on the sale. Just be aware at some point about six years ago, they ghosted. People don’t do that if they’re not fleeing something. Could be a person. Could be something else. Try to learn what you can without alerting them of our concern.”
Standing, Gunner gripped the back of the chair. “I’ll do what I can.”
“You need a ride home?”
“Nah. I’ll take the truck to the shop tomorrow. Thanks for the offer.”
Leaving the clubhouse, Gunner reviewed his day. Not much had gone as he’d expected.
Tomorrow, Katrina would be coming to dinner at his place. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he climbed into his truck. Sitting behind the wheel, he thought of what could have happened six years ago to cause the Snowdens to change their identities and flee from wherever they’d lived.
Muttering a string of curses as he pulled onto the road, Gunner slapped the steering wheel. There really was no easy day.
Chapter Twelve
Katrina laid her head on the steering wheel and groaned. All day, she’d fought a battle within herself about going to Gunner’s tonight. Clean clothes and a small toiletry bag were in the back seat. Still, she remained unsure.
Her hesitancy had nothing to do with not wanting to see him. She did. The caution was all about her feelings for the handsome biker. A knock on the driver’s side window had her straightening to open the door and get out. The evening air felt good.
“You okay, honey?” Lines of worry crossed Janie’s face.
Katrina wondered how much she could tell her boss. They’d already discussed the sale of the nursery to the Brethren, including how Janie saw the transition. At her request, the closing would be quick. Not only was the nursery changing ownership, so was the land. Talking about Katrina’s interest in Gunner would be a stretch, and probably inappropriate given he’d soon be her boss.
“Fine. A little tired. I didn’t sleep all that well last night.” Which was true. Her mind had been consumed with the kisses shared with Gunner. Even with her few experiences, she knew their connection was special. One reason Katrina was reticent about joining him tonight.
She knew he’d asked her to stay the night. Did she want to? Absolutely. Was it right after knowing him such a short time? Her brain told her no. Her heart disagreed.
“I heard you’re having dinner with Gunner, tonight.”
Katrina’s jaw dropped at Janie’s words. “How…”
Janie waved the question away. “I met with Wrath and Gunner about the transition. That’s when he mentioned he’d be going over all of it tonight. This would be a good time for you to impress him with all the ideas you’ve been talking about for months.” Janie smiled. “I’m warning you. That boy is as sharp as they come. He’s got a real head on his shoulders for business. Did you know Gunner’s been the manager for the two strip malls owned by the Brethren?”
“Um…no, I didn’t.”
“And his family’s farm? When Wrath told me Gunner would be overseeing operations, I did an internet search. Heck, it’s the biggest operation in the Midwest. They ship all over the country.”
“He told me his family had a farm, and it sounded large, but I didn’t realize how big it was.”
“Huge. I’ve ordered Nebraska native plants from Henson Farms.”
“Henson?”
One of Janie’s brows lifted. “His last name, Kat. Luke Henson is his given name. He never told you?”
She felt foolish. “I never asked.”
“And you were going to his place for dinner tonight? Girl, you have to be more careful. Gunner is a good man, but you should’ve learned more about him.” Janie put a hand on Katrina’s shoulder. “I shouldn’t be the one to tell you his real name.” Dropping her hand, she turned toward her car.
“Thanks for letting me know. I don’t know why I didn’t ask.”
Janie lifted a hand in the air, waving over her shoulder. “I’ll bet I can guess.” Her chuckle could be heard throughout the parking lot.
Groaning, Katrina climbed back into her car, shoving the key into the ignition. How could Janie know more about Gunner than she did? He’d learned a great deal about her family with a few questions. Why hadn’t she done the same?
Driving toward his house, she began formulating what she planned to ask him. She particularly wanted to know when and why he joined the Brethren. How did a farm boy from Nebraska get involved with an outlaw MC?
Breakfast had been a fiasco. As Katrina predicted, her mother opposed having dinner with Gunner. She’d have done