“I’ll never understand why he chose that place. He could build something ten times better,” Olivia commented.
My eyes popped wide. “Really?” Maddox had mentioned casually that he did some construction for the club but clearly he’d been being modest.
“Really,” Sophie chimed in, pride clear in her tone. “He built a few of the businesses the club owns, including the coffee shop downtown. He has a real talent.”
“Wow,” I replied, wincing slightly at the dull throb that had begun at my wound sites. After all the activity of the day, I was reluctant to admit I might have to resort to more pain pills.
Sophie didn’t miss my expression. “Are you still in pain?”
It was the first time she’d referenced my attack.
“No, I’m okay,” I assured her quietly as both women eyed me with concern. “I really appreciate the clothes. Thank you again.”
“It was no trouble, honestly,” Olivia replied. “A couple of the girls and I will be at the club this weekend. There’s a barbeque. We were hoping you’d come.”
I fingered my face delicately. “I’m not sure….”
“It’s still a few days out if you’re worried about the bruising, but I can promise you, no one will make you feel uncomfortable about it. A fair share of the women you’ll meet have had their own cuts and bruises over the years.” She turned eyes to her mom.
“It’s true,” Sophie murmured. I sensed a story there but didn’t pry.
“I’ll talk to Maddox about it,” I agreed. The truth was, after my evening with Maddox earlier and now with his mom and sister, I was feeling much more willing to consider a fresh start with the rest of the club.
“Yay!” Olivia clapped her hands with infectious exuberance, pulling me into a gentle hug.
“Don’t break my girl, Liv.” Maddox’s voice surprised me as he eyed us with raised brows from the entryway.
“I’m not gonna break her,” Olivia huffed. “I like her too much for that.”
His eyes turned to me, his gaze glittering with intensity. “That’s good, since I’m keepin’ her.”
Well, damn. That was pretty hot. For a moment we stared at each other across the room, the electricity between us nearly tangible. It had only been a few hours but I’d missed him.
He cocked his head to the side. “You ready to go?”
I nodded. “Let me just pull these cookies out.”
Sophie went to her son, hugging him briefly and murmuring something to him that I couldn’t hear. He nodded once before holding a hand out to me. When his strong, callused hand engulfed mine it was as though something settled in me.
It was awesome and scary as hell at the same time.
“Let’s get you to bed, baby. Thanks, Ma, Liv. Tell Pop I’ll check in soon.”
“Everything okay?” I asked as he led us toward his giant black truck.
“Yeah,” he replied, helping me up into the cab. “How was everything here?” he asked once he’d climbed into the driver seat and started the engine.
“It was good. I really like your mom and sister,” I told him honestly.
He shot me a gorgeous grin. “Good. They like you too.”
“Liv invited me to some barbeque at the club this weekend,” I added, toying with the hem of my tee. “That might be fun.”
He glanced over at me briefly, surprise clear in his expression before he turned eyes back to the road. “Not gonna lie, babe, I’d be fuckin’ thrilled if you wanted to do that, but there’s no pressure. We can always decide the day of—sound good?”
His thoughtfulness continued to surprise me. “Sounds good,” I agreed softly.
“Baby, we’re home.” His gentle voice woke me a little while later. I had no idea I’d fallen asleep. Before I could even fully wake up, I was lifted gently in his capable arms.
