Page 72 of All Tied Down

“Smile, Rockstar. It’s going to be great and you can tell me all about it when we’re naked in bed eating cheesecake.”

“Do we have cheesecake?” I ask, knowing that’s not the point, but she just looks over her shoulder.

“Jace?”

“Stop and get cheesecake on the way home. I’m on it,” he says like that’s not the strangest thing he’s had to do.

And it’s probably not.

“All right, have fun and tell the girls I said hi.”

I love you.

“I will.”

Her hips sway in black athletic pants as she follows Jace. He appears relaxed but it’s the way his head turns slightly from side to side—scanning everything around him as he goes. And I’m thankful for it.

For all his antics, I know he’s damn good at what he does.

He wouldn’t be on Tom’s team if he wasn’t.

Right?

I wait until she’s tucked into the car, the taillights illuminated as they drive over to pick up Kat, before heading back inside. My mind’s racing, the silence feeling overwhelming as I pull my phone from my pocket and pick a playlist.

One that’s devoid of my music.

One that doesn’t remind me of what I’ve lost.

28

GARRETT

Colt and Roan must have been watching the house because I’m not alone for five minutes before there’s a knock at the door. They don’t wait for me to answer before barging in, drinks in hand, and arguing about whether or not we’ll have enough ice for this impromptu gathering.

“Come on in,” I deadpan, leaning a hip against the edge of the counter with a smile tipping up my lips.

“Yeah, well, blame your wife if you don’t want us here. She insisted,” Roan says.

“I will absolutely not do that,” I reply because I don’t have a death wish.

And honestly, my wife is awesome.

Even if she’s temporary.

“That’s a good plan because she was spicy,” Colt adds with a mischievous grin. “But she cares about you.” Pointing a six-pack of beer in my direction, he continues, “We wouldn’t be here if she didn’t.”

“Of course we would,” Roan scoffs. “We’re fucking awesome and great company.”

“That too.” Colt sets everything down and turns to me. “Are you okay though? Really?”

That’s the question, isn’t it?

I could lie and say yes, but saying no would also be a lie.

“I think I’m somewhere in between.”

“Grieving,” Roan says absentmindedly without looking up from organizing the drinks in a system that only makes sense to him.