Page 83 of Mr. Red

“I have no doubt!” We all start laughing. “Okay, who’s ready to get thrown off this thing?” I stand up.

“Let’s do it!” Lana yells.

“Hold on, let’s wait five more minutes. Looks like Danielle and Matt need a moment,” Paige interrupts.

Chapter 45

Matt

I keep my eyes on Scarlett talking with her friends on the raft. She’s going to get burnt. The second they come back over here, I’m making her put on some sunscreen.

Danielle turns to me. “Scarlett isn’t who I thought you would end up with.”

“I haven’t married her.”

“Yet.” She gives a sly smile. “I always thought you would pick a girl who is snobby and a perfect ten. Scarlett is pretty, but she’s down to earth and refreshing. I love how she puts you in your place.”

I grin. I like that about Scarlett too.

“I wish I hadn’t wasted so much time in my relationship,” Danielle continues.

“You can only go up from here, Dani.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “The important thing is you left him.”

“Yeah, after years. I was so stupid.” She hides her face.

“You aren’t stupid, you were figuring things out. You loved him. I think you know now that he didn’t show you love. You’ll find someone that’ll treat you right. If anyone deserves love, it’s you.”

“How can you dive in? How do you know she isn’t going to break your heart?”

“I don’t.” My Adam’s apple bobs. “It scares the shit out of me. I want her to come to Texas with me, but she’s in control of that decision.”

“That must be driving you crazy.” She giggles.

“You have no idea. But she’s worth it.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Dani, just because you’re scared of relationships, doesn’t mean I am. IknowScarlett and I have something.”

“I’m just saying maybe you should be a little cautious. Before you go all in.”

“Too late.”

Chapter 46

Scarlett

A few weeks have passed since our boat outing. We’ve been working on getting the gym back into this century. We added a new sign, more mirrors, and created a different layout with more equipment. Lana, Paige, Jason, and I worked our asses off trying to accomplish everything in so little time. We still have a few more upgrades like light fixture changes and updates to the front to complete. The spa will have to wait a bit longer.

There’s a larger crowd at the gym now, especially since we expanded our hours. Jason has been our sales superstar, adding more clients day by day. I think it’s all going to work out.

Matt and I have been hanging around his place, since he has a mansion with everything included. There’s a freaking sauna in his bathroom. The décor and vibe are masculine and cold, but it smells like him and is roomier than my little cottage.

Today will be the first day since we started officially dating where we won’t see each other. My head feels like it’ll explode any second and I can’t keep food down. I don’t want to get him sick too.

It’s terrible timing. I had three meetings, two classes, and I was supposed to find an electrician today, but none of that’s going to happen. On top of feeling terrible, I startedmy period. That girl loves coming around at the best of times. I’m cuddled up on my couch watching my fireplace dance after taking some flu medicine, about to fall asleep.

“Miss Scarlett?” Matt pounds on the door. “Scarlett? Are you okay?” You’ve got to love him. I’ve never felt so cherished by someone.