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“Stupid,” Rumi griped.
Within minutes, Michael was back at my side and leaning in close again. “My mom got him a plate and he’s eatin’ with Gram.” His hand gripped my hip and gave a slight squeeze, and everything inside me froze.
Then the moment was over and he was looking over his shoulder to say something to Rumi. I stared blankly at the floor, trying to talk myself out of the feeling that was spreading through my limbs.
We’d been doing well and making things work while we shared a house, but something felt different at the club. It was as if when we walked through the forecourt we’d become a unit. Our little family of three, a part of things but also a bit separate. I thought about the way he’d put his hands on my shoulder, the hand on my back as we’d walked into the building, the way he’d gone to check on Rhett and then come straight back to let me know our son was fine and already eating, the hand on my hip.
Like he was claiming us for everyone to see.
It was dangerous to fall into that feeling. I knew it. I couldn’t seem to stop, though.
“Swear to Christ,” Michael said in my ear, startling me. “My brother could bitch about the sun rising.”
“He probably has,” I replied with a huff, turning toward him.
It was a logistical mistake, but once I’d done it, there was no going back. Our faces were just inches apart.
“You hungry?” he asked, his lips tipping up in one corner. The words were innocent, the tone was not.
“What’s on the menu,” I murmured back, glancing down at that half-smile.
“Sky’s the limit—” he started to say before a large hand slapped down on his back, interrupting us.
“Got a minute?” his dad asked, glancing between us.
“Sure, what’s up?” Michael asked.
Tommy jerked his chin toward the door behind us and Michael followed him out of the building.
“What was that about?” Rumi asked, leaning down by my shoulder.
“No idea.” I shrugged.
Within seconds, Rumi was following his dad and brother out of the clubhouse.
I didn’t think much of it as the line slowly inched forward but when I’d filled my plate and headed toward the tables where Rhett was sitting with Callie and Michael still hadn’t returned I started getting a little nervous. By the time we were finished eating, a small knot had formed in the pit of my stomach.
It was almost a relief when Michael came back inside, or it would’ve been if his entire body hadn’t seemed to thrum with anger. I searched his face for a clue to what was happening as he stopped at our table.
“Come outside with me?” he asked, glancing at his gram.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Nothin’ big,” he assured her. “Could you watch Rhett for a minute?”
“Go outside,” Rhett said, trying to climb off his chair. He must’ve read something he didn’t like in Michael’s expression, because it had been days since he’d worried about me leaving his side.
“You stay inside with Great Gram,” Michael ordered.
Rhett’s face screwed up into a scowl.
“I’ll be right back, baby,” I told him, leaning over to kiss his forehead. “Why don’t you go play with the kids.”
Michael towed me to the open doorway while my mind raced. What could’ve possibly happened that he needed me for?
We were halfway across the forecourt when I figured it out.
Chapter 10
