Page 79 of Snow in Texas

“Oh, and you’re not stubborn at all.”

“Women are allowed to be,” she said, then laughed. “I’m serious, though.”

“So am I. I won’t start any shit with the guy.” He made a face.

“What?”

“Last time I did that…he beat my ass.”

She worked hard not to smile. “He’s a scary dude.”

He made a part-agreeing, part-disgusted sound.

He finished packing too quickly, and then was on his feet, shrugging his backpack into place and looking like the world’s tallest middle schooler.

Jenny’s throat tightened. She really, really didn’t want him to go. It was never fun to wave any of the boys down the road, but this time, it was painful, and personal, saying goodbye. She was no fool; if Knoxville needed backup, then there was danger afoot. And wherever there was danger, there were often dead or arrested bikers.

It must have shown on her face. Colin looked at her, head cocked to the side. “Are you that worried?”

She nodded, not wanting to speak and have her voice crack. Then she realized she had to. “Not to make you paranoid, or anything.” She knew her smile was pitiful.

He stepped in close and drew her closer still, hands on her waist. “It’s gonna be fine.”

“Until you run your face into someone else’s fist.”

He grinned. “You know, it’s kinda flattering. You being all upset like this.”

She was tempted to slug him in the arm. Instead, she took his lean, dark face in her hands and kissed him. “Be safe.”

“You too.”

~*~

Candy was in high spirits. He always liked a good Knoxville trip, and he especially liked thinking about someone else’s problems for a while, and leaving his own behind. A chance he wasn’t afforded often.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” Jenny told him as she stood beside his bike, watching him tug his gloves into place.

He rolled his eyes and slipped his shades on. “Look, save that kinda talk for your boyfriend over there. Me? I don’t do stupid. Just as a general rule.”

“Uh-huh. Tell Mags and Ava and the other girls I said hi.”

“Sure.” He grinned. “But those aren’t the girls I’m interested in.”

“Man-whore,” she accused. Then sobered. “But seriously, Candy, watch out for Colin.” She imagined him rolling his eyes behind his sunglasses. “I’m worried about him, being back together with Mercy like that. He’s your prospect, so watch his back for me, okay?”

He twisted to look over at Colin, straddling his bike and ready to go, watching the two of them. Candy sighed. “You know,” he said in a low, thoughtful voice. “I brought him here for you. I wanted you to have a bodyguard.” He turned back to her. “I didn’t think you’d actually like the guy.”

“Me neither.”

“Try not to get too lonesome without him.”

Jenny kissed the top of her brother’s blonde head and then stepped back.

Helmets were donned and engines were started.

“Hold down the fort!” Candy called, and she nodded.

She caught Colin’s eye as he pulled out of the yard, a hand ghosting unconsciously to her stomach.

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