Page 77 of The Biker Needs A Nanny

“How much what?”

I roll my eyes. “How much will get you off your ass to deliver it first thing tomorrow?”

“Um, I guess two hundred, and I’ll do it.”

“Fine. Add two hundred. Here’s my credit card number. You ready?”

After the arrangements are made, I lie down on the couch in the living room. I don’t want to disturb her, but I want to be close if something happens. I feel all the energy drain out of me as I stack my hands under my head and imagine the look on her face when I give her that ring on Christmas morning. Everything is going to be great.

It’s going to be the best Christmas we’ve had in a long time.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Lucky—

My alarm was set early, so I’d be up to get that delivery. Grabbing my phone, I shut it off and sit up, yawning. I peer in the bedroom and see a shape under the covers. She’s still asleep, so I quietly close the door and brew a pot of coffee, then walk out on the dock with a big smile. It’s a beautiful day.

I pull out my phone and hit up Pipe.

“Hey, man. What’s up?” he asks with a sleepy voice.

“You still want to buy my old shovelhead?”

That perks him right up.

“You serious? Hell, yeah. You know I do. But what made you finally decide to let go of it? You love that bike.”

“Found something I love more.”

“How much you want for it?”

“Eighty-two hundred.”

“You’ve lost your mind, VP. I’ll give you seventy-eight hundred. Final offer.”

“Sold.”

“Are you yankin’ my chain? You really gonna let that bike go?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, I’ll be over in a few hours. Gotta grab a shower.”

“Fine. I’ll be here.” I disconnect and go back inside, whistling.

I refill my mug and glance at the clock, knowing I really need to ensure Grace is okay. Moving to the bedroom door, I tap on it. “You up, babe?”

With my ear to the door, I don’t hear anything.

I tap once more. “How are you feeling? Grace?”

When I get no response, I open the door and move to the bed, reaching out to shake her shoulder. My hand sinks, and I pull back the covers to find only pillows.

“Goddamn it.” My stomach plummets, and then I spot the note and her cell phone on the nightstand.

Lucky,

I’m so sorry for bringing trouble to your door. I should have told you about Eric weeks ago. I put your girls in danger, and that is unforgivable. I wish things could have worked out. You made me feel like I had a home, and more importantly, you made me feel loved.

---