she’d try to stop me.
We ride up in the elevator and head toward the penthouse. It’s fancier than hell, and, for a moment, I feel bad I can’t give Izzy something this nice at this stage of our lives—hell, probably at any stage of our lives.
“I know what you’re thinking.” She traces her finger up my chest to my chin and makes me look at her. “As long as you’re in my bed, we’re in the right place.”
“Music to my poor bartender ears.”
“You’re the new owner.” She gives my sides a pinch. “Let’s turn that whiskey into gold.”
“With you by my side, that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”
Laney greets us at the door, and we sit down to a nice meal that she and Ryder whipped up—minute steak with barbeque butter sauce.
“So, turnabouts fair play,” Laney sings. “I think you guys should have us over. I’m dying to see your new place.”
“Don’t expect much,” I’m quick to say.
“He’s being silly.” Izzy touches her shoulder to mine. “There are a lot of crazy cats and lots and lots of love. You’re both welcome. I’ll even break out the pots and pans—see what I can come up with.”
“Can’t wait.” Laney gives a dreamy sigh to her sister. It’s nice having Laney and Ryder as family. I can definitely get used to this. “And, now, if you don’t mind, Holt, I think it’s a perfect time to share your special treat.”
Izzy turns to me. “Were we in charge of dessert?”
“No, but it’s sort of a sweet treat. Laney, why don’t you do the honors.”
“Brace yourself, Izzy.” Laney bounces in her seat as if she’s about to burst. “You and I are the new owners of the Electric Lights Dance Studio!” She leans in. “I want to help you with this, Iz. This is technically your baby. But I don’t want you to feel burdened or overwhelmed. I’ll pick up the slack however you need me to.” She holds out her hand. “Congratulations, partner. You’re half owner of the ELDS.”
Izzy leans back in her seat as if she needs the support. Her features bleach out. She’s holding her breath, clearly stunned by the news.
“No kidding?” She looks to me for a moment.
“No kidding. Congratulations, Iz. I know you can turn those dance shoes into gold.” I lean in and steal a kiss right here at the table.
Things have finally turned around for us.
We’re headed in the right direction. We faced the demons of our past and turned our relationship into gold.
Nothing can stop us now.
But there’s still one more demon I need to slay.
While the girls celebrate with copious amounts of champagne and chick flicks, Ryder makes an excuse about needing to meet with a potential client downtown for a quick drink, and we take off.
“Quick drink, huh?”
“Chuck Dupree owns a pawnshop right next to a liquor store. Sounds like just the right excuse we needed.”
“How about I buy you a drink after? I have a feeling we’re going to earn it.”
“Deal. And, by the way, I know we always haven’t gotten along, but I’m glad you’re with Izzy. You make her happy.”
“When haven’t we gotten along?” I’m messing with him because I know exactly what he’s talking about.
“When you dated Laney. It pissed the crap out of me. How would you like it if I dated Iz?”
“Got it.” I settle back in my seat as we trade cityscape for countryside outside the window. “Yeah, that must have sucked for you.” Hell, I knew it did. “But, for the record, she asked me to do it. She thought it would drive you insane. Worked, didn’t it?”
“Sure did.” He nods toward the black highway. We drive a good forty-five minutes before pulling into a rundown strip mall with nothing but a pawnshop and liquor store. A nail salon is boarded up at the far end. “So, this is where he’s holed up. He runs the place with his nephew. I called and said I was interested in a few things—spoke to him myself. He said he’d be here until ten if I wanted to stop by and chat.”
“Good work.” I crack my knuckles. “I think it’s time to have that chat.” We get out of the car and head inside. It’s dark, smells like piss with the faint scent of an artificial deodorizer that’s long since expired.
Two men huddle over an array of colorful bottles—both tall with the same dull scowl on their face, but the one on the left is old as dirt,