Page 41 of Fire

“I get the feeling you’ve been keeping secrets, sweetheart.”

I laugh. “I hope you like it.”

“You made it for me. I’m going to love it,” he says, leaning over to press his lips on mine.

I blush when I pull back. My gaze goes immediately to my son, but he’s just grinning away, completely happy. “Why don’t you guys go wash up and I’ll dish up the pizza?” I tell them.

“Hey, Mom?”

“Yeah?”

“Can we have a picnic?”

“Well, I didn’t bring the blanket,” I murmur. Ford frowns at me, probably because he knows I cleaned out my rental. I know that Benny and his men knew I lived there. I know Ford said there was nothing to worry about with him any longer, and I trust that. It makes me happy—even if that makes me a bad person. That said, I’m sure if Benny knew, so do the Korslovas and Idon’ttrust them. Ford called them—despite me asking him to let it go. He told them I’m his old lady—which is a term that annoys me, but apparently in MC terms, it just means I’m his woman. I don’t know what exactly was said, but Ford called someone in the Bratva with more firepower than the Korslovas and said they won’t be an issue for me. Still, I decided to move out of the house and pack our stuff. I didn’t want to bring it toVirginia. Ford argued and, in the end, we put my stuff in Ford’s garage. That way, I can take it with me if I leave or unpack if I stay.

I didn’t imagine I’d ever say this, but if things keep going like they are, I’m going to stay. I’m happy. Ford isn’t keeping me from his life. I’ve met all his men and their women. I like everyone. The club does have women for the single guys. That was a little uncomfortable, but they were very respectful and Sayla—one of the girls—told me they do not cross the line with men who have old ladies, unless it’s something the old lady wants and joins in. It’s a different kind of lifestyle for me. I appreciate the fact that nothing goes on when kids are around, however.

“I can go out to the garage and get the blanket, sweetheart,” Ford volunteers.

“I … uh … didn’t bring it from North Carolina. I just left it in the house.”

“Hey, buddy, why don’t you go jump in the shower and put on your PJs. I’ll find a blanket and set up a place for us to eat and we’ll watch that new movie you want.”

“Deal!” he yells excitedly, then takes off running to the bedroom that Ford let him pick out.

“No running,” I call out after him.

“Okay, Mom,” he responds—while clearly still running.

Ford just laughs, looking gorgeous. Seriously, it should be against the law for a man to look that good. I shake my head. “He used to listen to me more,” I mostly joke.

“He’s happy,” Ford says.

“I know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy.”

“What about you, Grace? Are you happy?”

“I am,” I answer, not looking at him as I turn to the oven and take the pizza out of the oven. I place it on top of the stove. Then, I put the mitts down and search for the pizza cutter.

“Gracie,” Ford prompts, and he has quietly moved up beside me.

“You only say my name like that when you’re trying to make me melt,” I mutter.

“I want the truth. Areyouhappy?”

“I said I was,” I huff, annoyed.

“Then why don’t you seem like it?”

“I am happy, Ford. I just …”

“Just what, sweetheart?” he says, putting a hand on each of my hips and turning me around to face him. I bring my hands up to his chest to brace myself.

“Ford …”

“Talk to me. Remember our deal? You give me a fair chance and we don’t keep secrets from one another.”

“I don’t really have a secret,” I grumble.

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