Page 193 of What Started In Deception

She shook her head this time. “Not really.”

“I grabbed us some stuff for dinner. It’s in the fridge for when we’re ready.”

“My hero,” she said on a sigh as she eased back far enough to look him in the eyes and kiss him. “How was your afternoon?”

“Not too shabby. I got in a solid workout at the gym. Then I ran a couple of errands after that.”

“Good.” She kissed him again. “How did your meeting with Senator Shubert go?”

He nodded. “Great. My last available spot is officially taken.”

She beamed. “Ty, that’s awesome.”

He smiled, not hating that he now had a waiting list. Marietta and James had done him a major solid by singing his praises to several of their DC colleagues and friends. He drove up to the city a couple of times a month to give his VIP clientele a little extra TLC, then handled the rest of their sessions online.

He was helping several men and women change their health and bodies for the better, the money was rolling in, and he still had plenty of time to dedicate to the most important person in his life. His new career was sweet as hell.

He nuzzled her nose with his. “Are you up for hanging out with me on the patio for a while?”

She hummed in her throat. “Definitely.”

He hooked his arm around her waist as they walked down the short hallway toward the kitchen.

“So, I bumped into Talia’s mom while Camille and I were out.”

“Oh yeah?”

She nodded. “Apparently, Mr. Ty coming in to help out in the classroom has been quite the talk at their dinner table.”

He grinned. “Is that right?”

“Mm-hmm,” she said with another nod as she rested her head against his shoulder. “Your dance party movement breaks are proving to be rather legendary.”

He laughed. “Hey, getting your wiggles out with some dancing after math class is the way to go, especially on a Friday afternoon.”

“It’s a good thing we have recess after that because you always get them riled up.”

He loved everything about spending his Friday afternoons in Lydia’s classroom. She was a hell of an amazing teacher, and her students were super adorable. “Yeah, but we totally slay at the whole math lesson thing before we get a little crazy.”

She grinned. “Yes, we do.”

They moved toward the three-season porch.

Lydia stopped just inside the doorway, looking at the table he’d set for two with candles that were ready to be lit and some of Marney’s flowers arranged in a new vase. “Ty, this looks so pretty.”

He smiled, relieved that things were off to a good start. “I thought we could have a nice dinner when we’re ready.”

“Aw,” she said, kissing him. “You’re super sweet.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“I do.”

He kissed her this time. “Let’s enjoy the patio. I tossed a blanket out there since it’s a little chilly.”

“Good thinking.”

He opened the door, and they walked outside.