Page 75 of 2nd Strike

For the next several minutes, I bring him up to speed. By the time I'm done, I feel like the old me—in control, happy, and ready to take on the world. That's what JJ Carrington does to me.

The best thing is, he's all mine now. Thanks to the papers nearby, he's a free man.

"I'm holding you to that date this weekend," I tell him.

He glances down to look at the bandages across his lower chest and abdomen. "I think we might have to eat in."

“No way." I reach over and grab the envelope and hold it up so he can see. "I want everyone to know about our relationship. We're coming out of the closet."

His eyes grow round. “Is that what I think it is?"

I nod, grinning. "Yourex”—I emphasize the word—“brought them by a little while ago."

"I can't believe it. How'd you get her to sign?"

If JJ wants to believe I had a hand in pulling off a miracle, I decide not to depose him of that idea. “Hey, nobody messes with Charlie Schock, if they know what's good for them."

He pulls me toward him and gives me a kiss that tastes like the future.