Page 75 of Rooster

I slowly brought my hands up to his chest and took a step back, breaking free from our embrace. We both stood there gazing at one another. Neither of us spoke. We knew what that kiss had meant. The feelings we’d been experiencing were mutual, and as much as we wanted to act on them, they would have to wait—at least for now.

He ran his hand over his beard as he muttered, “I think it’s time for us to go.”

“I think you might be right.”

Ronin took my hand in his and led me back out to the bar. We both said our goodbyes to the group and after assuring them all that I would come back soon, we went to get the kids from the playroom. When we walked in, they were in the midst of a heated dart game, and if Nathan’s facial expression was any indication, Samantha was winning.

“Okay, kids. It’s time to go.”

“What?” Nathan whined. “Why? We’re in the middle of a game!”

“I see that, but it’s getting late, and we have a busy day tomorrow.”

“Guess that makes you alo-ser,” Samantha goaded.

“Samantha,” I scolded. “Don’t start no mess, and there won’t be no mess.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She rolled her eyes, and they both pouted as we made our way out of the clubhouse. As soon as we got back in the truck, Nathan leaned up front and said, “Your clubhouse is badass.”

“Glad you liked it.” Ronin glanced over at me, then told him, “But watch that language.”

“Yes, sir.”

Nathan sat back with a smile, and it wasn’t long before he and Samantha put the dart game behind them and were back to their old selves. When we got back to Ronin’s, the kids disappeared into their rooms, and Ronin and I slipped down the hall to finish what we’d started at the clubhouse. And, like always, it was incredible, and I forgot all my doubts and insecurities.

The next morning, Ronin made us breakfast, and then we all said our goodbyes. The kids went to put their things in the car, and I used the opportunity to steal one last kiss. “I had a great time this weekend.”

“Right back at ya.” He leaned in and gave me the kiss I was hoping for, then said, “Call me later.”

“Sure thing.” As I started for my car, I told him, “Try not to get into too much trouble today.”

“I’ll do my best.”

I left Ronin’s and went straight home. I had a mountain of laundry to tend to, and I needed to get some groceries. I wasn’t looking forward to it either, but thankfully, I had the entire day to get it done and I could take my time. And that’s exactly what I did.

I didn’t even fix dinner until almost eight, and there wasn’t much to it. Just a couple of sandwiches and some soup. Once the kids ate, they finished up some homework and went to bed. After a quick call to Ronin, I did the same. The next morning, I got the kids off to school and headed to the salon.

As soon as I arrived, I unlocked the door and headed inside to get ready for a busy Monday. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow on the freshly swept floors. I flipped the sign to "Open" and started a pot of coffee. Before going over to my station, I turned on some soft background music and took a moment to savor the calm before the crazy began.

I’d just finished organizing my tools when the front door chimed, and Keeley walked in with Ryan. Keeley dropped her purse on the counter and gasped, “You aren’t going to believe this!”

“What?”

“I was going to tell her,” Ryan fussed.

“Okay, then tell her!”

“I don’t care who tells me. Just spill it!”

“I found the dress!” Ryan announced, jumping up and down. “It’s so perfect!”

“You’re kidding! I have to see it!”

“Well, I don’t actually have it. They had to order it.” Ryan grabbed her phone from her purse. “But I have a picture.”

She scampered over and showed me the picture of the dress she’d ordered, and it was really something. “Wow, Ryan. It’s gorgeous.”

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