boss who will look out for you. There’s really nothing for you to be nervous about. The lunch crowd is pretty easygoing, and everyone is friendly.”
Cheryl sighed. “Tucker asked me to keep an eye out for the guy who came after him.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m wondering what he got himself into. When he told me about what he was being offered, I tried to talk him out of it, but it was a lot of money. I wanted him to be careful.”
“He didn’t find anything, though I doubt this guy believes him,” Gerome explained. “How are you feeling?”
Cheryl sighed. “Honestly, I’m tired. Really tired a lot of the time. I’ve been on the edge for a long time. It’s hard to worry where I’m going to get the food so Joshie can eat, let alone make sure he has clothes and shoes.” She turned, looking out the window a minute before Gerome pulled into the restaurant parking lot.
“The door should be open. Just go on in and Richard and Andi will take care of getting you started.”
Cheryl nodded. “Thanks for taking a chance on us. I know it takes a lot of… whatever you got that you saw to make you help us. It took guts and maybe even a touch of faith. I’ll do my best to not let you down.”
Gerome shook his head. “Don’t let yourself down. That’s all that matters.” Where the hell that came from, Gerome wasn’t sure. But it sounded right, and he wanted her to be just a little more confident. “Just do your best and give it your all…. Think of Joshie.” Go him being motivational. “Put on your best smile and dazzle those customers.” He waited for her to get out and smiled all the way to work.
Chapter 6
“MOMMY,” JOSHIE cried as soon as Cheryl walked in the door from work. She was all smiles and hugs but seemed drawn around her eyes.
“Are you feeling all right?” Tucker asked.
“Just tired. It was a lot of activity. But I’ll get used to it.” She released Joshie from the hug. “Go on and play, sweetheart.” She stood, watching as Joshie returned to his trucks, running them over the floor. He certainly loved them. “Everyone there was really nice.”
“They’re good people.” Tucker sat on the sofa. “How did you get home?”
“I walked. It wasn’t that far. I started the car before coming in to make sure it doesn’t crap out on us if we need it. Maybe when I get paid, I can have it properly licensed and things. It would be good to be able to go places.”
Tucker nodded but somehow didn’t think that was the best way to use some of the first money they received.
Cheryl emptied her pockets and placed over seventy dollars on the counter.
“I’d say people liked you,” Tucker said, smiling at the small pile of money.
“It was busy, and there were only two of us. It came back to me pretty quickly. Don’t make unnecessary trips and always have your hands full going to or from the kitchen.” She smiled and lowered herself into the chair, leaning back and closing her eyes.
“I’ll make some dinner pretty soon if you want to lie down,” Tucker offered as a knock sounded. He answered it to find Gerome outside. “What’s up?” He smiled, his cheeks heating as he remembered the night before.
Gerome leaned down to kiss him. “I think you and I need to go visiting,” he explained softly. “I went by on the way home, and it seems very quiet. It might be a good time to try to look around.”
“I see.” Tucker’s heart beat faster, and he grew heated with excitement. He nodded. “I’ll meet you at your place in ten?”
Gerome agreed, and Tucker closed the door before changing into the hat and getting the sunglasses he’d used before. After explaining that he wouldn’t be too long, he said goodbye to Joshie and Cheryl and joined Gerome at his place.
Gerome greeted him shirtless at the door, and Tucker basked in the heat that flowed through him. Damn, this man was fine in all the right ways. He wondered if he could talk Gerome out of this little escapade and just head for the bedroom. He closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Gerome’s neck, diving right into the kiss. Gerome let him take control, giving and exploring Tucker’s mouth, holding him closer, his heat penetrating Tucker’s shirt. Tucker’s excitement grew just being near him,