The grin that spread across his face stretched his muscles so much they actually hurt. If he hadn’t been in his car, he would have done a victory dance - or at least jumped up and down. As it was, he punched the ceiling of his car when he pumped his fist, and had to cough to cover the inadvertent exhale in pain.

“Great! That’s... that’s great!” Good job with the vocabulary Mike. Very impressive. Clearing his throat to give himself a moment to collect himself - all he needed was his voice cracking to complete feeling like an inept teenage boy - Michael shook himself. Get it together, grouch. You. Are. A. Dom. “I’ll email you the contract tomorrow so you can read it over. Let me know if you want me to make any changed and I can edit the contract before this weekend. Can you be at the club on Friday to sign it?”

“Yes... yes, that sounds good.” Her voice sounded small, breathless, but also excited. Which was a relief.

The contract was already ready, but for some reason he didn’t want to admit that, which was why he was going to send it to her tomorrow. Plus, this way he could give it one last look over before he actually sent it.

“What are you up to this evening?” he asked, suddenly cheerier than he’d been all day. Maybe she’d like to come see Marquis in person instead of just the photos he’d been sending her.

“Oh, I’m going over to Stronghold to help with Angel’s class. Actually, I should probably get going, I need to change and head over early to help set up.”

“Ah, yes. Well, have fun. I’ll talk to you later.” He didn’t bother keeping his regret out of his voice, even though she hadn’t expressed any at already having plans.

It was probably better this way anyway. Trying to push Ellie to come out with him, right after she’d agreed to a club contract, probably wasn’t the best way to go. But he still wanted her to know he would have liked to spend time with her.

Baby steps.

Frustrating, tiny, baby steps.

Necessary steps.

Letting out a deep breath, Michael shoved his phone back into his pocket and got out of his car. The August night was hot and muggy, but it would be turning cool soon enough. He and Patrick had agreed they wanted Marquis opened with a New Year’s Eve party. Everyone from Stronghold would be invited. People were already applying for memberships, despite the hefty fees. Just as Patrick had predicted.