Page 201 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"Good. We can work with that."

Jack nods toward the building.

"Come on. We'll get you settled."

Logan adjusts the duffel on his shoulder, and we walk inside together. By the time he's shown his room, met a few of the guys, and learned where everything is, most of the morning is gone. The rest of the day follows it.

That's how the weeks have been since New York. The farm asks for the next thing, and I give it. For now, that's enough.

Tuesday morning, I stop at Betty's on my way into town. She puts coffee in front of me before I sit down.

"You look tired."

"Good morning to you too."

"You're working too much."

"I work the same amount I always do."

"Exactly."

She disappears down the counter and comes back with a muffin.

"I didn't order that."

"I know."

I take a drink of coffee.

"Should I bother arguing?"

"No."

"Good talk."

"Always a pleasure, Martinez."

I shake my head. Normal life. Or something close to it.

Then my phone rings. Diego. I answer before the second ring.

"Hey."

"Hey, Dad."

That still gets me. Maybe it always will.

"What are you doing?"

"Walking out of class."

"Learning anything?"

"Occasionally."

I smile into my coffee.

"I was thinking about coming down next weekend."