Page 24 of Bringing Home the Biker

Star rolled her eyes and placed the mug carefully back into its box. “That would be because you’re two years older than me, Rain. I would’ve been seventeen if I’d moved out when you did.”

Rain wrinkled her nose and laughed. “Did you really have to throw my age in my face on Christmas morning?”

The room chuckled, and I found myself smiling at the easy banter between the sisters.

“This one is for Axel,” Jim called and held up a box before passing it my way.

I caught it and glanced at the tag that said it was from Star.

“I bet it’s clothes,” Woods announced confidently. “Santa puts my clothes in those boxes.”

The room erupted into laughter, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Well,” I drawled, “whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll love it.”

I tore the wrapping off and opened the box to reveal a thick, sherpa-lined flannel in varying shades of orange and yellow.

“It’s sherpa-lined,” Star said, her voice soft. “It should keep you warm when you’re riding.”

“You ride?” Davis asked from his perch on the couch.

I nodded and unfolded the shirt to get a better look. The fabric was soft but durable—the kind of thing that would be perfect for chilly nights on the road. “Been riding since I was sixteen,” I said.

Davis, who looked about as familiar with motorcycles as I was with ballet, nodded appreciatively. “Nice, nice. I had a hog back in my day.”

Rickie snorted. “It was a Vespa, Davis, and you crashed it on the second day you had it.”

The room filled with laughter again, and I chuckled, shaking my head.

“Do you like it?” Star asked, her voice quiet but eager.

I leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips. “It’s perfect, honey.”

She smiled against my lips. “Good,” she whispered.

“They kiss a lot,” Woods announced loudly, as his voice cut through the moment like a knife.

“That’s because they’re in love,” Carmen cooed from her seat. “I love to see it.”

I felt Star stiffen beside me.

“Relax,” I whispered against her lips and brushed another soft kiss over them.

This wasn’t pretend—not anymore.

“This one is also for Axel,” Jim called, breaking the moment.

I pulled back and gave Star a reassuring look before turning to Jim.

Jim shook the box as he passed it over. “It’s from Carmen and me, but I’ll be damned if I know what it is.”

Carmen tsked. “Just give him the box, Jim.”

I opened it to find a leather wallet. It was simple but sturdy, the kind of thing that would last years. “This is great,” I said honestly. “I think it’s been ten years since I got a new wallet. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Carmen said, her smile wide and genuine.

“And finally, these three are for Star,” Jim announced.

The boxes were passed to Star, who looked at them in surprise.

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