“I remember they’d canceled school,” she says. “Mama and I were going to evacuate, but then her work called and begged her to come and help them with the patients who couldn’t be moved. She thought she’d be able to get back home before dinnertime. Then the power went out.”
“Derek texted me,” I say. “He said,Ma can’t reach Maggie. Can you get to her?When I arrived, I’d banged on the door, but there was no answer. The winds were strong, and I was considering breaking a window, then remembered there was always an extra key in the garage so I ran and found it. When I got inside, I called out for you.”
“I was so scared. I didn’t hear you.”
“I found you huddled in the corner of your bedroom closet, clutching that bear. You were eleven going on thirty, but in that moment, you needed me. You scrambled to your feet and slammed into my body, hugging me so damn tight.”
“You stroked my hair and told me everything was going to be all right.”
“Yeah.”
“That was a lie, wasn’t it?”
“Guess so. Almost two million people had already evacuated. I heard later that only ten thousand people remained in New Orleans when Gustav hit.”
“But I had you that night.”
“Yeah, we rode the storm out together.”
“You were there when I needed you. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
“I’m here for you now, Six. It’s okay to need me again, you know.”
“I’m not eleven anymore.”
“You can’t still need me?”
“It’s better if I don’t.”
“Better for who?”
“For me.”
I drag in a deep breath, disappointed to hear that. “It’s not how I want it, but I understand the reason for the defensive wall you’ve built.”
She lifts her chin. “Thanks for the shooting lesson today.”
I take that as a dismissal. “You’re welcome. Keep the gun next to your bed.”
She walks me to the back door to the fire escape and lets me out. I turn in the open doorway and take her chin, brushing a soft kiss on her lips.
“Call me if you need me, Six. I’ll still come running, just like I did the night of the storm.”
With that, I go down the metal stairs to my bike.
Staring at her window as I strap on my helmet, I watch her light go out.
For her own protection, I should keep her as far away from the club as I can. But I know there’s no way in hell I can stay away from her.
CHAPTER NINE
Maggie—
Keno is picking me up any minute for the clubhouse party.
Checking my reflection in the mirror, I bite my lip. The party dress I have is more nightclub than biker club, but they did say it was a birthday party for Rock’s ol’ lady, and I have seen her out in the bar with him a time or two and she always dresses to the nines. Plus, she’s gorgeous.
I don’t have anything that will go with jeans besides some t-shirts or sweaters, and it’s too warm for sweaters. I’ve always been more of a sweatshirt kind of girl.
