“Okay, Daddy. Love you.”
“Not as much as I love you.” Frey watched his two favorite girls walk hand-in-hand out of the classroom.
“Wow,” Elise whispered.
Frey ignored her and turned his attention to the other women. Women who took the class to learn self-defense, not try to find a date. Unsurprisingly, Presley was nowhere to be seen.
“Shall we begin?”
Chapter Thirteen
While Josie got ready for work, Malakai leaned against the bathroom doorframe, watching her put on her makeup. The night before, he tried to convince her to take one more day off, but she said she was ready to get the initial confrontation over with. He relented, but Kai insisted on driving her to the office. He offered to make breakfast, but Josie wanted to stop by the diner for her latte.
“I guess we need to get one of those fancy machines so I can make your lattes when you aren’t going to your father’s firm any longer.”
Josie held the mascara wand aloft while glancing at him in the mirror. “My own personal barista? I could get used to that.” She finished lengthening her lashes before applying a subtle shade of lipstick.
“Just think. In two more weeks, you won’t have to wear these boring clothes ever again,” he said, eying her business suit.
“Are you going to let me wear my sexy dresses at the training center?”
“That’d be a hell no.” Josie placed her hands on her ample hips, and Kai held up his palms in surrender. “Josie, my Sunshine, I would prefer if you didn’t wear your sexy dresses while we are at work. I will be taking money to properly train men, and if you are distracting me, they won’t get their money’s worth.”
Josie smiled and slid her arms around Kai’s waist. “Are we going to have shirts with the center’s name on them?”
“That’s the plan. I’ll be ordering T-shirts, but if you’d prefer polos or button-ups, we can get those too.”
“Nah. I think I’d like wearing a T-shirt every day. What are you going to name your gym?”
“It’s our gym, and I was thinking Team Palamo MMA. Since I never fought professionally, it’ll take a while to build our name and brand, but I’m good with that. You and I need time together outside building our business. I’ll eventually hire other trainers to give me a day off whenever I want some down time, but for now, it’ll be me on the floor and you in the office if you’re sure it’s something you’re interested in.”
“I like the idea of working with you every day. We’re building something that is ours. Speaking of, when do I get to see the building?”
“I thought when I pick you up from work, we could go out to dinner, and then I would take you to see it. How does that sound?”
“I’d like that.” Josie never would have envisioned herself working in a gym, but the prospect of getting to see her mate all day was exciting. Josie gathered her purse and briefcase and followed Kai to the garage. When he led her to Sixx’s fancy Bugatti Veyron, she cocked an eyebrow. “We’re going in this?”
“Yes. Sixx told me to drive it whenever I wanted, and today feels like a good day for sleek comfort over the rougher ride of the Jeep.” Josie was thrilled. Ever since Malakai showed her the vehicle, she’d secretly dreamed of riding in it. The engine purred instead of rumbled, but once they were on the open road, there was no doubt as to the power under the hood. The stereo system was top-notch, but she wouldn’t expect anything less from such an expensive ride. Kai already had a rock station on, and Josie sat back and let the heavy drums and fast guitar riffs pump her up. She giggled when she imagined the current song being her fight anthem. It was fitting that Josie felt a little “headstrong” with Kai at her side.
“I’m glad you’re feeling it, Sunshine. I wish I could watch your back all day today, but you’ve got this. And if either your father or Presley gives you shit, all you have to do is call me, and I’ll come take you out of there. You already said you have their upcoming cases ready, so if you need to walk away, do it.”
Josie still wasn’t used to Kai hearing her thoughts. Or her his.
“Thank you. And I’ll definitely take you up on that. I don’t usually take lunch, but can you pick me up at noon? I have a feeling I’ll need a break by then if not before.”
“Yes ma’am.” Kai raised her hand and kissed her knuckles. When they reached the diner, Malakai parked the Veyron out front in a spot that seemed to have been left open just for them. He came around the car and helped her out, ushering her to the door with a hand on her back. When they entered the small restaurant, Marley was talking to Dane Abbot. Dane stood when they approached
“Malakai, it’s good to see you.” The males shook hands, and when Dane noticed Josie, he sent a silent question to Kai.
Kai pulled her close to his side. “Dane, Marley, I’d like you to meet Josie Pierson, my mate.”
Dane fisted a hand over his chest and said, “On my honor.” Josie beamed. It felt good knowing these Gargoyles, even ones she’d never met, had her back.
Marley let out a small giggle, and Dane grinned at his own mate. “Something you would like to say, Sweetness?”
Marley took one of Josie’s hands. “Welcome to the family.”
Josie felt her cheeks pinken, but she smiled at the other woman. “Thank you.”
“Would you like to join me?” Dane asked.
“What do you say, Sunshine? Do you have time to sit for a few?”
