Mason cracks his knuckles. “I’ve been a little rusty lately. I’d love to but gotta be an adult and go to work. Can I take a rain check? Maybe tonight? It’d be nice to get back in the ring.”
“You’re just trying to avoid getting your ass kicked, aren’t ya?” Tyler taunts.
“Ass kicked?” Mason scoffs, putting up his arms and punching Tyler’s shoulder. “I recall kicking the shit out of you several times.”
“If you did, it’s because I felt sorry for ya and allowed it.” Tyler blocks his second hit, then swings and smacks Mason. Getting out as much aggression as possible helped Mason in those early days he was grieving his girlfriend who passed away years earlier. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always respected Tyler. He helped my best friend when he was depressed, and here he is, helping me too.
I finish my coffee as Maddie walks through their fake boxing match toward me, and I think about my life and where everything is. Sucking in a deep breath, I can’t help but be grateful. I know we’re not in the clear yet, but I can see a glimmer of light shining through the darkness. It’s something I wasn’t sure I’d ever see again.
“You should get dressed,” she tells me, then wraps her arms around my stomach, pressing her tits against my back before feathering kisses along my skin. I turn around, not wanting to waste her lips being against mine.
“I thought I’d go like this,” I beam, giving her shit.
Looking me up and down, she raises her eyebrows. “Must be following a woman then, because no guy is going to want a Hulk of a man showing up looking like this. Shirtless and…” She glances down at my cock, which is steadily growing hard for her.
I give her a boyish grin and a shrug. “You never know.”
Playfully, she slaps me. “If you don’t put on some clothes, I’m going to be late for school unless I need to find a different ride.” She pretends to pout, sticking out her bottom lip. I bend down and pluck it between my teeth before smacking a quick kiss on her mouth.
“No, no. Give me five minutes.” I rush to the bedroom, put on some jeans and a black T-shirt, grab my utility belt, and meet her back in the kitchen. She takes my hand and I lead us to my truck, but we both glance around before climbing in. I don’t know how long it’s going to take for us to stop looking over our shoulders, but at this point, after everything we’ve been through, I may never. Victoria has ruined me more than tracking fugitives ever could. I’ve always been cautious, but this is a whole different level of paranoia, and rightfully so.
Once I see the street is clear of black Suburbans, I let out a sigh of relief and so does Maddie. As I pull out of the driveway, I glance at the G-Wagon that’s still here and make a mental note to tell Victoria to come pick it up. I don’t want her handouts. I don’t want anything from her, but to be left alone.
On the way to the university, Maddie talks about her classes, how long she’ll be in rehearsal, and when we pull in front of the dance hall, she asks if I’ll be picking her up afterward.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”
“Well, if you get caught up today with work. I just want to make sure.”
I lift her chin, forcing her to look at me. She’s been worried about me ever since we returned home, and it breaks my heart. The only time either of us is okay is when we’re together. Too much can happen when we’re apart.
“I’ll keep you updated on where I am. The job I’m doing today is local. I’m not even leaving the city. I’ll be here. I’m gonna be okay, sweetheart,” I say as she searches my face with concern.
“I just…”
“Worry, I know. We have to be careful, but we can’t keep living in fear. I’m always a text away. I don’t care what I’m doing, I’ll text you back as soon as I can if you ever feel anxious or concerned about me, okay? I promise. But that means I’m going to be blowing up your phone while you’re in class because it goes both ways.”
“Annie already told me if my phone goes off one more time, she’s locking it in her office until after practice.” She snickers. “You’re gonna get me in trouble.”
“Apparently, I’m good at that,” I say, giving her a wink.
She leans over and presses her mouth to mine, and I fist her hair in my fingers.
Reluctantly, I pull away before things get too heated. “Have a good day. I love you.”
“I love you more,” she insists, and before I can tell her how wrong she is, Maddie hops out of the truck, blows me a kiss, then walks away. Of course I watch how her hips sway when she walks and it causes a smile to fill my face as she shakes her ass.