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She twisted her fingers in her lap and his heart felt heavy that he’d made her nervous. He held his hands open in front of her and she put her nervous hands in his. He closed his fingers around hers and looked into her eyes. “I didn’t mean to make you nervous. I’m trying to figure out what we can do to keep you safe. The HOG is safe. But I can wire this place with cameras and security and if he tried to get in here, we’d know in an instant and be here in no time.”
She bit the opposite side of her bottom lip from the cut and he watched her eyes dart around and finally land on his. “Do you think you could stay here? Just one more night. You can sleep in the bed with me...if it’s not too weird. It’s more comfortable. I’ll be quiet and I can get some groceries and cook for you. I’m not bad. Maybe not as good as Helissa or Mrs. James, but I’ll try.”
He smiled at her, and her breath caught. “I think we can make that work. If it doesn’t, promise me you’ll think about staying out at the HOG.”
“I promise.”
She leaned forward and kissed his lips. It was brief. Too brief. She pulled back and smiled slightly. “I’ve been thinking about that for a while now. I’m sorry.”
He chuckled. “Don’t be sorry. It was nice.”
“It was?”
“It was.” He leaned in and gently kissed her lips. A little longer this time. But soft so as not to hurt her lip.
When he pulled back, her cheeks had turned a rosy pink.
She swallowed. “That was nice.”
He grinned. “It was.”
He scooted his chair back. Nothing else could happen right now. She was in no shape, and he didn’t want to think of taking advantage of her. She was battered, scared, and relieved a bit that she wouldn’t be alone while Colt was out there driving around and stalking her. That’s likely all that was; a thank you kiss.
But he thought she was brave, maybe too stubborn. But lonely and maybe sad and something about her called to him in a way he’d never known before. She was quiet with reserve and strength and beauty. Lord, was she beautiful! And she was so strong. It appeared she had to be, but he wanted to be strong with her, so she wasn’t so alone. No one should have to shoulder the burdens of the world alone, and certainly not when you’ve been beaten down. So, he’d be her strength for a while and maybe, just maybe they’d steal a few kisses here and there and get to know each other a little better. Maybe.
18
Kenna sat in the kitchen at the HOG, staring at what they’d done with this place. It used to be an old sewing factory back in the day. But, this. Wow! They’d done an amazing job with the remodel. They exposed the original brick and sealed it in a matte sealer. The wooden cabinets stood out nicely against the brick. The granite counters were shiny and beautiful. The room was airy and bright, yet still cozy.
Helissa slid a plate toward her and smiled. “You eat while Spencer cleans up. Then I’ll pack you a lunch and maybe something for dinner, so you’re all set.”
“Thank you so much. You don’t have to do that.”
Helissa waved a hand in her direction and kept on cooking. Addy entered the room. “Good morning, Kenna. How are you today?”
“I’m fine. How are you?”
Addy chuckled. “I’m great. I see you’ve met Helissa, and she’s already trying to fatten you up.”
Addy smiled at Helissa, which prompted Helissa to respond, “You’re too thin. You need to fatten up.”
Addy sat at the counter next to her and pointed to her plate. “Finish your breakfast.”
“What about you?”
Addy chuckled. “I ate about an hour ago.”
Kenna nibbled at her food, unable to open her mouth without splitting her wound open.
Spencer entered the room, saw her eating, and nodded. “That’s good. Get some nutrition in you.” He looked at Addy. “Morning, Addy. What’s happening today?”
She shrugged. “I’m waiting for Tate. He’s meeting with Gerard and Jasiah today and I don’t know if he wants me there to discuss Kenna’s injuries.”
Kenna turned to Addy. “Why?”
Spencer took a plate from Helissa and sat on the other side of her as Addy answered. “Because Gerard is the vice president of the BRR and Jasiah, his son, is the secretary. Tate has been brokering peace with them without Craig, because he’s unreasonable. But they need to know that him assaulting you, or any citizen, will be held against them when it comes to bringing utilities up the mountain.”
“Oh.”
