Page 113 of Give Me Love

She smiles. “Okay, Mr. Unenthused. I’ll see ya?”

Do I seem unenthused? Should I tell her how awesome last night was for me, too?

I lean over as I grab her hand, pulling her close. I kiss her lips, needing another taste of Fruity Pebbles and K before she leaves me, hoping she’ll know that I mean more than I say.

“I’ll call you.”

“Okay.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Bryce

“So, is it official yet?” Jace asks on the other end of the phone.

“The only thing that’s official is the ass beating you’re going to get if you don’t stop with this bullshit.”

The cleaning crew is here getting everything prepared for tonight, and I nod at a few of the employees, including Ray who’s my club manager.

“Aw, come on, brother. If I can’t give you a hard time, who can?”

“Yeah, yeah. Where are you, anyway?” I ask as I make my way through the illusive back wall.

“Just leaving the gym. Probably going to head out to the ranch tomorrow. I’m going fucking stir-crazy. I need to do something with my hands.”

“I’m glad to hear that. You done partying now?”

He laughs. “Nah. Just taking a little break.”

I pass by the prepping crew in the kitchen, and they all shout my name in a singsong tone. “Mr. Bryce, there’s a plate of Bruschetta in the fridge for you. Antonio said to make sure you get it.”

I nod. “Tell him thank you. I’ll grab it on my way out.” I step into the closet before shutting the door. I knock four times on the opposite wall.

“Mr. Grant,” Josh greets.

“Where’s Simon?”

“He’s down at the bar, sir, with Ben.”

“You at Red?” Jace asks as I head for the stairs, jogging down on plush red carpet.

“Yeah. Got some business to handle. I may take Kat to the ranch soon.”

“That’s cool, man. I’m happy for you.”

“Yeah,” I say.

“All right. Well, I’ll let you handle your shit.”

“Talk later,” I say. “Hey, I’m really glad to hear about the break.”

“I know,” he responds.

“Be safe.”

“Always,” he replies.

Dealers are preparing for tonight, and the TVs are all on, showing horse races from all over while a few others are showing preseason football games. The bar is getting stocked with brandy, fine wine, and the best of the best. Cigar boxes are being filled, and the wood is being polished.

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