Page 33 of Gunner

“I’m just gonna bend your ass over and spank it hard if you keep that up,” I warn her. Nat laughs, and it’s the perfect sound. I love hearing her laugh and seeing her smile.

“Seriously though, I can’t thank you enough, Gunner.”

“You don’t need to thank me, baby girl. I like havin’ you here. I more than like it.”

Chapter 14

Natasa

Things have been great here, almost too great. I know from experience when things are this good, something bad is coming.. I’ve been there and done that, and I never want to go back.

Walking over to Rick, I throw my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest. His arms encircle me and hold me tight.

“What’s wrong?”

“How do you know something’s wrong?”

“I can tell by the way you’re hugging me. What is it?”

“I just … there are some days I feel uncomfortable here. Like I don’t belong here,” I confess.

“You want to go back?”

“Not permanently. Can’t we just go, I don’t know, walk around?”

“If that’s what you want, we can.” Rick pulls back and looks down at me. “Just don’t run away from him, Nat. He’s good to you.”

“I don’t want to run away from him. I like being with him too. I think I just need a break. A kick in the ass,” I laugh.

“Then let’s go before it gets colder out. Grab your coat.” I nod my head and pull away from him, heading to my room and grabbing my jacket. I pull it on as I walk down the hall when I see Hodge.

“Goin’ somewhere?”

“Just for a walk,” I reply. He nods before looking around; I’m guessing for his dad.

“Where’s Gunner?”

“He said he had things to do.”

“You don’t need to go alone.”

“Rick’s coming with me.”

“As long as someone’s with you,” he says. I smile and move to where Rick waits for me. I walk over, slip my hand into his just like we always do, and head out the door.

“How are you liking being at the clubhouse?” I ask him.

“I love it, honestly. I’ve never seen people who care about each other the way they do. It’s like their own little family,” he says. I feel the same.

“Right? It’s amazing to see them get along the way they do.”

“But?”

“How do you know there’s a but?”

“There always is with you. What is it?”

“I don’t know. I feel like maybe I’m taking advantage of Gunner.” Rick bursts into laughter at my words before shaking his head.

---