Fair Lakes Series Box Set - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,48

you. It’s not something I ever want to experience again. I’m not going to let the Michelles of the world be the reason.”

“I can see right through her, and I know you, Harrison. Cheating was never the issue.”

“Good. I’m glad. Regardless, I have zero patience for her, or anyone like her. You’re sitting across from me. She acted like you weren’t even here.”

“But I am,” she says soothingly.

“Damn right, you are. I intend to do whatever it takes to make sure that never changes.”

“Harrison.”

“Yeah?” Her green eyes are bright even in the dim light of this corner booth.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Four words. Four words that seem to ease my soul and lift the bricks off my shoulders. We’ve only just started this dating thing, but I have her assurance that she’s with me in this. That’s more than I could have hoped for this soon. I’ll take it.

“I love you, Winnie. I love our baby, and if it takes being rude to any woman who thinks that she can come between us to prove that, I’m all over it.”

She laughs. “Eat your burger.” She reaches across the table and steals a fry, even though she has a plate full of her own. I put my arm around my plate, protecting my food, and she laughs even louder, the sound surrounding me.

It’s beautiful.

Musical.

“I am eating for two,” she teases.

“In that case…” I act like I’m going to slide my plate to her, and she holds up her hands to stop me.

“Tell me what’s going on at the gym. Have you hired an admin assistant yet?”

I nod, holding up a finger letting her know I need to finish chewing before I can answer. “Yes. Chase and I interviewed the woman Gabby knows. We offered her the job earlier today. Just waiting to hear back.”

“Good. It sounds like she’ll be a good fit.”

“Yeah, seems like she has the industry knowledge.” I grab a fry and smother it in ketchup. “How about you? Any interesting stories from your kids?” I ask, popping the fry into my mouth.

“Every day. Today, it was show-and-tell. Jess brought her clogging shoes and showed us how she’s learning to clog. She’s just learning, so she’s basically just bouncing around making noises with her shoes. The class all clapped for her and cheered her on. Anyway, when she was seated, Joey raised his hand. He wasn’t on the list for show-and-tell, but I called him up to the front of the class. When I asked him what his talent was, he said: “I can clog too.” I was intrigued so I asked him to show the class even without his shoes. He said, ‘Mrs. Drake, I clog toilets.’ He fell into a fit of giggles as did the rest of the class.”

“Where do these kids come up with these things? I don’t know how you keep a straight face.”

“It’s hard at times. Luckily on days like today, they’re too busy laughing. I have time to compose myself before getting them in order.”

“I can’t wait.” I place my crumpled napkin on my plate. “I can’t wait for our baby to get here, and witness all the crazy things he or she says and does. I mean, Chase and Gabby alone are bad influences enough. Not to mention, other kids,” I say jokingly.

“Maybe we should only allow them supervised visits?” she suggests.

“You might be onto something.”

A moment later our waitress appears. “Can I offer you any dessert?”

“Winnie?”

“I’m stuffed. Thank you.” She pushes her plate away with still over half of her fries remaining.

“Can I get you a box?”

“No, thank you.”

“Just the check, please,” I tell her. I pay the bill, and with my hand on the small of Winnie’s back, I lead her out of the restaurant. “You feel like taking a drive? We can come back and pick up your car.” Again, I’m kicking myself in the ass for not going and picking her up. I guess I just assumed since we’re both going to the same place at the end of the night, it wouldn’t matter. Regardless that we’re sleeping under the same roof, I intend to give her a goodnight kiss.

“Where are we headed?” she asks once we’re in my truck and on the road.

“I have somewhere I want to take you.”

“So you’re not going to even give me a hint?”

“Nope.”

“Fine, but I get to control the radio.” She leans forward and messes with the dial until an old Daughtry tune comes on. “I love this song. It’s been