Page 37 of Moose

I shrugged and walked toward my car.

“It’s fine. I’m fine. Let’s go eat. I need more fucking coffee.”

Moose climbed on his bike and watched me as I drove down the driveway. He made me feel so comfortable and that was a problem. I had let the nightmares slip, but couldn’t let him know anymore.

As I turned onto Main Street, I took some deep breaths to get myself together. Time to lock everything down again and become the cold Lily they first met.

Chapter Eight

Moose

Lilyparkedinfrontof the diner and I parked my bike right behind her car. Before she could get out, I moved toward her car and opened the door for her.

I felt like shit for bringing up her past, but it had to be done. Now that it was out, I was going to make sure Lily knew she was safe here and how sorry I was.

“Thank you.”

I smiled and placed my hand on the small of her back as we walked into the diner. Gracie came skipping over and placed two mugs down for us.

“Morning, you two! I’ll be right back over.”

I nodded and turned to Lily.

“I’m really sorry about the cottage. There’s a handful of people in this town who think we’re scum.”

Lily smiled at me. “I don’t think you are. A pain in my ass, absolutely. But none of you are scum. I know low life... you are nothing like them.”

“Thank you, princess. That means a lot to me.”

I reached out and placed my hand over hers. My large hand engulfed her tiny one, but they looked like they belonged together.

Gracie came back with a jug of coffee and Lily and I quickly pulled apart.

“Here you go! Now what can I get you to eat?”

Lily smiled up at her. “I’ll take blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon and scrambled eggs.”

“And I’ll have the hungry man.”

Gracie grabbed the menus, leaving us alone again. I bumped Lily’s leg with mine and she looked up and smiled at me.

“Wanna talk about the nightmares?”

“Not really.”

I chuckled. “Fair enough. But I’m always here if you need a shoulder to lean on.”

“Thank you, but I don’t want to ever talk about them.”

“Have you talked to the women about them? All the old ladies deal with some shit.”

Lily shook her head. “No. It’s not something I like to bring up.”

Gracie came back out with the food and placed it all down on the table. Lily and I dug in quickly. Once we were finished eating, I paid before Lily could get the bill.

“Come on, princess. Let’s get to the clubhouse. Striker will know some places to rent and he needs to know about the real estate agent.”

Lily grabbed her purse and followed me outside.

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