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“He said I was too young. It’s not my turn yet.”
“Guard’s a wise man. We don’t always know the reasons behind his actions, but we have to trust that Guard has our best interests in mind. You’ve already been part of a violent gang, Noah. Did you think that maybe he’s trying to shield you from that part of the life? At least for now. Give you some normalcy like a teenage boy is supposed to have. School, dances, girls.” I lean into his shoulder, resting my head on it. “You never got to have that. You’ve already experienced the bad. Now, he’s giving you the good.”
“You think that’s it? Really?” he ask, with a lilt to his voice, clearly wanting this to be true.
“I really do. They love you like the rest. War, Orion, all of them talk about you like you’re one of them. Good men leading another man into their fold. I’ve never seen anything so profoundly beautiful.”
“Geez, Lollie, you make it sound so girly,” he chastises.
“I am a girl, dork.”
Noah changes gears. “Wildcard okay?”
“Just needs to sleep. Yesterday was intense. But the answer to all problems are buttermilk pancakes. Come help me in the kitchen.” I tug on his arm, and he follows.
It’s been a long time since Noah and I worked together, cooking. His smile lights up his face and reminds me of Mom. Like Mom, he manages to get more batter on himself than in the bowl. He’ll never be a chef, but he’s got so much more going for him since the guys took him under their wing.
Noah’s setting the table while I’m flipping pancakes, when a shirtless sexy Wildcard struts into the room. He makes a straight line right to me, sliding in behind me, a hand to my belly, the other moving my hair off my shoulder to expose my neck. I feel his lips on my skin, and a shiver runs through me. That’s all it takes for me to want my man. A simple touch, the warmth of his body against my back, his manly scent, and I’m gone for my guy.
“Mornin’, baby,” he rumbles in my ear. I tilt my head up and to the side. His eyes, sleepy and gorgeous, meet mine. “Kiss me, dollface.” I lift myself on tiptoes and press my mouth to his.
“Morning, sweetie. I’m making fluffy sugary goodness for breakfast.” He glances down at the skillet, then at the counter covered with bowls of strawberries, crème fraiche, caramel, and nuts.
“I can see that. You’ve got enough to feed a dozen people. If I eat all this, I’d have to run for six hours straight to work it off,” he teases.
I don’t think it’s funny at all. Especially when I know that he’s hurt with stitches. “You’re not working out until that’s healed.” I point to his side. “Time for you to sit down and enjoy a quiet, movie-streaming day. Junk food and TV, that’s what the doctor ordered.”
He smiles at me and says, “I’ve been through worse. This is nothing. Swear to you, babe, I’m good.”
I relax a little. He does seem to be doing well, but I really want him here at home with me today.
“Please, just one day at home. For me,” I plead.
His big hands frame my face. “Okay. We’ll do a lazy day.” He kisses me sweetly. “Got to check in with Guard, and I want to see how Priest’s doing. Besides that, I’m all yours.” He looks at the pancakes. “Better take those out. I’ll put this stuff on the table.”
Wildcard chats with Noah. They talk about cars and school, and Noah tells him all about a club he wants to join. Through it all, Wildcard reaches over and either casually covers my hand or touches me.
“I’ve almost got enough to buy a camera. These guys are really good. Some are normal pics. You know, mountains, and shit, but then they do these cool ideas with faces and stuff.” Noah pulls out his tablet and shows us the school website and the camera club photos they have posted. They’re artistic and, Noah’s right, pretty cool.
“I can loan you the money,” Wildcard tells him.
“No way. This is something I’ve gotta do on my own,” Noah insists.
“Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes,” Wildcard counters.
“I know, and you guys keep giving. This is all me. I’m working with War, and I’m almost there. A couple more shifts and I can buy a starter camera. It’s basic, but decent quality. Jas told me all about the kind she thinks would work. She likes the simple ones. She says it makes it about the subject and the art, not about the technology.”
Hmm, this is the first time I’ve heard about Jas.
“Jas?” I ask.
“She’s a friend. That’s it,” Noah responds, a little too strongly.
“Well, I can’t wait to see your stuff,” I reply, not wanting to push the Jas thing. I figure this is more a guy thing than a sister thing.
Noah’s happy. After all we’ve been through, this is the first time I’ve seen him relaxed and happy. When his phone rings, he’s quick to pick it up.
“Hey. How’s it going, Hammer?” There’s a pause before he answers. “Sure. Yeah, I’m in.” Another pause. “I’m ready. Just finished having Lollie’s famous pancakes.” He listens to Hammer and lets out a laugh. “Okay. I’ll wrestle the last few away from Wildcard. See ya soon.” He turns to Wildcard. “Don’t make me fight you. Hammer’s taking me to spend time with PriestifI save him some of this.” He waves his hand over the table littered with delicious goodness.
