Page 30 of Filthy Secret
Shawn smiles as I approach her. Then she lifts something up in her hand. It’s a pink bakery box. “I made welcome to your new house treats,” she calls out.
I can’t believe that a few months ago, I happened upon her at the clubhouse. I had no clue who she was, but I just knew she was special. And I was right. She is beyond special.
“I didn’t know if you had any food allergies, but I made sure there are no nuts, no dairy, and no gluten,” she says.
My lips curve up into a grin as I stare at her. When she opens the box, I gasp. The most beautiful cupcakes and cookies sit in that box. I just can’t believe they are without all the things she said they are.
“Cupcakes,” Adam whispers in awe.
“Can he have one?” Shawn asks.
“Of course,” I murmur.
A few moments later, he’s sitting at the small bar on a barstool I did not purchase.
In fact, there are a few things already set up in this house, including a sofa, a table with four chairs, and three barstools for starters, which makes me think they’ve done more than they needed to. Which brings a tear to my eye.
“You’ve done too much. I can already tell,” I whisper.
Shawn smiles, taking a step toward me. “You’ve been through hell, Ryan. We wanted to do a little something to make you comfortable. It’s just the basics until you can get what you need. That way, you don’t have to go out shopping.”
“Looking the way I do,” I say, finishing her thought, although I know she would not say that out loud, even if she was thinking it, which I’m certain she is.
“I didn’t say that,” she whispers.
“But you meant it, and it’s okay. I took a look at myself in the mirror this morning, so I know exactly how awful I look. I don’t need to be in public for a while, so I really do appreciate it, and once I get a job here, I will pay you back.”
“No need to pay anyone back, legs,” Atomic calls out.
Lifting my eyes to meet his, I watch as he makes his way into the room and bypasses me completely, heading toward the pink bakery box. He digs inside, producing a cookie and a cupcake, one for each hand, then begins to eat.
I know I must look confused because I feel it—wholly. King lets out a laugh, then closes the distance between himself and Shawn. I watch as he wraps his arms around her and brings her close to his side.
Her round belly is proudly displayed in her tight tank top. It’s adorable. I wish I were that cute when I was pregnant, but I definitely was not. She’s all belly and smiles. I was half sick for the entire pregnancy, and not just my belly grew—every single inch of me felt like it exploded.
“Yeah, Atomic’s cut this month paid for everything. You don’t owe a dime,” King says.
“I just hope you like it all. I tried to go basic and simple, then you can just add your personal flare,” Shawn calls out.
“It’s all perfect,” I whisper.
I can’t even speak in a regular voice. I’m far too moved to say a single freaking word. I take a deep breath and hold it for a moment as I try to calm myself down, then I breathe out and nod a couple of times.
“We’ve stayed too long. We’ll let you get settled,” Shawn says.
They gather themselves and leave, but I wish they didn’t. I haven’t seen King in years. I always liked him, but there’s something different about him now. I really like this version of him, the man totally and completely in love with his woman.
He loves her. They’re having a baby, and he’s mature. I mean, it took over forty years, but he’s mature. And that gives me hope for the man standing beside me eating a cookie and cupcake with my son.
I didn’t think that maturity was something that could happen at this stage in life, but I see it in King, and I feel it with Atomic. Grover. God, his name is like heaven to my thoughts. Being here feels like a dream. I’m not sure if I should have this dream. I don’t think I deserve it, but I feel safe.
So damn safe.
“You’re too good to us, Grover,” I whisper.
His eyes find mine, and he smirks. “Like the way you say my name, legs. And I’m really not.”
“You aren’t?” I ask.