Just as they were pulling out the last of the groceries, the loud buzz of a European scooter drew close. Tracker was at the gate and I’d already told him to be on the look out. No need to check her ID. Only one person would be ballsy enough to drive that thing into the Exiled Reapers’ clubhouse.
She pulled up next to my truck and hopped off. She was still wearing those little pink shorts and fairy tank top, and I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or annoyed. Relieved that I could continue to stare at her sexy curves or annoyed that now my brothers would see them, too.
The prospects stopped unloading while they gaped at my girl. But who could blame them when she took off her helmet and shook out her long blonde hair like a damn shampoo commercial?
I shook my head.Fuck. I needed to get a grip.
“Lexie?” Dan set down the three cases of beer. “Is that you?”
She looked in his direction and gasped. “Danny Greene? Are you kidding me right now?” Her loud squeal pierced my ears as she ran into his open arms.
The fuck?Dan was definitely not making it into the club now. I reached for my piece, but fortunately, she stepped away before I had to kill him. Dan stared at her, grinning like the idiot he was.
“It’s so good to see you, Lexie. And it’s just Dan now.”
“Look at you!” She eyed him up and down, and my gut clenched. “All grown up and taller than me.”
Dan’s cheeks turned a bright shade of pink and he puffed out his chest. “I’ve always been taller than you, short stack.”
Lexie giggled, that beautiful sound that came so easily to her. My lip curled as I looked toward the prospect who’d made her laugh. Maybe I’d kill him after all.
“How’s your mom? And Denise and Derek?”
“Mom’s doing great.” Dan ran his hand through his hair, and I swore he flexed his biceps.Dumbass.“She’s still working too much, but now that I’m out of school, I’m helping with that. The twins just started high school. They won’t believe I ran into you.” He shook his head, grinning like a fool.
Jordan stepped up next to Dan and nudged him. “Don’t be rude,Danny. Introduce me to your gorgeous friend.”
Dan looked at Jordan, blinking in surprise as if he’d forgotten he was there. Maybe this was a bad idea. Couldn’t have her rendering all the brothers stupid. I should probably make sure she stays in the kitchen and doesn’t come out.
“My bad. Sorry. This is Lexie, my, uh, babysitter.”
Enough of this bullshit. “You still need a babysitter, prospect?” I walked over to the happy little trio, crossing my arms.
Lexie laughed again. “Well, obviously not anymore. That was like, what? Five years ago? Clearly, he’s an adult know.”
Dan blushed again. He hadn’t earned a road name yet. Maybe it should be Red.
“Lexie was the neighborhood babysitter growing up. She watched all the kids.”
My eyes narrowed. “Five years ago, you were what, thirteen? Fourteen? You still needed a babysitter at that age?”
Dan grinned. “When she looked like her, yeah I fucking did.”
Jordan laughed and picked up his case of beer.
“And my mom trusted her with my siblings a hell of a lot more than she trusted me. But what are you doing here? I thought you moved when the Smith’s had a baby?”
Lexie sighed. “Yeah, I got shuffled around a few more times and ended up in New Hanover County for senior year. But I’m back here now and taking classes at Atlantic Community College for culinary arts. I’m hoping to start a catering business.”
“Start?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Her eyes widened and she sucked in a breath.”Grow. I mean,growmy catering business. It’s new, so I’m still getting used to saying that.“ She looked at me with a shy smile. “Anyway. Can you show me to the kitchen?”
7
LEXIE
Ispent the next several hours prepping. The coleslaw was marinating, the cookies were baking, the mac and cheese and baked beans were cooling, the potato salad was chilling, and I’d formed 120 burger patties. Dan had been a godsend, slicing onions and tomatoes and getting all the burger fixings ready. Bear had grumbled when Dan offered to help, but Dan was a prospect and ultimately supposed to help.
