Page 17 of Biker's Babygirl

“Touché,” Shep replies, a hand to his heart. “Forgive me. I’m just the curious sort.”

She drags her fry in ketchup and takes another bite.

“And when my brother gets involved with someone, we’re all involved,” Shep continues, waving a hand to indicate everyone sitting at the table.

I might not always like his methods, but when he’s right, he’s right.

Her eyes flash back to me, for just a second, and I give her an encouraging nod.

“Tell you what: Why don’t you tell me something about you first, then maybe I’ll think about answering one of your questions.”

“I guess we do you have you at a disadvantage,” Shep acknowledges without ever breaking eye contact. “We’ve all known each other for a long time.”

“Doing the medical stuff?”

“Well, I’ve known Duke all my life.” Shep gives a little laugh. “Being his younger brother and all.”

“Oh? By how much?”

Is she interested in Shep?I sit up straighter, my gaze dancing between the pair. Sure, she had seemed pissed at him only a minute ago, but attraction took stranger forms all the time.He would be a good match for her. He’s a tad old, but he could keep her in line. I think she’s the kind of girl that needs that.

But even as the thoughts cross my mind—sound reason, no doubt about it—envy blazes through me. Which doesn’t make any sense. Because if she’s “a little young” for Shep, then she’s infantile compared to me. Still, my pulse pounds as I try to stop myself from doing something stupid, like lunging across the table at my brother just because she’s smiling at him.

“Six years,” Shep answers.

“Almost seven,” I add, and when her gaze flashes toward me there is no doubt I said it just to have her eyes on me.

“Yep.” Shep picks up his glass and takes a long drink. When he sets it down, he adds, “Old man.”

“Pre-schooler,” I shoot back.

“Ugh, not this again!” Ellie groans.

Our guest smiles, a dimple showing in her left cheek. “A regular occurrence, I take it?”

“You havenoidea.”

And maybe I’m imagining it, but it seems like the casual conversation is helping her relax.

“Maybe we ought to clear the table.” Elvis stands up, stretches his arms overhead, then begins to collect his plate and utensils. “I’ll take dish duty tonight.”

“Great.” Jessica sounds very eager as she took rises from her chair. “I’ll help!”

Hmm. Maybe not Shep after all. Elvis would make the most sense, and he really needs a lady in his life,I muse.

But just the thought makes my throat tighten. I just met the girl, and I never, ever do things like this, but there’s just something about her that makes me feel like I’m meant to take care of her. And no matter how many times I try to tell myself I’m being ridiculous, it’s there, lurking behind my good intentions to set her up with someone else. A possessiveness I haven’t felt for anyone since my late wife.

It isn’t until they’re gone, and Shep clears his throat, drawing my gaze, that I realize she never answered my brother’s question.

“I don’t like the smell of this, bro.”

“Oh, calm down,” I scoff. “She smells fine.”

Ellie lets out a long sigh, and I turn to face her. “He’s right and you know it,” she says in a low voice. “This is weird, Duke.”

“Weird how?” I whisper back.

“C’mon, man. Mystery girlin the woods? Won’t say why?” Shep answers.

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