“I heard that,” I say in a singsong voice.
When the men smile at each other, it warms my heart to see the affection Raul truly has for Tacker and vice versa.
When Tacker and I reach the hall and I pull the door shut behind me, I’m shocked to find him laying a hard kiss on me. While I can understand him wanting some privacy from Raul to kiss me, he doesn’t seem to mind that the nurses’ station is right behind us.
“Mmm, you taste good,” he murmurs when his lips leave mine.
My whole body wants to melt into his. We haven’t been together in an intimate way since Raul collapsed, and exchanging sentiments of love and devotion only makes me want this man more.
“But that’s not really what I wanted to do out here,” he continues.
“What did you want to do?” I ask curiously.
“I wanted to give you this,” he replies, then pulls something out of his back pocket.
I take it from him, unfold it, and realize it’s a certified check.
Made out to Shërim Ranch for twenty thousand dollars.
My eyes snap to his. “What’s this for?”
“It’s to help you and Raul out for the short term. All the guys on the team chipped in money. If you need to hire someone to help out for a bit, or Raul needs anything… it’s basically to help however necessary. Bishop organized it.”
As I stare at the paper, my heart fills to near bursting over not just the generosity of Tacker’s teammates, but also over the fact they even thought to do something for us.
“And whatever else you need past that,” Tacker continues, moving in a little closer to me. He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “You come to me for it. I’ve got you covered until Raul and the ranch can get back on its feet, so to speak.”
“You don’t have—”
“I’ve got you covered, Nora.” His expression is fierce, determined. He’s not to be argued with. “Whatever you need. Financial help. Emotional support. Dozens of orgasms to help you relax… you come to me.”
“Got it,” I reply, a dopey smile on my face.
“Especially the part about orgasms,” he says with a mock glare.
“Only you for that,” I agree with a sharp nod.
“For any of it,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “I love you. I’ve got your back. You don’t have to face anything alone.”
“I love you, too,” I say, going to my tiptoes to kiss him again. “And I’m so thankful you’re in my life.”
“Here to stay,” he says before bringing his lips to my forehead for a sweet kiss of affirmation. “Except now… I have to go.”
Tacker takes a step back, lets his eyes roam over my face, and decides to come back in for one more kiss. It’s a good one, too.
Then he’s backing away, this time for good. Pivoting on his heel, he saunters down the hallway like he doesn’t have a care in the world, despite having a particularly important game tonight. He walks like a man so fucking happy with his life, and that is all I ever want for him.
“Girl,” someone drawls, and I glance over at the nurses’ station to see three hanging on the counter. Two stare after Tacker and one is looking right at me. “You are one lucky woman!”
I glance at my man, completely oblivious to being ogled, and then grin at the nurses. “Don’t I know it.”