Page 102 of Waiting for Redemption

“No,I’m not okay. I don’t understand what thehellis going on.” I sob, wiping my mouth as I fight to keep myself from throwing up on Tank. He holds me against his chest, brushing my hair back and kissing the top of my head over and over.

“Shh, shh, shh. We’re going to figure this out together, I promise. Starting by never speaking to that woman again.” I take a deep breath, trying to reign in the wave of nausea still lingering. When I’m finally able to release him without losing my composure, he gets back in the truck and drives us home.

“I’m gonna tell Max you won’t be in until later, if at all, and I will see if I can get someone to cover my clients at the gym,” he says as I lay down on the couch.

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine,” I say unconvincingly as I stay zoned out on the TV that isn’t on.

“You’re cute when you’re in denial.” Tank takes a seat, lifting my feet into his lap as he waits for my response. I can’t even find it in me to muster up a witty comeback or flirty response like I normally would because it feels like I have no idea what’s real and what isn’t anymore.

“Baby, I’m not leaving you when we have important shit to figure out. I’m gonna make some calls, you take a nap and I’ll wake you when it’s time to go get Hendrix. Okay?” He rubs my legs in a comforting motion, and I nod in agreement before he walks out with his phone already to his ear.

I close my eyes and try to get some rest, but every little detail about what’s happened over the last couple of weeks floods my mind.

How did my ex even know about Hendrix?

How did he know where to find us?

Is the attorney I hired his wife or just another mess he’s making?

Is he even still married or was I being played the whole time?

Did Tank and I even have to get married or could I have won this thing alone?

I sit up, grabbing a throw pillow to tuck under my arms as I let out a loud groan.

“Can’t sleep?” Tank’s voice catches my attention.

“Would you be able to right now?” I ask, playing with a loose string from the pillow.

“No chance.” Taking a seat next to me, he wraps his arm around me.

“Are you already done with your calls? That was fast.” I point to his phone as he slides it back into his pocket.

“Yeah, I called the gym and someone is covering for me, and I left messages at the other place.” I nod robotically, still unable to get my mind to settle down.

“Tank?”

“Yes, Honey?”

“Can we go out and do something? Like a walk, oranything. I just really don’t want to sit in the silence right now. It makes me too anxious.” He leans back to look down at me, a devilish smile appearing on his face.

“I’ve got an idea.” He stands up quickly, pulling me to my feet. “Get dressed.” He slaps my ass, sending me down the hallway towards our bedroom.

“What about you?” I ask, looking him up and down as he stands in black jeans, boots, and a denim button-down.

“Once I take this off, I’m ready,” he says as he begins unbuttoning the denim shirt.

“Then what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I argue, folding my arms over my chest. I have on my nicest pair of jeans, a white silk button-up and a pair of black mules. He stops at the second button of his shirt to wag a finger up and down my body.

“You look like you just came back from your attorney’s office. Go put on yourrealclothes,” he says, making me roll my eyes.

“Touché.”

“Shake a leg baby, I’ll be out front waiting.” He winks at me, already helping to get my mind off of the horrible morning we had, and eager to see what he has planned.

I dig through my closet and drawers looking for something to wear, unsurewhatexactly I need to dress for. But instead of stressing over it, I play off Tank's outfit and keep it simple. I throw on my black denim shorts, white tee with skull hands doingrock-onsigns on my boobs, and my combat boots. Tennessee is notorious for being unseasonably warm in the middle of November, and this just so happens to be one of the rare sunny and 65° days we get before it becomes so cold my nipples could cut glass as soon as the front door opens.

I make sure to brush my teeth prior to grabbing a claw clip and my leather jacket before rushing out the door. I drop my hair as soon as I see Tank standing next to his bike with a helmet sitting on the back for me.

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