She didn’t look too pleased when I left the clubhouse a few weeks ago.
“Miss Greene,” Deputy Bowman calls out to me as he approaches. He reaches out his hand and I shake it. “I’m sorry about all of this. I need to ask you some questions. Do you think we could sit somewhere and talk?”
“Um, sure. Let me just get Kaylie situated.” I’m looking around at the mess, and even the play area inside the salon is covered with glass shards. I spin and catch a glimpse of Mrs. Baker standing at the door of her shop, watching me. Her smile is one of pity. “Give me a minute, would you?” The deputy nods. “Wyatt, I need to go.” I hang up with him and make my way to Mrs. Baker.
“Good morning, Mrs. Baker. Would you mind watching Kaylie for me while I talk to the police and make some phone calls? I know you have a business to run yourself, but I would really?—”
“Of course, dear. I would be happy to have her. And maybe Miss Kaylie could help me sort some new jewelry that just came in? Do you know the difference between pink and purple, Miss Kaylie?” Mrs. Baker asks, rubbing Kaylie’s shoulder.
Kaylie’s head pops up from where it lay on my shoulder, her face scrunched as if she’s been insulted. “I know my colors, Mrs. Baker. I’m a big girl.”
“A big girl who needs to remember her manners,” I reprimand. Kaylie’s shoulders slump slightly at my admonishment.
Mrs. Baker gleans over the correction and addresses Kaylie again. “Oh, yes, of course you are. Well, would you like to help me sort some necklaces and bracelets in the back room? Maybe we can even try a few on.” Mrs. Baker winks at me.
Kaylie looks between me and Mrs. Baker. “Can I, Sissy?”
“Yes, of course.” I kiss her nose and put her down, guiding her hand to Mrs. Baker’s. Squatting down to her level, I pretend to smooth out her dress. “You mind Mrs. Baker and be a good helper. I’ll come by and get you in a little bit. I just need to talk to the officers and get someone to help me clean this mess up.”
No sooner do the words leave my mouth, a large truck pulls into the parking spot behind me. I know without looking who it is by Kaylie’s squeals. “Mason!” Dropping Mrs. Baker’s hand, she runs toward the truck. Mason steps out of the passenger side and closes his door in time to catch Kaylie as she launches herself at him.
“Hey Squirt!” he says, spinning her in his arms. “You look beautiful today? Are you okay?”
Kaylie nods. “Uh huh. I’m going to help Mrs. Baker sort color necklaces in her store.” Mason looks to Mrs. Baker, who smiles and explains about her jewelry delivery.
“Oh, well, that’s the perfect job for you, Squirt. You know all your colors now. She beats me every time we play Candyland. Don’t you?” Kaylie nods once, then looking at Mrs. Baker, gives her one raised brow and a smirk that saystold you so.
God, this kid.
Declan steps out of the driver’s side of the truck, gives me a slight chin lift, and then heads over to where Deputy Baker is waiting. Hawk and Sadie pull up in the spot next to Declan’s. Hawk comes around to give Sadie a hand down from his truck and guides her over to us. He looks pissed as he eyes the broken glass. He looks me over briefly and asks, “You good?” I nod and he leaves like his ass is on fire.
Guess he’s pissed too.Great.
Sadie looks me over and mumbles, “Pity,” then looks back at Kaylie with a broad smile. “Hey baby girl. You look like a princess in that outfit.” Kaylie smiles big, her cheeks blushing slightly.
“Mason bought me this dress. But Santa gave me the shoes just like Miss Liz said he would!” Kaylie explains, hugging Mason’s neck a little tighter.
He walks Kaylie over to Mrs. Baker, then leans down and gives her a similar speech to the one I just gave about minding her manners and waiting there until one of us comes to get her. It’s both sweet and annoying the way the two of them are with each other and how easily she minds him. She never grumbles or complains with him the way she does with me.
So unfair.
We’ve barely spoken since our argument at the clubhouse. He’s sent a few texts and came by the shop to drop off donuts for Kaylie, but it’s nothing like his usual intrusiveness. Especially since I turned down his invite to a party at the clubhouse on New Year’s Eve. Hispatch party.
You hurt him.
I didn’t mean to. But it’s for the best. He’s a full-patch member now. His life is going to change. His responsibilities. His loyalty will be to them first, like the others.
Kings are about family and protecting their own.
I’m not his.
But you want to be.
Hearing Kaylie’s laughter, I pull out of my internal debate and focus my attention back on her. She’s excited about whatever deal Mason has offered her to be good for Mrs. Baker. Kaylie seals her promise with a hug. He lifts her, spinning in a circle, making her laugh harder. With her arms around his neck and his back to me, I get my first glance at the new Kings of Fury MC patch on his back.
He’s got everything he ever wanted now. His club. Easy women. A family who accepts him for him. He doesn’t need us.
This is the first time I’ve seen him this closely in almost two weeks, and he looks good. His henley shirt is pulled taut over hisbiceps. There is a single curl that loves to fall into his face, which I want so badly to push back it makes my fingertips tingle. Yeah, he looksreally good.
