Page 32 of Thor
“Nope, no staff at all.I’ve gotten fairly good at simple fare like grilled cheese or meatloaf.And I’m a pro at ordering pizza!”
“I’ll take your word for that.”He glanced down at his watch.“I don’t want to rush you, but I’ve got another client coming in a few minutes.It’s been really great to see you.”
Standing, I gathered up the papers and zipped them back in my backpack.“No problem.I appreciate you squeezing me in.Should I leave an address with the receptionist so you can bill me?”
He shook his head.“Not necessary.I’ll put this down as an initial visit which makes it no charge.I do expect you to keep me in the loop though and let me know if you need a prenup.”
I tilted my head, confused.“A prenup?We haven’t even considered marriage.”I wasn’t going to try to explain the concept of an old lady to him.
“You’re still the only child of a very wealthy family, even if you’re not talking to them right now.If you and this Thor person get serious, you’re going to want to arrange a prenup to protect your assets.I know it can be a touchy subject, but if he refuses to sign, that raises all kinds of red flags.”
“He has no idea I have any assets so he’s not with me for the money.I’ve never given him details about my family.”
“Then he shouldn’t have an issue signing a prenup.It could be to his benefit as well, if he has joint assets with this Riptide company.They could insist, depending on the legal structure.”
I smiled and slung the backpack over my shoulder.“That’s a future problem, but I will be sure to let you know if things get to that point.”
He came round the desk and gave me another hug.“I’m proud of you for sticking up for yourself.I can’t picture you being happy with the senator’s son.Call me any time you need me.”
* * *
Thor
I relaxed when Janet came out of the lawyer’s building.She looked confident and happy, which meant the meeting went well and the flower shop was going to be a go.I’d worried that the lawyer would talk her out of it, being an old friend of her parents and all.Yeah, I knew that would be unethical on his part, but I didn’t have a lot of faith in the legal shit.
“He said it was the most straightforward contract he’s seen in decades.”She beamed at me as I crossed the lot to meet her.
“That’s a good thing, right?”
She laughed.“That is exactly what I asked him.And he said yes, I’d never get a better offer.He asked about you too.”
“Did you tell him I was the best thing that ever happened to you?”
She shifted the backpack to a more comfortable position.“I told him you made me feel special, and you look like a Norse god.”
I grinned.“That’s me.A Norse god with the ability to keep a florist happy.”
She rolled her eyes.“If you come back to the shop and help me get that new cooler ready for opening day, I’ll be happy.”
“Your wish is my command, fair lady.”I mounted the bike with a flourish and patted the back seat.“Your chariot awaits.”
I couldn’t see behind me, but I was willing to bet that she rolled her eyes again as she slid into place and cuddled up against me.
I started the bike and kicked it down into first.We didn’t have anywhere we had to be at a certain time, so I circled around the downtown core, taking the long way around town to the shop.It gave me a few more minutes to enjoy the feel of Janet plastered against me.The woman was addictive.I couldn’t get enough of her.
We eventually arrived at the flower shop, and I parked my bike in the shade around the front of the store.I lowered the kickstand, and Janet slid off and pulled off her helmet.I took mine off as well, handing it to her.
“Can you take mine in too?”
Janet cocked her head, as I was still sitting on the bike.“Why?Aren’t you coming inside?”
“In a couple of minutes.I just want to check the bike out.Something feels a bit off.”
Her gaze swept the machine, and she shrugged, that happy smile she’d had at the lawyer’s office still on her face.“Okay.I’ll leave the side door unlocked for you.”
We’d been locking the side door while we worked in the store, just to make sure no one thought we were open and wandered in.She’d given me a spare key, but I’d left it sitting back in my room at the club a few days ago and I hadn’t been back there since to retrieve it.I spent most nights in Janet’s bed.She wasn’t quite ready to admit it yet, but we were a couple in all but name.Once I moved in here with her, I’d double down on that.
She disappeared around the corner, and I pulled the emergency tool kit out of the saddlebags.It was a bare bones kit, but that was all I needed for now.I pulled the bike up onto the center stand and crouched down to check it out.I used a clean rag to wipe all the road grime off the outside and kept an eye out for anything that would indicate a fluid leak.
