reservations in ninety minutes.” Reaching out his hand, he took hers, walking to his bike. He held out a helmet, figuring she’d refuse since Arizona didn’t require them. They both slipped on gloves before he mounted and she swung on behind him.
Before pulling onto the road, he grabbed her hands, wrapping them tight around his waist. “Leave them there, babe. Nice and tight.”
After growing up in a club, Katrina knew the drill. “Ready, Luke.” She spoke into his ear an instant before he revved the engine and took off.
With each mile, Gunner began to rethink his decision to delay his proposal. He loved her. Knew it for a fact. Wanted her in his bed, not just a few nights a week, but every one. His house was big, planned for a wife and kids. He saw no good reason to delay the wife part any longer.
Gunner couldn’t stop staring at Katrina as she finished a sixteen ounce ribeye steak and loaded baked potato, followed by peach cobbler with ice cream. He loved how she didn’t always default to salad and fruit. She worked hard at the nursery moving flats of plants, five gallon containers, and bags of potting soil and mulch.
They talked of hiring two new employees, adding to the perennial selection, and expanding the assortment of native trees. Janie already offered a class each month in the spring and summer providing gardening tips. Gunner wanted to increase it to two classes a month, filming them for inclusion on their website.
“We should start back, babe.” He reached over, taking her hand to press a kiss to each knuckle.
“It’s been a wonderful evening, Luke. You’re right, though. It’s time to head home.”
Home. Gunner liked the way the word rolled off his lips. After a quick stop at her house, she’d be spending the night with him, in his bed. At his home. After tonight, he hoped Katrina would agree to call it hers.
Slowing as they approached her place, both noticed something at the same time. Three bikes were parked out front. One they recognized as belonging to Chaos.
Parking, she climbed off before he swung his leg over to stand, all the while studying the two unfamiliar bikes. A bad feeling shredded through him, forming a ball of ice in his gut.
Bending down, he touched the Ka-bar knife in an ankle sheath, then straightened to confirm the Sig 9MM in its holster. Taking her hand in his left one, they approached the front door, and stopped. The sound of several deep voices came through the slight crack.
Feeling Katrina’s body go rigid, he bent to her ear. “What’s wrong?”
“I know those voices, the men with Chaos.” She swallowed, her face going pale, breath coming in shallow gulps. “They’re Zeus and Einstein.”
Tugging her behind him, Gunner shoved the door open. His tall form and broad shoulders made an imposing sight, taking up the entire entry. Gaze landing on Chaos, he noticed the younger man standing between Teri and Zeus.
“What’s going on?”
Katrina slid past Gunner, coming to an abrupt halt seeing her father for the first time in over six years. “Mom?”
“It’s all right, Kat. Steve called and asked if we could talk.”
Face twisting in confusion, she felt Gunner’s arm wrap around her waist. “And you said, yes?”
“Teri told me no, Kat. It took a great deal of negotiating to change her mind.” Zeus couldn’t take his gaze off his oldest child. “You’ve grown up, pumpkin.”
She tried to storm from Gunner’s grip, but his arm tightened. “Don’t call me that. Not ever again.”
“Calm down, babe,” Gunner whispered next to her ear, not letting his attention stray from Zeus. “Are you good, Teri?”
She lifted her chin and nodded. “I’m fine. It might be best if all of you left so Steve and I can talk in private.”
Gunner moved Kat to the side, stepping forward. “That’s not a good idea, Teri. Chaos or I should stay with you.”
“Fuck. I’m not going to hurt my wife.” The words blasted from Zeus’s lips.
“Ex-wife,” Teri corrected, her tone gentle but firm.
Einstein, who’d remained quiet, met Zeus’s stern gaze before walking past Gunner and Katrina. When the front door closed, Gunner motioned for Chaos to follow Einstein.
“If you need us, we’ll be right outside, Teri.” Gunner took Katrina’s arm, turning her toward the door.
“Mom?”
“Go with Gunner, sweetheart. This won’t take long.”
Taking one last look at Teri and Zeus, he pulled the door closed, leaving a tiny crack. His gut told him the president of the Disciples wouldn’t hurt Teri, at least