Just One Night Together (Flatiron Five Fitness #3) - Deborah Cooke Page 0,106

the roads to be clear and her job to be settled before heading back east. Ninja rode in the back seat of the Porsche in his cat carrier, glowering the entire way.

Haley could feel the difference in Damon since his intense treatment with his therapist. He was more serene and confident. He hadn’t had a nightmare since arriving in Illinois and she often awakened to find him sleeping deeply beside her. They’d decided to sell his mom’s house and start over with a place of their own, and Haley was excited about that.

“I’m going to miss this car,” he said as they drove through Brooklyn that Sunday afternoon.

“I didn’t know you liked cars.”

“Neither did I. I’ve never had one, but this, this is a fine machine.” He stroked the steering wheel. “I understand now why Ty likes it so much.”

“Maybe you can just borrow it sometimes.”

“Maybe it wouldn’t be a lot of fun to drive in the city.” He slowed down, then turned into the driveway beside an old house. He turned off the engine while Haley looked at the house.

“What a beautiful place.”

“It was Shannyn’s. They’ve done a lot of renovations since getting together.”

“And he’s the money guy, right?” Haley hoped she got the details right.

“Right. Tyler McKay. Shannyn Hawke works at the club, too. She’s a photographer.” Damon smiled at her. “Let’s go say hi and thanks.”

He got out, then came around to open her door. Ninja sat up, his expression indignant when his cat carrier was lifted out of the car and put on the ground. The gift basket they’d assembled was heavy and Damon lifted it out of the trunk. Haley took Ninja, not wanting to leave him alone, and he growled as the carrier swung a bit.

A couple stepped out of the kitchen onto the back porch and the man waved a greeting. It was the pair who were in the ad for the club that Haley had seen on the way to the airport with Tiffany and she smiled at the realization they really were a couple.

Get lucky at F5F.

“How was the drive?” Tyler called.

“Awesome!” Damon said. “This is one hot car, Tyler.” He crossed the yard with the huge basket and shook hands with him, then surrendered the basket.

“You didn’t have to get us anything,” Ty protested as he took it.

“Haley wanted to. And I booked a detailing with Marcus for you, whenever you’re ready. I really appreciate the use of the car.”

“All this and an Italian tune-up, too,” Ty teased and the men embraced. When Haley reached the porch, Shannyn smiled and crouched down to talk to Ninja, who was clearly unimpressed.

“This is Haley,” Damon said, turning one of those smoldering smiles on her. “We’re going to get married.”

“Congratulations!” Shannyn said and greeted Haley with enthusiasm. “I’m Shannyn. Will you come in and have a coffee or something to eat? You must have been driving all day.”

“All night,” Haley said with a quick glance at Damon. He smiled and she warmed at their own little joke. “We don’t want to be any trouble.”

“You won’t be. I was hoping to meet you and this way, we can get to know each other a bit,” Shannyn said, opening the door. “I’ll bet there aren’t any groceries in Damon’s fridge either.” Haley saw a large Maine Coon cat sitting in the kitchen, as if he was guarding the threshold. He hissed.

Ninja hissed back, the fur on the back of his neck rising.

“Maybe that isn’t such a good idea,” Haley said, but Shannyn urged her inside.

“Fitzwilliam is all talk. He’ll go hide in the living room as soon as you come in.”

Haley put down Ninja’s carrier by the door and sure enough, the other cat hissed one last time. He circled the carrier, as if provoking Ninja, then marched out of the kitchen, tail high.

“See? What can I get you?” Shannyn asked and Haley had to admit that she was hungry.

“Scrambled eggs and toast?” she suggested and Shannyn smiled.

“Easy, peasy.” Shannyn started another pot of coffee as Haley looked around. The kitchen was beautiful, large and sunny, and very welcoming. The cabinets were white and there was a lot of wood, but the wall tiles were gorgeous punch of color. Haley had a good look, knowing she had to lift her game when it came to making a house into a home. It looked like Shannyn might be able to give her some ideas.

“We’re going to sell Damon’s mom’s place and buy another house, to make