I tilt my head and try to read her. Loretta’s a tough cookie and is always vocal about her feelings, so this is strange.
“What is it? Anything I can do?”
“No, dear. We’re handling it, and it’ll be over with soon.” She nervously smiles just as Missy calls her forward.
“Loretta, your withdrawal is ready. Sorry it took a few extra minutes.”
My eyes widen at the hundreds stacked on the counter. Then I notice the duffel bag Loretta’s carrying.
“You and Elliot goin’ on a gambling trip?” I tease.
She brushes me off with a laugh as she places the cash in her bag, then walks toward the exit.
“Bye, sweetie. See you tomorrow,” she says, and I wave.
I go to Missy and ask to see the withdrawal slip. It’s none of my business, but something fishy is going on, and it could affect my son.
“She’s never taken out that much at once,” Missy says quietly as she hands it to me.
“Twenty grand?” I whisper-hiss.
Missy shrugs.
Something isdefinitelygoing on.
I don’t have time to think about it because I need to leave for the gym. It’s a short ten-minute walk, and when I enter, a beaming Gemma hugs me as tightly as her preggo belly allows.
“Just on time!”
“Well…I was promised pizza, so…” I tease.
“Plenty of it on the table,” Tyler says around a mouthful.
“You eat while I show you around,” Gemma says before grabbing me a slice and putting it on a paper plate.
I glance around for Noah, wondering where he is but don’t ask. Even though Gemma knows we’re together, we’re still keeping our relationship on the down low. Tonight we have plans to hang out with Owen, but I was hoping to get to see him here too.
“And of course, my favorite room: the studio.” Gemma does a ta-da motion, and I smile wide at her excitement.
“Wow…it looks so good, babe. My yoga pants that have never gone to yoga just might now.”
Next, she shows me the room where the boxing ring will go. It’s not up yet, but the area is mostly finished.
“Gemma, your phone’s ringing. It’s your OB,” Tyler calls out.
“Oh, shoot. She’s got my test results. Be right back.” Gemma rushes in the other direction.
As I finish my pizza and set the plate down, I spot the locker rooms. Instead of waiting for Gemma’s guided tour, I take it upon myself to peek inside.
From behind, an arm wraps around my waist, and before I can scream, a hand covers my mouth.
“You look beautiful,” Noah whispers in my ear, then lowers his warm mouth to my neck.
My chest rises and falls. “You scared the shit out of me. I nearly junk-punched you.” I spin around and pull him close. “That was mean.”
He flashes a shit-eating grin. “I couldn’t help myself. You know how many times I’ve wanted to slam you up against my locker and kiss the fuck outta you?”
I arch my brows, licking my lips. “Should we do a little fantasy play?”