Grace for Drowning(72)

That way, at least one of us would be doing what they loved.





Chapter Twenty





Grace





Two days after our desert meal, Logan greeted me at the gym looking extra pleased with himself.

"What's that look for?" I asked, dumping my bag in the corner.

"What look?" he asked innocently.

"That stupid little smile on your face, the one that makes you look like a twelve year old that has just stolen all the cookies."

It was kind of an adorable look, to tell you the truth.

"Now why would I need to steal the cookies when I've got you to bake them for me?"

"Are you sure you still do?"

He pouted, which somehow managed to make him look even cuter. "That's a low blow. Okay, how about a compromise. You promise to keep up the supply of sugar and, after your workout, I'll tell you what your surprise is."

"You, sir, have a deal."

I began my circuit. After several months of constant exercise, I was finally seeing some reward for my effort. No longer did my body complain after ten minutes of strain. My muscles now slipped seamlessly into rhythm, driving me forward, reveling in the exertion. My lungs still burned, but it was a pleasant ache rather than the agony of those first few weeks. I was even starting to develop a little definition in my arms and back, something I never thought would happen.

That said, my mad guns were still nothing compared to Logan's. The way he threw his entire body into every activity was a sight to behold. If he was running, it was at a dead sprint. If he was boxing, he left only the tiniest pause between combos. Everything he did was designed to push his body to its absolute limit, and the more I understood how hard he was working, the sexier I found it. This was a man with a purity of purpose unlike any other. Of course it helped that that purpose left him a taut, ripped, broad-shouldered god.

I finished my final exercise and wandered over casually, trying not to seem too eager to claim my prize. Logan was practicing strikes with Tony; landing short, sharp combos of fists and elbows against pads that were strapped to the older man's hands. Tony shot me a warning look as I approached. He'd actually warmed a little to me lately — which meant I warranted a nod hello instead of just a grunt — but he was still incredibly protective of Logan's training time. He hated anyone interrupting a set.

After another thirty seconds or so, Tony dropped his hands and Logan stepped back.

"You're getting fit," he said, glancing over at me. "You don't even look winded."

I shrugged. "I had a good trainer. Now, I believe you mentioned something about a surprise."

"I did, didn't I?" He paused dramatically. "I got you a job interview."

"I've already got a job."

"Not like this one."

I realized what he was saying. "Holy crap. You mean in a restaurant?"

He nodded. "It's got a kitchen and everything."

"Oh my god. How? Where?"

"Charlie's been in this town a long time. He knows people. I had him ask if any kitchens were hiring, and this morning someone got back to him."

God, my debt to Charlie just kept growing. For a man who barely knew me, he'd done an awful lot to help me in times of need.

"The restaurant is called The Apollo," he continued. "It's a little Greek place just off the Strip. They're looking for a new junior chef and they agreed to speak with you, see if you're a good fit."

"But they haven't even looked at my resume."

He shrugged. "They'll want to, but the owner trusts Charlie. That said, it's not a guarantee. His word gets you in the door, but you have to do the rest."

"Wow, okay." It was a lot to digest. I'd told Logan I was ready, that I was going to start looking, but I hadn't expected things to move so fast. I figured I had a little time to adjust to the idea while I got my resume in order and started hunting. Instead, he'd just thrown something into my lap.

"You alright?" he asked.

I pushed my fears aside. This was a fantastic opportunity. I hadn't had a drink in months, things with Logan were going great — this was the next step to getting my life back on track.

"Yeah," I said, beaming up at him. "I'm great." I slipped in close and embraced him. "Thank you so much, Logan."

"You're welcome. And all I ask for in payment is free meals whenever I want."

I laughed. "I'm not sure that's how it works."

"Fine, I'll settle for seeing you smile, then."

"Now that I can do."





*****





The Apollo was a super cute little place tucked in the back of an old strip mall. It had the kind of homey decor that made you feel like you were just eating in someone else's living room; colorful table cloths, mismatched furniture, paintings on the walls. I liked it immediately.