Page 40 of Approved

I giggled. “I’m glad you appreciated it. I love making you feel good.”

He growled softly in my ear. “I’d like to suggest we make sure to get together for a little sexy time at least every few days.”

“I think that is a wonderful idea.” His lips found mine again, and I kissed him back, not wanting to leave.

“West.” One of his waiters called to him.

“Give me a minute,” he said.

“I’m so sorry I have to go. Can you call me when you get home so I know you are safe? I can send Angus with you if you need.” It was so sweet of him to make the offer.

“I’ll be okay. I can call as soon as I lock the door at my house.” I never felt I needed protection, but the fact that he wanted to make sure I was secure made me warm inside. It turned my desires into a completely different sensation that was nice.

He kissed me one more time, clearly not wanting to pull away. “I gotta go, Babe.”

“Okay.” I gave a little wave and headed toward the door. When I got there, Angus stopped me.

“You’re good for him.” He said without any preamble.

“Oh.” It felt good to hear that. “I like him a lot.”

“That’s good,” Angus said, returning to the line before him.

As soon as I got home, Larry screamed like he hadn’t eaten in a year, even though his food bowl had plenty of dry food, and Earl expected something special for his inconvenience. I picked up Larry, and Earl got on my shoulder. I took a selfie with the three of us.

TYLER

I’m home. Have a good night.

WEST

Good. I want you to be safe.

Thank you again for tonight. I would have enjoyed just visiting with you.

But you rocked my world. I’ll call tomorrow. ♥

I looked at the little heart and his words, then embraced the chills that ran through my body. He was amazing. Perhaps we could make this something permanent, something that could last forever. Is that possible? Can someone who was so much more than me actually be my person? Can I trust him not to backstab me?

It was the first time I ever dared to believe I could have something like that, and it didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would.

Chapter fifteen

WEST

Oh shit, I had it bad—really bad, and I had no idea how to tell Tyler. It may be too soon, but I was certain how I felt about him, even if it might seem ridiculous. When he stopped by the bar last night and we shared our intimate moment, I was overwhelmed by his need and his desire to share something like that with me.

I knew that Tyler seemed scared, maybe even nervous, about settling into a serious relationship, and that needed to be discussed, but my heart had already packed its bags because it now belonged to the sweet florist. Somehow, I needed to tell him what I felt without running him off. It was a lot, and it overwhelmed me, and I was sure it would overwhelm him, but for the moment, I was satisfied with figuring things out together. Plus, we had the cat daddy thing that linked us.

Spark texted me before closing and said they would be back starting the next shift. Of course, the day Spark returned, Tyler had to work late. Spark and I were going to meet before opening, and then I planned to head to the flower shop around 7:00 p.m. I hoped Tyler wouldn't mind me showing up, and I didn’t wantto intrude, but spending time near him while he worked seemed better than being at The Dapper Duck. I could even try to help him, or I’d sit quietly in the corner watching if that were all he would allow, and nobody needed to tell me how pathetic that was, but I leaned into it.

When I met with Spark that afternoon, it went smoothly, and my need to get out was heavy. I hadn’t taken time off in three weeks. Happily, I handed the bar manager job back to my very capable friend, and after I did, I told Spark that they deserved a raise because it had been a lot to handle over the last few weeks. They appreciated the compliment and the raise, then shooed me out the door.

“Go get your man.” They gave me a big wink.

I smiled back. Spark was amazing, and I needed to talk to Tyler about a double date with Spark and West. The few times Spark, East, and Allison had met, they had giggled together the whole time. That was something to think about later, because I was going to recharge my battery with as much Tyler energy as I could get.

On my way out, Angus stopped me. “You tell that sweet thing if he wants someone with more muscles and a better beard.”

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