Page 57 of Biker Daddy

Addi crouched down and wrapped her arms around Brent. “I’m so glad you came.” She saw some frosting on his nose and she wiped it off, showing him. “I see you found Nora’s strawberry cupcakes.”

He bobbed his head. “They’re even better than the bakery’s, Addi.”

“They are pretty darn delicious.” She saw Nora watching them with a smile and waved. “I bet Nora would give us the recipe and when you come by to paint with Fitz, we can make them.”

The boy’s head dropped and he kicked the tip of his dress shoes against the floor. “My mom says I’m not allowed to talk to Fitz anymore.”

“Brent!” His name was called sharply and both Addi’s and Brent’s heads snapped toward Layla.

“Let’s go!” Layla spat and grabbed his hand roughly.

Brent looked at Addi as he was dragged away, his eyes owlish and sad. She mouthed she was sorry and he just turned away.

“And what was that all about?” Steven asked, joining her with a plateful of goodies.

“I don’t know.”

“Well, if you ask me, good riddance. That woman has been upsetting everyone.”

Addi looked around and saw the mourners were no longer milling about chatting with each other. They were gathered in small pockets, staring at Drew, whispering.

Had Layla told everyone Drew was the artist?

“I’ll be right back,” she said, leaving the table.

As she headed for Drew, still standing with Daniel, several people stopped her, asking her if she knew.

Knew what? What the hell was going on?

The word murderer was spoken in a hushed whisper behind her, making her spin. Nora and a few others were standing in a group, pale-faced.

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.” Nora reached for her, but Addi just turned to look at Drew.

His eyes locked on hers, concern immediately crossing his features and then his brows furrowed and he looked around. Daniel stood frozen with a tea sandwich poised in front of his open mouth. Steven, who’d followed her, put a hand on Addi’s shoulder.

Addi heard her blood rushing through her veins.

Drew, looking determined, started toward her in big strides, cutting through groups of people as if they were fall leaves in the park. His pace was shrinking the space between them, but not fast enough. Her heart, beating a hummingbird’s pace, called to him. He would explain. Her uncle knew Drew, trusted and loved him and Drew had promised to tell her everything. He warned her it was big.

She started for him, first in a walk and then in a run, but before they reached each other, Trevor stepped between them.

He was a wall of bald, goateed, rock-hard muscle, which under normal circumstances would have her breaking out in a nervous sweat, but she was Drew’s. She wasn’t afraid of Trevor.

“Get out of the way,” she said before Drew could speak.

“Hey, little lady, I think we should have a talk before you go anywhere.”

“No, we shouldn’t.” She sidestepped the big man as he tried to take hold of her wrist and she grabbed Drew’s palm. “The only person I need to talk to is Fitz.”

“Do you have a phone at least?”

“She’s got one,” Drew answered tightly. The big bald man nodded solemnly and stepped back.

Drew’s jaw was tense, but he didn’t say anything else, just followed Addi out into the Saturday afternoon sunshine. She was shocked over her own reaction, but his even more so. He was letting her take the lead—like he knew she was capable and not just pretending for once.

She paused as they got to his bike, released his hand, and texted Daniel to meet them at the camp. Drew handed her his spare helmet and got on the bike to hold it for her. She took a moment to kiss him full on the lips, while cameras flashed and recorded them. She took off her cardigan, wrapped it around her waist, hiked up her dress, and climbed on the bike.

“Shit! Put your helmet on now,” Drew said, shooting a dark look past her at the cameras.

---