It’s his first girlfriend in over twenty years. I’m happy for him, even if it’s still a little weird for me.
The plan is to gut it from top to bottom and replace all the old equipment and put in a boxing ring. Tyler’s already told Noah he’d hire him to help rebuild the place and work on whatever we need him to. Noah’s excited for the project since it’ll keep him busy and give him the opportunity to make money. My brother’s always been good with fixing things, like our dad, and with the shop closed, he’ll need the work.
Katie got that promotion at the bank she was hoping for and finally bought a fixer-upper. Though Noah could help her remodel, she’s too damn stubborn to ask for help. She thinks she’s going to be able to tear out walls and fix the plumbing by watching YouTube tutorials.
I have faith in my best friend but notthatmuch. I’m hoping to convince her to at least give him a chance, but ever since we got Noah’s official release date, she’s been in a weird mood.
“You really think we’ll get the whole place gutted and ready to open by midsummer?” I ask as Tyler drives us downtown. “That only gives us four to five months.”
He reaches over and squeezes my hand. “It’s my full-time job now, baby. I’ll be there every day doing shit and working with the contractors to make sure it’s finished on time.”
“You have no idea how happy I am that you’re gonna let Noah help. It will ease him back so much smoother.”
“I have no doubt he’ll be a hard worker. After seeing how he’s bulked up, he’ll probably run circles around the other guys.” He chuckles, but it’s true. Noah will be the most eager out of them to prove himself and do a good job.
Tyler parks in front of the gym, and when he looks at me, I can’t stop the smile from forming on my face. “I can’t believe, by this time tomorrow, we’ll be picking him up from prison.”
“Been a long time comin’,” he confirms, and I nod.
“Then let’s get this meeting over with so you can triple-check your dad’s house is ready for his arrival like I know you’re dying to.”
“Hey!” I squeal. “I just want it to be perfect.”
“Babe, he’s been sharing a tiny ass cell for the past decade. He’ll appreciate a nice warm bed and privacy more than you know.”
I frown because he’s right. I can’t even imagine the conditions Tyler and Noah have experienced.
“We should at least grab a few pies for dinner tomorrow night. He’s probably dying for homemade desserts.”
“I’m sure he’d love that.” Tyler places a kiss on my knuckles. “Now, Club Blackwood is waiting for us.”
I snort at the name, shaking my head, but this is his pride and joy, so I let him name it whatever he wanted. He plans to add a juice bar, a boxing arena, and a couple of private studio rooms for training and classes. He has so many great ideas, and I can’t wait to watch him fulfill his dream.
TYLER
I watch as Gemma changes out of another dress and rummages through her closet yet again. She’s a nervous wreck, and nothing I say has been able to calm her. Walking up behind her, I squeeze her shoulders, trying to release the tension.
