Page 17 of It's Your Love: Rebel & Holly

“Yeah, she did. Only one day, I was in the grocery store picking up some snacks and what-not for my room and I heard a little girl giggling, and I was immediately entranced. I know you’re gonna think this is way too soon, given the circumstances, but if I’ve learned anything at all, it’s that life is too damn short.”

“Devin’s accident showed me that,” she admits. “I didn’t think I’d ever want to date again, much less think about another relationship. I mean, how many men would want to get involved with a single mom?” she asks.

“I do,” I reply, leaning in to kiss her.

When our lips finally separate, she sighs and says, “I’m glad, Rebel, because I feel the same way. So, are you coming with us?”

“Yeah, babe, I’ll come with you guys. Should be a lot of fun,” I tell her.

“Oh, and since I don’t remember seeing a lot of kids running around at the clubhouse, have you ever heard about the Elf on the Shelf?” she questions. “Because if you haven’t, you’re in for a wild ride.”

With my brows drawn in, I ask, “What is it?”

“Well, the girls have a female elf called Tiny Sparkles and she shows up on Thanksgiving morning. She reports back to the North Pole about the girls’ behavior, but every day, she gets into something and brings them a small gift. This year, my plan is to redo the last bedroom into a playroom for them, complete with an area where they can play school, as well as a kitchen so they can play house. I just need to find some of that fabricated tape that says ‘under construction’ because I’ll put her on the door with it covered in tape, along with a letter telling themwhat’s going to happen. The room will be from me, Pappy, and Grammy, with a few small things from Santa.”

“I can get you the tape and any renovation tools you might need,” I say. “The club runs a construction company. I’ll see if I can find a tiny demolition hat for your elf if you want me to.”

“Oh, my goodness, that would be perfect!” she exclaims, her excitement contagious. “They love it when Tiny Sparkles shows up. It’s a lot of work for me every night but so much fun and while they’re both well-behaved, it ramps it up to the next level because Tiny Sparkles ‘reports’ back to the North Pole.”

The laugh that bursts free from me has her smiling because I can only imagine what this little elf will do. “I’m looking forward to seeing what she gets into,” I tease.

“Good, because I may need some help,” she replies.

“Any time you need me, I’m available, Holly,” I say. “All you gotta do is call.”

“Thanks.” The smile she has aimed at me makes me want to claim her lips again.

“No thanks needed, sweetheart. Now, we’re having a party Friday night and I know you’ll be working, but will you come to the clubhouse with me afterward since the girls will be at Samuel’s?”

I see desire flare in her eyes as she nods. “Yeah, I’d like that, Rebel.”

My dick throbs in response to her throaty tone, and I have to discreetly adjust myself. “I had a question for you, babe. Are you able to take on more clients?”

“Probably, why?” she questions.

“Because I hate doing fucking paperwork,” I admit. “Then we have to pay the person we have now, and trust me, they’ve made their fair share of mistakes.”

“What all would you need? And which businesses?” she asks.

“All three of them, the bar, the auto repair shop, and the scrapyard. The normal business ledger, of course, plus payroll on all three, as well as handle the accounts payable and receivables,” I say. “You’d still be able to work remotely, of course.”

“Can we do a trial run?” she questions. “Because I’m not familiar with any of those businesses.”

“Absolutely. Plus, the ratio paid to the brothers is different from the pay for the civilian employees, if that makes sense. All the brothers get a cut from all the businesses, with the percentages varying. The civilian employees are paid a salary rate for the hours worked.”

“Then I’d like to try, Rebel, if that’s okay.”

“We’ll go around to all the businesses Monday, so you get a look at what we do there, and I’ll have Data fix up a laptop for our businesses with the spreadsheets and shit you’ll need,” I reply.

“Works for me,” she says, smiling. “Thank you. I think answering the help wanted ad was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, next to having my girls.”

“So do I, Holly, so do I.”

Chapter Nine

Holly

“Bye, babies,” I say as Samuel backs out of my driveway. “Have fun with Grandpa!”

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