Page 121 of Nate

He turned the water off and opened the shower curtain to see Markie standing there.

“Are you finished already?” she asked him with a frown.

“No. I turned the water off so I could hear you. What’s wrong?”

“No. I just wanted to remind you text Rafe.”

“Shit. I forgot. Too much on my mind. I’ll do it as soon as I get out. He’ll be here if I don’t.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Nate pulled the curtain closed and turned the water back on.

****

Markie put the steaks in the air fryer, set the temperature and timer, then walked to the living room to wait for Nate. Picking up the remote, she turned on the TV and watched the weather channel. She shook her head when it showed a drastic drop in temperatures tomorrow.

She looked toward the hallway when she heard Nate walking from the bedroom. When he appeared, she mentally swore. He wore gray sweatpants and there was absolutely no doubt in her mind, he was wearing them commando. The black T-shirt he wore hugged his pecs and arms. She was so in love with him.

“The steaks should be done in another minute or two.”

Nate nodded and sat down beside her, and she could smell his aftershave.

“That’s fine. Damn, that shower felt good.”

“I’m sure it did.”

She sighed when he put his arm around her, pulling her close, then kissed the top of her head.

“I am not going to let him get to you.”

“Call me crazy, but I think he’ll be after you too. Possibly Rafe since you two messed it up for him getting those drugs.”

“True. I need to text Rafe.” He removed the phone from his pocket, and she watched him type a message and send it. A few seconds later, the phone buzzed. Nate laughed when he read the response.

“What?”

Nate showed her the message.

It’s about time. I was about to head your way! Damn, Nate!

“I told you.”

“You two are really close, aren’t you?”

“Yes, like I told you, since grade school.”

“That’s great.”

“He had a rough childhood.” Nate shook his head.

“Can you tell me?”

“Neither of his parents treated him very well. His father would hit him all the time, while his mother drank so much, she’d pass out. If it wasn’t for Fred Hancock taking him in, there’s no telling where he’d be by now. Rafe spent more time at my parent’s house than his own. He started working for Mr. Hancock when he was seventeen. Rafe would work after school, and during the summer. He thought of Mr. Hancock like a father. A man who treated him as he should have been treated.”

“Mr. Hancock sounds like a wonderful man.”

“He is.” Nate leaned forward and kissed her lips.

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