“What?” he shrugged. “Worth a shot.”
I rolled my eyes, moving off his lap and watching him adjust his jeans with a grimace. “You’re making this up to me later.” He pointed a finger at me.
“Gladly.” I grinned.
A few minutes later we walked into the building, and I was shocked at the activity bustling around us. It looked like half the club was inside working.
“What the…?” I marveled.
Maddox gave my hand a squeeze. “They wanted to help. Plus, we do shit like this together.”
“I’m beginning to figure that out,” I murmured, my heart expanding in my chest. Not only had I fallen for Maddox, I was growing to love the people in his life as well.
“Hey, girl!” Liv chirped as she wielded a hammer alongside Wren and Gracie.
“What the fuck are you three wearing?” Maddox chortled.
The girls were outfitted in overalls with do rags on their heads.
Liv looked down at her outfit as though he was crazy to question it. “What? We wanted to look the part. Makes it more fun. We brought a pair for you too, Frannie.”
I fought a grin. “Oh good.”
“Good thing you’ll look hot in that,” Maddox murmured in my ear, releasing my hand as I went to follow my friends for an apparent outfit change.
****
Hours later, I sat next to Wren, Liv, and Sophie, who’d come in to deliver some much-needed lunch for everyone and had stayed to chat. The two of us had formed an easy bond over a short period of time.
“Looks like you’ll have this place up and running in short order,” Sophie commented, her appreciative gaze locked on her husband, who was tearing down a wall. I’d been in a similar state since Maddox had taken his shirt off hours ago.
“I think so,” I agreed, wrinkling my nose at the smell of the turkey sandwich Wren was eating.
“You’re not hungry?” Sophie asked with concern.
“No,” I replied. My stomach had been acting up the last few days, nerves I assumed, from Maddox being in a shootout and the fact my uncle was still very much a threat. Despite Mad’s assurances, I couldn’t help but worry.
“We still headed to Mad’s tonight?” Liv wanted to know, referring to the biker bar I had yet to visit. So far, Maddox had been reluctant to have me out and about, but I’d finally convinced him that a girls’ night was well overdue. And anyway, I couldn’t be much safer than at his father’s bar surrounded by club members.
“That’s the plan,” I agreed. I’d been looking forward to it. “How’s Gunner doing?” I asked.
“Okay,” Wren replied. “Emmie stitched him up perfectly, as we knew she could,” she added, just as the energy in the space changed.
I’d yet to meet Cal Jackson, but I knew without it being explained that he was who had walked through the door. Despite his age, he carried himself with the strength and confidence of a much younger man. A beautiful older woman who I assumed was his wife, Jill, accompanied him.
I stood along with the other women as Jill approached, and Cal peeled off to greet his son, Cole, and the others. Sophie embraced her and it was clear the two were close. “Jill, meet Francesca,” she introduced.
“Nice to meet you,” I replied, pleasantly surprised by the hug Jill greeted me with.
“I’ve heard such wonderful things, it’s great to finally meet you.”
“We were just talking about what a wonderful nurse Emmie already is,” Sophie explained.
Jill’s gaze warmed at the mention of her daughter. “Isn’t she? We’re so proud.” She turned eyes to me. “I’ve heard amazing things about your talents in the kitchen, honey. Can’t wait to taste for myself.” She winked.
“I’d be glad to drop by some treats,” I replied with a grin. I’d been itching to test out the new supplies Maddox and I had picked up the other day.
“I won’t turn that down.” She laughed just as Scarlet and another brunette I didn’t recognize stepped through the door. “Oh, there’s Scar and Piper,” Sophie commented, waving to her friends.
