Page 92 of Renewal After Dark

“Does that upset you?”

“Not in the least, which is rather incredible.”

McKenzie had no idea how long they stood there, holding each other, before Jax began to protest being squeezed between them.

They pulled back, smiling as Jax blew spit bubbles that made Duke laugh.

“Everything he does is so damned cute.”

She thought so, too. It was nice to have someone else around who agreed. “He’s pretty cute.”

“So’s his mama.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a black key that he handed to her. “That’s for the truck. Use it for whatever you need to do today. I’ll ride the bike.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. If you wanted to come visit me at the studio, I’d be happy to see you.”

“I’ll come by to look at your books.”

He grimaced. “You’re going to want to smack me around when you see the mess I’ve made of them.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. Thank you for loaning me your truck.”

“No problem.”

“Where’s your helmet?”

“I was just going back for it when I saw you two coming.”

She eyed him skeptically. “Lying is a deal breaker for me.”

“I’m not lying,” he said with a laugh. “I was about to go grab it when I saw you.”

“Go on, then.”

“Sheesh,” he muttered as he walked toward the garage, returning a minute later with a helmet that had no face coverage. “Satisfied now?”

“No. It doesn’t protect your face.”

“My face is fine.”

“Yes, it is, and I want it to stay that way. Don’t you have one with the shield thing that covers your face?”

“I might.”

“Go get that and quit playing games with me.”

“Honestly,” he said on a huff as he went back to the garage. “Never knew you were such a bossy thing.”

“Excuse me?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Sure you didn’t.”

He returned a minute later with the requested helmet, which was covered in dust that he blew off as he walked.

“Looks like that one doesn’t get used very often.”

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