Page 37 of Spike

“Then what’s theproblem, baby?”

I studied my handsresting on his chest. “I’m worried you’ll feel they’re too much of a pain inthe butt to stay with me.”

“Look at me,honey.”

It took me asecond, but I finally felt strong enough to look at him without crying.

“It took me a longtime to find you. Your parents aren’t going to be the reason we break up beforewe begin. There ain’t anything that’s gonna do that because you’re it for me.”

“You’re it for me,too.”

He grinned,kissing me gently. “You busy Saturday night?”

I shook my head.

“It’s family nightat the club. In fact, it’s a joint party with the Dogs of Fire, so we’re doin’it over at their clubhouse. Wanna come?”

I nodded.“Definitely.”

“Pack a bag, it’llbe a late night. We’ll stay at the club and on Sunday morning everyone willcook up a big ass breakfast together.”

I frowned. “I lovethe sound of Sunday breakfast with you so much, but I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I have togo to church with my parents on Sunday. It’s the price of living here for lowrent.”

“Right.” Spikesighed. “And my girl always follows the rules.”

I wrinkled mynose. “I don’talwaysfollow the rules.”

“That wasn’t adig, honey. Just an observation.”

“It sounded like adig,” I grumbled.

“Hey, no dig.” Hecupped my face. “We’re different, those differences are gonna clash sometimes. Thatdoesn’t mean I’m trying to make you feel bad for those differences, got it?”

I shrugged. “We’reso different, Spike. I know next to nothing about the world. I mean, I’m notstupid—”

“Stop,” hegrowled. “Don’t ever put you and ‘stupid’ in the same sentence, Trixie, or I’lllose my shit. Being sheltered is not being stupid.”

I sighed. “Okay.It’s just sometimes I feel stupid.”

“Well, that’s…” hegrinned. “Dumb.”

“You’re luckyyou’re cute.”

He laughed,leaning down to kiss me again just as my phone buzzed on the counter. I readthe screen and grimaced. “Dinner’s ready.”

“It’s gonna befine,” Spike said.

“Famous lastwords, as they say.”

He gave me asqueeze and we headed downstairs.

CHAPTERNINE

Spike

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