Page 78 of Craving Francesca

The skin on her neck and jaw was bright red.

“He was jokin’,” I assured her as I stood. “And he knew I was.”

She took a deep breath and set her shoulders before letting it out, her chin tipped up. “Okay, let’s go eat.”

“And then you’ll head home to pack?”

“I rode with Lou, but I’ll see if she can run me home really quick.”

“That works.” I walked over and unlocked the door, swinging it open. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“We could just leave tomorrow,” she hedged as she walked into the hallway.

“We plan for tomorrow, and you won’t sleep tonight,” I said, already knowing exactly how it would go. “And by mornin’, you’ll be full of reasons we shouldn’t go.”

“I would not,” she replied stubbornly.

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“I don’t have a helmet,” she said as we reached the main room of the clubhouse. It was packed with people getting food.

“I’ll grab Harp’s from my parents’ house.” Reaching out, I wrapped my hand gently around the back of her neck and pulled her toward me. Her hands hit my chest at the same moment that my lips touched her forehead. “Go eat. It’ll be hours before dinner.”

“I will.”

“Can’t have you passin’ out while we’re on the road.”

She glared at me. “I’m not going to pass out.”

“Eat, baby,” I ordered, pointing at the bar covered in food.

“You’re not the boss of me,” she retorted as she strode toward the end of the line.

I grinned and headed across the room, my expression falling.

“Grandson,” my Grandpa Dragon greeted, leaning back in his chair. I could’ve gone to anyone about the time off, but for the rest of it, I needed to speak to the President.

“I’m gonna be out for a week or two.”

“That right?”

“I’m takin’ Frankie out on the bike.”

“Looks like she needs it.”

“Asshole at work won’t leave her alone,” I said, keeping my voice low as I sat down across from him. “It’s gonna need to be handled while we’re gone.”

“Done. Set it up.” He watched me intently. “You don’t want to be here for it?”

“I’d kill him.”

Grandpa nodded in understanding.

“I’m not gonna wear my cut,” I said, holding his eyes. “Not sure where we’re goin’ or whose territory we’ll hit. Don’t wanna put her in the middle of anything that coulda been avoided.”

Grandpa was silent for a moment. “You’ll carry it with you,” he ordered finally.

“Planned on it.”

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