“Then don’t threaten to.” I pulled my knees up to my chin and wrapped my arms around my legs. “If you don’t want me to be best buds with Hawk, then I don’t have a problem with that. I’m on your side. Always.However, I’m an adult and I’m fully capable of making up my own mind on who I choose to associate with, and the bottom line is that his little girl is adorable and sweet, and he is at least part of the reason she’s that way. So, I will be distantly polite to Hawk because I’m Team Booker all the way, but I will never ostracize a little girl because of who her father is.”
He cocked his head. “Team Booker?”
I forced myself not to smile. “All the way.”
He crawled up the bed, tugging my arms from my legs, and settling his chin on my knees. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“Thank you,” I said, and slid my legs apart. “Now, make it up to me.”
He grinned and did as he was told.
Danielle
WE ARRIVED AT the compound earlier than we’d planned. Austin’s sister was apparently on her way and he wanted to see her before Hawk could, which meant we got there before six so Austin could convince her to stay with him.
Austin had gone off with Mack and Hatch, and I was in the kitchen with Susie and a couple of the other ladies, including Hatch’s sister, Cricket, helping with food. I wasn’t there long before a tall, stunningly beautiful Hispanic woman walked in and studied me. She looked a little like Penelope Cruz and she held herself with a confidence I envied. She wore tight, dark jeans, knee-high black motorcycle boots and a black lace cami under a silver blousy top. Her glossy dark hair hung in straight sheets down her back, stopping at her waist, and she had heavy liner and dark red lipstick that worked with her skin coloring.
“Annie!” Cricket exclaimed.
Susie pulled the younger woman in for a motherly hug. “You look hot, girl.”
Annie giggled. “Thanks Suz.”
“Is Bullet with you?” Cricket asked.
Annie shook her head. “Just me.”
“Good for you.”
“You must be Dani,” Annie said, and hugged me. “Booker won’t shut up about you, so I think I’d know you anywhere.”
I blushed. “It’s nice to meet you, finally.”
“Where is my big brother?”
“You didn’t see him when you came in?” I asked.
