Page 73 of The Biker Needs A Nanny

She nods and moves to put a mug in the dishwasher.

I squeeze the back of her neck, massaging the tense muscles. It’s obvious she wants me to drop the subject, but I’m hesitant to let it go. I wish I knew what was holding her back. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

She nods again but won’t turn to look at me.

I want more than anything for her to feel safe, but I also want her to trust me, and I’m not sure we’re quite there yet. Eventually, she’ll learn that my actions always back up mywords. Right now, it’s just hyperbole, but soon I hope she comes to learn the truth of my promises.

I can tell her to trust me, but I can’t make it happen. She’s got to learn that for herself.

“Lucky, like I said, I probably overreacted.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But I think you should stick close to home for a while. Maybe I can track this guy down and find out who the hell he is.”

“You don’t have to do that. I was probably worrying for nothing.”

“I don’t want you worrying at all.”

“I know that.” She steps away. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”

I watch her head upstairs, and I know one thing for certain. I’ve got to find this motherfucker.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Lucky—

The next day, the girls are downstairs, lying on the floor and watching a Christmas movie on television.

I grab a cup of coffee and spot Grace sitting on the couch. I move to her, and as I round the back of the sofa, I see she’s scrolling through her phone, looking at what appears to be real estate listings.

“You buying a house?” I ask, grabbing her phone from her hand, determined to end all the secrets. But when I study the screen, I realize they aren’t homes for purchase. She’s looking at rental listings, and they’re not here; they’re listings for Jacksonville, Florida. My eyes lift to hers. “What are you doing?”

“Um, just checking prices.”

“Why? You planning on going somewhere?”

“I mean, you talked about your aunt coming to take care of the girls after she recovers from her surgery, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but I thought you liked it here. I was kind of hoping you’d stay.”

“I… I’m sure the girls would rather have their aunt, though, right?”

I stiffen. “Is that how it’s gonna be then? What about us?”

“What about us, Lucky?”

“So, everything between us… What was that? Just fun?”

She shrugs.

“Say it.”

She won’t open her mouth.

“Because you can’t. And you know why? Because it wasn’t just fun, and we both know it. It was so much more. Wasn’t it?”

When she doesn’t reply, anger and hurt wash over me.

“Okay, then. Fine.”

---