This Time Around (Maybe #2)(40)

“I wouldn’t be here if I were you,” I say, smiling to soften my words.

He bobs his head, his lip curling. “I wanted to say hello to Summer.”

I lean on the bar. “Probably not a good idea.”

“Are you her man?” he asks, his eyes searching mine. I have to give him credit for meeting my stare head on.

“No. I’m the nice twin,” I reply, and I hear Tag chuckle behind me.

Summer’s ex-boyfriend, Quinn, lifts his beer to his mouth, his eyes giving away nothing.

“Does Summer know you’re here?” I ask, waving hello as a regular walks in. “Or are you surprising her?”

“Just dropped in to say hello. I was in the area.”

Yeah, I bet he was. “How did you know she worked here?”

“She mentioned it once or twice.” I bet Reid doesn’t know they still keep in touch, if that’s the case. I leave Quinn and head into the back. Tag follows me, a curious look on his face.

“Who’s the pretty boy?” he asks.

“Summer’s ex.”

He laughs. “Reid is going to love this.”

I scoff, “You have no idea.”

“How did it go today?” he asks, sitting down in my chair.

I smile. “Found the perfect place.”

“She’s going to love it.”

“I know,” I brag.

Tag runs his hand over his bald head, and stands up. He heads to the door, but before he leaves, he turns around and says, “By the way some girl asked for you today.”

“Who?” I ask, cocking my head to the side.

He shrugs. “Blonde.”

“No idea, probably my past trying to bite me in the ass,” I mutter under my breath.

*****

The lights are all out when I get home, except for the lamp in the bedroom. I rub my eyes, tired after a long day, and look to the middle of the bed, where Taiya is fast asleep on her stomach. The sheet pools just above her ass, the sexy dimples on her lower back showing where her shirt has ridden up. Her curls fan the pillow—f*ck, she’s beautiful, even when she’s sleeping. After a long shower, I slide in next to her completely bare. I push her hair to the side, baring her delicate neck. I place a gentle kiss on her jaw, breathing in her scent.

“Ryan?” she says softly, her voice thick.

“I’m here beautiful,” I whisper back, banding my arms around her waist and pulling her into me.

She sighs, “Love you.”

“Love you, too,” I reply, closing my eyes and falling asleep with a smile on my lips.

*****

I pull off her blindfold, and watch as her wide green eyes take in her surroundings.

“Wha—what?” she stutters, turning in a full circle.

“Do you like it?” I ask, unable to stop the smile on my face. “It’s yours.”

“What do you mean?” she asks, bemused.

“Your dance studio. Your dream,” I tell her, hoping she envisions it just the way I have. Taiya has told me in detail over the years, just how she wanted her studio to be. The mirrors, the flooring, the changing rooms, everything. I can only hope that this is what she wants, that this will make her happy.

She turns to me, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open. “You bought me my dream dance studio?”

My heart beats faster. “Yes, I mean, it needs some work, but?”

“This is mine?” she says, cutting me off, a look of awe on her face.

“Before you start with the speech about how you can’t accept it, yes, it’s all yours. It’s in your name, to do with as you please. You’re my wife and I live to see you happy, so yes. I hope you like it.”

“Like it? Are you kidding me?” she asks, jumping into my arms and kissing me.

“Thank you.” Kiss. “So much.” Kiss “It’s perfect.” Kiss. “Love you.”

“You’re welcome,” I say softly, our eyes connecting. No words are really needed, because this one look says it all. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you happy.” I tell her honestly, not caring what I sound like, not caring how many times I tell her, or show her how I feel. Because I know what it’s like not to have her in my life. I know firsthand that everything is better with her around. Everything tastes better, feels better. The grass sure as hell isn’t greener on the other side, and I’m never going to take this woman for granted.

Ever.

“Where are we going?” she asks, her eyes still glazed in surprise and excitement.

I take her hand in mine, our fingers intertwining. “I thought we could celebrate a little.”

She looks up at me, and the expression of happiness on her face makes me want to take her right now, on the floorboards of the soon-to-be studio. When she raises an eyebrow at me in challenge, I know that she’s got the same thing on her mind as I do.

“Are you sure?” I rasp, already looking around for the best spot. “It’s going to be hard and fast.”

“Just how I like it,” she purrs, already unbuttoning her jeans.

I smirk. “Someone’s eager.”

“And wet,” she adds, taking a step back from me. “But first you have to catch me.”

It looks like she wants to play. I take a step towards her, and she retreats once more. Without warning, I run after her, lift her up and pin her against a wall.