Page 39 of June 7

She wrinkled her nose. "I'm not sure I want to go."

"You'll be with me." He leaned down and kissed her lips. "I won't let anyone say anything about you."

"I also don't want you to get in a fight." She studied him. "People don't exactly keep their opinion to themselves in Seaglass Cove."

Bane, for how gruff and quiet he was to others, was the opposite with her. He was passionate, driven, and protective.

He'd gone out of his way to ask her out, and that meant he wanted her with him. She swallowed hard, knowing she needed to meet him in the middle.

Without him telling her, she'd guessed that growing up in several foster homes had done its damage to him. When he wanted someone, which she suspected hadn't happened often, he fought fiercely to keep them in his life.

Maybe he, too, was afraid of losing her.

That was something she never thought about before. It also made her change her mind about tonight. She needed to go out of her comfort zone to give him what he needed from her.

"I'll go," she said.

He kissed her again. "Good choice."

"What time?"

"I'll be at the shop until nine o'clock, and then I'll pick you up at the duplex."

Struck with an idea, she stepped closer to him. "What kind of party is this?"

He shrugged. "Drinks, women, music, bullshitting."

So, it was a typical party where everyone got wasted and ended up in bed with someone. Biker parties weren't much different than any other party around Seaglass Cove.

She smoothed his leather vest. "Can Liz come?"

"Babe."

"Give her a chance." She lowered her voice. "She's fun once you get to know her. And you mentioned there would be women there. Liz is single."

He looked up and exhaled in resignation. "Fine."

"Thank you." She pulled him down and kissed him again. "Don't worry about picking me up. I'll have Liz swing by after she gets off work, and we can go together in her car. Then, I'll come home with you."

"If your plan changes, call me, and I can come and get you."

"I will." She kissed him again and turned to get back in the pool.

He slapped her butt. She jumped, shocked that he'd do that with an area full of kids. But no one paid any attention. She looked over her shoulder and grinned.

Behind his beard, she could see him smiling. It was the first freely given sign of happiness he'd ever given her. She held that memory deep in her heart, never wanting to forget what he looked like, decked out in his leather vest and jeans with his black leather boots, at the edge of the city pool—not giving a damn about anyone else— and smiling at her because she made him happy.

Best. Gift. Ever.

She entered the office, knowing Liz would be ready to take over as soon as it was four o'clock and Daisy was off duty. Finding her friend at the computer, she grabbed a chair and sat beside her.

Liz glanced at her. "What's up?"

"Look." She pointed over the counter to the right of them.

At that moment, Bane walked out of the pool house. She grabbed Liz's arm and shook her. The excitement inside her spilled out.

"What is going on with you?" asked Liz.

---