Page 44 of Keeping Katie

Shit. This is backfiring quickly. I might like Grady being a bit jealous, but there have to be some boundaries.

Then, he smirks and winks at me. Oh. Ohhhh. He was joking.

“I trust you, baby girl. But, he’s safe?”

Nodding, I smile. “Yes. Tom is safe. He’s just about as protective as you are.”

That makes him relax his shoulders. “Nobody will be as protective of you as I am. I’m glad he looks out for you, though.”

“Go back to work. I’ll be at your house in a few hours.”

He frowns. “I don’t want to leave you. Especially after a punishment.”

The cracks in my heart start to heal. Why is he so amazing?

“I’m fine. I promise. I’m really happy right now, actually. I think I needed that.”

Letting out a sigh, he brushes his thumb over my cheek. “I want you to let me know when you leave here, when you get to your place, and when you’re on your way to my house. Understand?”

It’s probably not healthy, but I love how over the top he is.

“Yes, Daddy. I understand.”

“That’s my good girl.”

Why, yes. Yes, I am his good girl.

15

GRADY

Whoever the hell this Tom guy is, he’s about to have a come-to-Jesus moment. I don’t give a fuck if he’s seventy or homeless or the Lord and Savior himself. Katie is mine, and I’m going to protect her by any means necessary.

I’ve been sitting outside Twisted Bean for the past half hour, waiting for this guy to show. Why would he come by every night? That’s suspicious. I’m not a trusting guy. It’s not in my nature. But when it comes to my girl, I’m even less so.

Off to the left, movement catches my eye. Sure enough, a rough-looking older man with a cart makes his way toward the shop. It looks like he hasn’t had a haircut or a shave in years. His clothes have definitely seen better days. The average person would probably cross the road to avoid the guy, but they don’t know any better. Most people just assume if someone is homeless, it’s because they have a substance problem.

I don’t think that’s Tom’s issue. He’s too proud to sleep in Katie’s shop, and he walks with his shoulders held high. My guess is he’s former military. A soldier who came home andwasn’t able to get the resources he needed to live as a civilian. I could be wrong, but something in my gut tells me I’m spot on.

When I get out of the SUV and slam the door closed, he turns to look at me. He’s very aware of his surroundings. Definitely military.

As I approach, he studies me, not shying away like most men would.

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to introduce yourself to me,” he says firmly, his voice gravelly.

I come to a stop in front of him, my spine tensing. Either Katie told him about me, or he’s been keeping an eye on me.

“Why do you visit Katie every day?” I ask.

His gray eyes sparkle as he glances toward the shop. Then he lets out a slow exhale. “Because I’m a man who follows through on my promises.”

My eyebrows shoot up. Now, I’m confusedandintrigued. “What promises?”

He turns his attention back toward me. “The real question that needs answering is: What are your intentions with Katie?”

There are very few things that surprise me anymore. In my short time on earth, I’ve lived a thousand lives and seen things I wish I never had. Yet, this man is being protective of my woman, and I suddenly want to thank him.

“To marry her. Your turn. What promises?”

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