Page 128 of Blade

She was going to make a great mom one day with that look.

“Yea, he took me for an ice cream date.” I giggled, remembering our littledate.

Grace looked at the others, her brows furrowing.

“Have you not explained the rules to her?”

I looked at Rachel, questioning, “What rules?”

Had I done something wrong?

“Once you’re an old lady, you can’t just ride another brother’s bike, especially the Prez’s bike,” Grace admonished.

“Oh my God, you don’t know.” Lily squealed.

“I can’t believe no one told you.”

Grace shook her head at my new friends.

I wasn’t sure what was going on. King said it was ok, and Micah let it go as well.

“No, Grace, you don’t know. You’ve been so busy, we haven’t seen you since the funeral,” Rachel said.

“Know what?” Grace asked.

Rachel looked at me for permission.

I nodded. Not sure what I was giving permission for, but Rachel wouldn’t put me on the spot with something private.

“Beck found out the day of the funeral that Sheriff O’Rourke is her father. Which makes King her uncle.”

Grace’s eyes widened, and her eyebrows got lost in her hair.

“Well, I guess that explains how the sheriff knew your mom. I feel so out of the loop,” Grace complained.

We spent the next several minutes telling Grace everything that transpired. I told the girls about my ice cream date with my uncle, swearing them to secrecy. Excusing myself to use the ladies’ room, I walked toward the back of the bar. When I stopped and looked around, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. It felt like someone was watching me. Every woman knew to listen to that instinct. When I didn’t see anyone watching me, I turned back toward the restrooms.

“Everything ok?”

I screamed and jumped before I realized Johnny was standing next to me.

“I’m sorry, Beck, I saw you stop and look around and wanted to check on you. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Placing my hand on my chest, I took a deep breath.

“I’m ok. It felt like I had eyes on me, but it must have just been you. I haven’t gotten used to always having someone watching over me yet. Thank you.” He nodded and made his way back to the bar.

After returning from the restroom, we spent the rest of the evening laughing and telling stories. Rachel and I shared stories about Micah and Ryder. Lily spilled secretsabout Ace. Grace and Samantha had a few stories about the club they shared as well.

When Rachel and I made it into the parking lot, we found a prospect waiting by her car.

“Hello, ladies, I’m your chauffeur this evening. It’s my job to make sure you both get home safely.”

“Picked the short straw tonight, Archie?” Rachel asked.

“This is one of the better jobs I get tasked with. You two are a joy. I would hate to be Johnny. Grace scares the crap out of me.” He suddenly realized what he said, and he quickly added, “Please don’t tell her I said that.”

We both laughed and assured him his secret was safe with us.

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