Page 54 of It Started With a Scarf

I looked him over and he grinned and then rushed in and held me, picking me up and groaning with the effort. It was all very quiet with small movements even though I was being attacked and hugged vigorously. He squeezed me so tightly that I giggled. I was overwhelmed by his presence. I loved his smell and his touch, and the fact that he was so strong. I reached up and let my fingertips touch his jaw after he set me down. I was so relieved to have him next to me.

"I've been missing you, my Marley-boo," he said.

"Me too. I've been missing you so much."

"I can't believe you came by the gym today!"

"I did. You were in a meeting."

"Did Britt talk to you?"

I could tell he knew something. "Yeah, just for a minute."

"What did she say?"

"Just that you were busy at the moment. It was fine."

"She told me she was probably a bit rude to you. Are you okay? I'm sorry she didn't know who you were. I love Britt and everything, but I don't really share my personal life with her."

"It's totally fine," I said. "I probably should apologize to her for storming in there like that."

"What? No. I’m sorry she didn't know what to do. She should have been respectful and shown you around."

"No, it's all good. I should have let you know I was coming."

"I don't want you at the gym."

"What?" I asked, feeling a sudden wave of fear. In those split seconds, I assumed he didn’t think I could get along with Britt so he was saying I shouldn't work at the gym. "That was my fault today. I like Britt. We're going to get along good. I could tell she was just being protective of you, which I appreciate, honestly."

"How are you so sweet?"

"How areyouso sweet?" I asked. I popped up and kissed his cheek.

"I still don't want you at the gym."

"Why are you saying that, Dominic? I want to be there. I think I can contribute to the business and help it flourish."

"You're adorable," he said, staring at me as I pleaded. "I'm talking about living there. You don't need to be there. I have so much room at my house. I'll make a renovation. You can have your own apartment with your own entrance."

I put my hand on his side, under his coat but on top of his t-shirt. His mid-section was hard and lined with muscles. "We'll be in a different situation, and I'll be able to move in soon, but until then, the gym is amazing. I like it there, and I feel safe. I want to be at the house with you all the time, but we'll get in trouble there, and we both know it. Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his great love for her."

He paused, thinking about what I had said.

"That guy, Jacob, seems patient. I don't think I want to wait seven years," he said, making a little face.

I laughed.

"Do you?"

"No, I don't want to. Seven years is too long."

"That's from the Bible, huh?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"Are those the right names and the right story and everything?"

"What?" I asked.

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