Page 64 of The Biker's Brother

“Guess so,” said Johns.

With that he got into the black van and drove away.

CHAPTER Twelve

Austin, Texas

Once they were in the air, Cami realized that she wouldn’t take anything for the experience of flying close to the ground in an old barnstorming plane on a moonlit night. It was wonderful, magical, and the random thought flitted across her mind that, if she died right then, she’d die happy. With only one regret. She would have loved to kiss Brandon on the mouth and know how it felt, even if he wouldn’t be into it.

After the first hour the little towns they flew over came closer and closer together. She didn’t know their names and couldn’t imagine what they looked like in the daytime, but the twinkling lights looked welcoming at that altitude at that time of night. They didn’t fly over any big towns and didn’t see any other flying objects, identifiable or not.

When she realized that they were in a controlled descent, she wasn’t welcoming the end of a very special ride. As the ground got closer and closer, she

asked herself when would she ever fly across West Texas on a clear, warm night again with Brandon as her pilot and protector? The answer, which was never, made her sad.

When they landed at Bee Caves Flying School, there were three Sheriff’s Department vehicles waiting for them. Cami threw her overnight bag to Brandon before accepting his help to get down.

Brandon pulled out his phone before going further and called Brant. “We’re here.”

“Good to know. See you soon.”

They walked over to meet the guy who’d emerged from the hangar. “Tom Maker,” he said. “Your car’s ready and waiting.” He pointed at the car parked a few steps away and handed Brand the keys.

“Thanks,” Brandon said. “We appreciate it. I guess my dad owns this plane.”

Tom laughed. “I’ve got to hand it to you. It took balls to fly that contraption.”

“Don’t scare the lady,” Brand said.

“That doesn’t scare me,” Cami said. “I knew I was safe with him.”

Brand’s chest filled with emotion when he heard that and he knew the instant the words left her mouth that he wanted to always be that guy. The one she knew she was safe with.

“Turns out you were right,” Tom said. “We’ll sort out what to do with the plane. The Smithsonian maybe.”

Brand smiled, put his arm around Cami in a possessive and heterosexual way, and guided her to the car.

It was a quarter mile to the gate of the flying school. When they got there, they found three Sheriff’s Department vehicles blocking the exit.

One of the deputies walked over to the driver’s side window. When Brandon rolled it down he said, “You Brand?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, seems like your daddy’s concerned about your safety.” He leaned down and tipped his hat to Cami. Eyes moving back to Brandon, he said, “When your daddy’s concerned, my boss is concerned. So we’re going to tag along and make sure you make it home without incident. I’m all about keeping the roads free of incidents. So we’re going to give you a nice quiet inconspicuous escort home.”

“Much obliged.” It was a phrase Brandon had picked up after moving to Texas, a thing men said to each other that conveyed both thanks and respect. “Didn’t catch your name.”

The deputy smiled. “Names are for drinkin’ buddies.” He slapped the hood of the car and walked off toward his patrol SUV.

They followed the deputy and were followed by an additional two cars. When they reached the gates of the SSMC, they waited until Brandon and Cami were inside and then disappeared into the night.

One of the prospects closed the compound gates behind them.

“So this is where you live?” Cami asked.

“No. I have a place in town. A couple of the guys live here. Most have their own homes.”

“Oh.” She hadn’t confronted the possibility that she would be saying goodbye to Brandon when they reached the compound, and wasn’t ready. “You’re not staying here?”

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