The Gritty Truth (The Whiskeys Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #7) - Melissa Foster Page 0,88
hurt a woman. He’s a protector through and through.”
Tracey scurried out of the kitchen, heading directly for the girls with a scowl on her face, and squeezed between Red and Roni. Roni glanced at Diesel, who wore a satisfied smirk. When he noticed Roni looking at him, his face went stoic again.
“What was that about?” Penny asked.
“I don’t know. He’s so weird,” Tracey said. “He asked me if I had a date for Josie’s wedding, and when I said how could I possibly have a date when he doesn’t let guys speak to me, he just stood there staring at me.”
“Visually devouring would be more accurate,” Dixie said.
“She’s right. He was looking at you like that,” Roni agreed. “Did he want you to go with him to the wedding?”
“Of course not,” Tracey insisted. “But I think I finally understand why he’s always watching me. Red, you told him about my abusive ex-boyfriend when I started working there, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did, and I told him to keep an eye out, so you didn’t run into any trouble,” Red said.
“See? That’s exactly what he’s doing,” Tracey said. “I think he wanted to make sure he had time to check out my date, as if I even want one. I’m going to have to yank his chain so he backs off, like you do with aggressive dogs. Does anyone have one of those collars with spikes inside it?”
Red laughed. “I told you she could handle herself with him. Tracey and I have talked at length about our mountain of a man, and she wants to deal with him on her own.”
“Exactly,” Tracey said.
“Believe me, if I thought any man posed a threat to any of our girls, I’d be the first to step in.” Red looked at Roni and said, “That includes you, sweetheart. You’re family now.”
Surprised, Roni said, “Thank you. I’ve never been around a family like yours. It’s amazing how you all take care of each other.”
“It’s special, isn’t it?” Tracey said. “I had no idea it could be like this until they brought me into their clan.”
Pamela and Crystal exchanged a warm glance.
“Neither did I. It was overwhelming for me at first,” Sarah admitted. “But then I learned to trust, and that led to accepting that this is what family is supposed to be about.”
“That’s right, honey,” Red said. “And, Roni, that charming man of yours is our boy, and he will always be an important part of our family. He’s not alone in his recovery or any other part of his life. He slipped through the cracks once, but never again.”
Roni loved hearing that, though she knew it from the way they treated him. Before she could respond, Crystal said, “What are the guys powwowing about?” She pointed to Bullet, Bear, and Jace, who was holding baby Axel.
“Knowing Bullet, he’s figuring out how to lock Finlay away for the rest of her pregnancy,” Dixie teased.
Finlay giggled. “He loves so hard. He’s going to be the best daddy.”
“Have you seen Bear with Axel?” Crystal asked. “He jumps at the chance to change diapers, bathe him, and play with him.”
“Bear’s good with Axel, but he’s got nothing on three-times-daddy, Bones,” Sarah pointed out.
“Speaking of kids,” Tracey said to Roni. “Your boyfriend sure loves them.” She nodded in Quincy’s direction. He was talking with Scott and Truman, holding Kennedy and Lincoln under his arms like footballs, their legs kicking as they giggled up a storm, while Hail and Bradley ran in circles around the three men.
“He’s so good with them.” Roni looked at Gemma and said, “We had a blast on our date with Kennedy and Lincoln.”
“They did, too.” Gemma smiled and said, “Lincoln can’t stop talking about Booful, and Kennedy is already planning your next date with them.”
All the girls commented about Lincoln’s cute nickname for Roni.
It was funny how the same nickname could make her feel special in two totally different ways. She glanced at Quincy again as he put the kids down and scooped up Lila, kissed her cheek, then set her down to play with the other kids. His eyes turned serious as he talked with Scott and Truman. Then his gaze shifted to Roni, his expression softening. She loved that she seemed to be on his mind as often as he was on hers.
“That was an excessively dreamy sigh, Roni,” Finlay said.
Roni realized she was staring at Quincy and tore her eyes away, only to find all eyes on her. “Sorry. He’s just so…”