Page 109 of Wild Blades

“Okay, I need to go. I’m dropping by your storage facility to count the number of boxes to tell the movers. And then I’mcoming back this way as I have the carpenter coming later this afternoon to measure up for the sneaker storage we are creating on the back wall of the walk-in wardrobe. I sweet talked the realtor into giving me the keys. When I’m there, I’ll make a list of furniture I think you might need, and we can go through that together on Monday.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry I’m making you work on the weekend,” Wade apologizes.

“I don’t mind. Graham is working today and tomorrow. But wait, what time does the game start tomorrow?”

“Two o’clock,” Wade answers.

“Oh shoot, that means he can’t come. It’s his turn to work this Sunday, and he’s the only one working tomorrow, and I know he’ll have sneaker customization appointments booked in.”

“Next time.” I assure her it’s not a onetime offer.

“Great. Will I meet you there?” she asks enthusiastically.

“I’ll text you all the details and get you a press pass.”

Beaming back at me, her energy different from earlier, she says, “Sounds like fun. I can’t wait.” Lifting the tux that’s hanging on a hanger, she eyes the shirt that’s covered in blood. “Did he pay for whatever happened last night?”

“He did,” Wade states firmly.

“Was it something to do with the announcement today?” Curiosity seems to get the better of her.

“I can’t comment.” I assured Marcus I would keep mum. Lola’s a smart girl. I’m sure she’ll put two and two together.

Lola’s sad eyes stare at me. “Whatever happened, I’m sorry, Kali.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“A cold compress and Arnica cream for the bruising.” She drapes the suit over her arm and makes her way to the front door.

“Thank you for dropping my stuff off, Lola. I’ll see you tomorrow at the game. I’m going to make breakfast.” Wade bounces out of the room while I see Lola out.

Standing on the doorstep before she leaves, she says, “They may not be able to get the blood out of Wade’s shirt.”

“Put it in the trash.”

“Is it your blood?”

“Nope.”

“Did you kick his ass?”

“Yup.” I’ve never hit a man before, never hit anyone, come to think about it. I found strength when I needed it the most, but I’m clueless where it came from.

“Zane’s a dick,” Lola says, her tone shifting into annoyance.

I chuckle, because Lola doesn’t swear, and I sure as hell never told her the name of my attacker. She is smart.

“I might need to have a chat with you sometime.” She looks down at Wade’s ruined shirt. “In private.” Whispering, she obviously doesn’t want Wade to hear.

“Say the word and I’m yours.”

She looks over my shoulder. “Are you and Wade, you know?”

“No comment.” I’m not confirming anything to anyone until I speak with Marcus. I haven’t even told my friends about us. I can already imagine the squeals from them both will be so loud I’ll have to hold my phone away from my ear.

Lola shoots me a knowing smile. “Well, if you were, you know, together, I would tell you how happy I was for you. You both deserve happiness.”

With that, she’s in her car and on her way to do the next job of the day.

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