Page 35
Tim clears his throat and runs a hand through his thinning hair. “I heard you were with a different club. Heard they had the money I owed.”
“You can’t be serious,” she snaps. “That’s what this is about? Money?”
He’s smarter than he looks because, at her tone, he stumbles a step back.
“I just wanted to make sure you were all right…”
“You’re a fucking liar,” Kaylie shoots back. “And I don’t want to see your face ever again.”
Tim flinches and opens his mouth, probably to plead his case, but Tank intervenes.
“You heard the lady. Better scram before you become a stain on the pavement.”
Kaylie’s coward of a father stumbles back another step, scrambling away from Tank’s approach. He holds up his hands and sends a pitiful look at Kaylie, but she doesn’t budge.
I scowl at him, though I don’t bother wasting my breath. There’s nothing more I need to add.
We wait until he’s out of sight before Kaylie turns toward me. She presses her face into my chest, and I wrap my arms around her.
That’s when I feel her trembling.
Her shoulders shake, and my heart damn near breaks for her.
“Hey, hey,” I soothe. “You did so good, baby.”
I pull back enough to grasp her chin and make her look into my eyes.
“You were amazing.”
Her eyes shimmer with tears, but she gives me a smile. I press my lips to her temple and wrap my arms around her again.
“I’m so proud of you.”
“I love you.”
Her voice is quiet, and my whole body goes stiff. I’m not sure if I heard her correctly or if it’s just wishful thinking.
“You want to repeat that?” Kaylie withdraws from me and blushes. “Because I’m pretty certain I fell in love with you that first night.”
She gapes at me. “I cut you.”
“Oh, I know.” I press my hips against hers, showing her just how much I’m enjoying the memory.
She gasps before a giggle breaks free. “You’re crazy.”
“Crazy for you.”
She grins and rests her cheek against my chest.
“I think I’m ready.”
“Ready for what?” I muse.
Her hand slips behind my neck, and in one swift movement, she tugs my mouth to hers.
Kaylie steals my breath with that kiss, then completely finishes me off when she whispers, “I want to be your Old Lady.”
EPILOGUE
