“It will at least pass the time while I finish up here, and maybe the story will be a little entertaining too.”
“Some asshole I know sucker-punched me.”
“What did you do to deserve it?”
“He called me a bitch and told me it was time for me to stop sulking and reenter the land of the living, so I told him to fuck off.”
I stop what I’m doing and stare at the spot on his face that will look worse tomorrow. “That’s all? You said fuck off? Did you at least get in a shot too?”
“A few.”
“Any good ones?”
“He was the one lying on the floor when I left.” Wylder smiles. “He deserved it too.”
“Did he throw the first punch?”
“Yep, but not the last.”
“Way to go. Feel better now?”
“No.”
“No?” I ask as I toss the dirty paper towels in the trash.
“Should I?”
“Not really. I don’t think violence is a healthy way to deal with your feelings.”
“Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve punched someone—or been punched, for that matter?”
I shake my head, but I assume it hasn’t been that long because he’s a man who looks like he’d use his fists to solve a lot of his issues. “No idea.”
“It’s been more than a decade.”
I rock back on the heels of my favorite lace-up black boots. “Really?”
“Is it that surprising?”
“Kind of.”
“I know how I look,” he says, rubbing his hands together as he looks away from me. “I look like I throw punches all the time, but I’m a dad and I used to be a husband. I have responsibilities, and I’m an adult. I know how to use my words without resorting to violence.”
“Well then, I’m glad you laid the guy out. He deserved it.”
Wylder cracks a smile for the first time, and it makes my heart go pitter-patter in my chest. If I thought the man was handsome when he looked menacing, he is drop-dead gorgeous when he seems happy. “I better run and let you finish up. Thanks for your help, Tate.”
“Anytime, Wylder,” I say, continuing to clean up. I didn’t want to make the goodbye awkward. “I’ll get you that list, and I hope you and the girls have fun tomorrow.”
“I look forward to hearing from you,” he says before he heads toward the door.
I try to stop from checking out his ass, but I can’t help myself, and it’s a fine ass too.
Shocker.
He glances over his shoulder as his hands touch the handle, and he catches me looking. Fuck.
CHAPTER6
