Page 121 of Breaking Hollywood

Chuckling, I catch hold of her hand, and we ride the elevator up to the X-ray department.

Tate said he’d meet us there, as he wants to run an X-ray after he’s taken the boot off just to make sure everything’s okay. But I’m sure it is because my foot feels fine. I just want this fucking thing off for good.

Tate is waiting for us in reception when we get there.

“Hey, brother.” I hug him. In a manly way, of course.

“Hey, Ava.” Tate kisses her on the cheek.

My brother is fully up to speed on the status of my and Speedy’s relationship.

When I told him we were together, his response was, “About time.”

I don’t know whether that was meant in reference to the time it took Speedy and me to get together, which wasn’t that long, or that I finally got myself a girlfriend.

And that’s not as pathetic as it sounds. I could have had a girlfriend anytime I wanted. I just never did.

Not until Speedy.

“Right. Come on then. Let’s go take this boot off and make sure you’re all healed.”

“I’ll wait here,” Speedy says. Taking a seat in the reception area, she picks up a magazine from the table.

“Won’t be long, babe.” I kiss her.

“Oh, here. Don’t forget your other shoe.” She pulls it from her bag.

I brought my other shoe with me, so I won’t have to walk around with one bare foot and look like a cunt.

I take the shoe, grab another kiss, and then head to the X-ray department with Tate.

Forty-five minutes, and I’m boot-free and all healed.

About fucking time.

Tate walks back with me to reception. “So, things are going well with you and Ava.”

“Really well. I’ve asked her to live with me permanently.”

“Wow. That’s great, Gabe. I’m really happy for you. You, more than anyone, deserve to be happy. I hope Ava knows how lucky she is to have you.”

“She knows. I make sure to remind her every day.” I grin.

He stops me with a hand on my arm before we reach the reception area. “Look, I know I don’t say this often enough, but I am grateful for everything you did for me after Mom and Dad—”

“Tate, you don’t have to thank me for anything. I’m your big brother. It’s my job to take care of you. There isn’t a single thing that I wouldn’t do for you. I’ve always got your back.”

“Goes both ways, you know that?”

“I know. Now, stop with the sappy shit ’cause my girl is waiting out there for me, and I intend to take her home and fuck her good and proper now that I have my leg back.”

Tate’s cell goes off. He checks it. “I have to go. I’m needed upstairs. I’ll call you later.”

“Later.”

I leave Tate, and Speedy’s right where I left her.

“Well, look at you.” She gets to her feet, smiling and looking sexy as fuck.