what choice did either one of them have. “Works for me.”
Pursing her lips, she narrowed her gaze, concentrating on how to word her questions. “How did a farm boy from Nebraska end up in an outlaw MC?”
Again, his jaw clenched. Somehow, he knew she’d start with the question most difficult to answer, without running the risk of her walking out.
“We aren’t an outlaw gang, Kat. The Brethren are a group of men who enjoy riding together, supporting the community, and running businesses. We’re a club. Nothing nefarious in any of those.”
“I’ve heard that line before.”
Lifting a brow, he stroked fingers along her bare shoulder. “What do you mean?”
Unable to meet his gaze, she looked away. “Nothing.”
“Now, that is an outright lie, Kat. Tell me what you meant.”
“I took classes in botany at a community college in Omaha, where I met a guy who rode this great bike. He also wore a cu…leather vest with different patches. When I asked him about what the patches meant, he told me he rode in a club. A few weeks later, he died in a confrontation with another club. Shot down outside a bar. Will that happen to you, Luke?”
The use of his given name triggered a lump in his throat. It had been a while since anyone had called him that. It reminded him he needed to get in touch with his family.
“It’s not in my plans, sweetheart. What else?”
Katrina wanted to dig deeper into his life in the MC, accepting he’d said all he would. “What plans do you have for the nursery?”
Gunner relaxed at the change in topic. “I’m still learning what Janie’s been doing, so my ideas aren’t yet set in stone. More advertising, adding classes in gardening, building a newsletter, more social media. What I want is for us to talk about your ideas. But not tonight, Kat. We’ll set a time to meet at the nursery after I return to town.”
Brows furrowing, she glanced up at him. “You’re leaving?”
“Not for good. I’m visiting friends out of state. Remember? I mentioned being gone.”
Looking away, she found herself wondering if friends meant another woman. Katrina hadn’t even thought to ask if he had a girlfriend or fiancée. She now realized the depth of the mistake.
“Of course. How long will you be gone?” Wincing at the question, she moved to the edge of the sofa. “I mean, just so I can plan your landscape work and meeting about changes at the nursery.”
“I can come by the nursery before I leave. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
Standing, she carried her beer into the kitchen. Finishing the last bit, Katrina placed it on the counter. “I should get going. Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful.” Picking up her belongings, she headed toward the door.
He didn’t hurry to follow her, still surprised at the change in the evening. Gunner hadn’t expected her to stay, but he also hadn’t thought she’d rush off. She lingered at the front door long enough for him to join her.
“Is everything all right?” He settled his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him.
“Fine. It’s just that I need to get home before Mom starts to worry.”
“Does she know you’re here with me?”
“Of course.”
“Then Teri knows there’s no cause to worry. She likes me.”
Placing her palms on his chest, she met his searching gaze. “She may like you, but trust me. Mom doesn’t want me to get involved with anyone in an outlaw MC.”
He let out a frustrated breath. “The Brethren aren’t—”
She placed fingers over his mouth, stopping him. “Save it. I’m not an idiot, Luke. You may own legitimate businesses, and may not be involved in the worst illegal activities, but you’re closer to a gang than a club.”
When he didn’t respond, she went on her toes, brushing a kiss across his lips. It was meant as a quick goodbye. Instead, he grasped her shoulders, lowering his head to plunder her mouth.
Katrina didn’t pull away, but leaned into him, although she didn’t drop the items in her hands. Moaning into his mouth, she whimpered when he raised his head and took a step away.
“I didn’t lie to you, Kat. You can think what you want, but every word was true.”
Katrina’s hands shook as she drove back to her house, unable to make sense of his last words to her. Had her instincts about the Brethren been completely wrong?
Gunner had walked her to the car, not attempting another kiss before she slipped inside and drove off.