Page 17 of A Biker for Noelle
I shake my head. “That’s too much. I can’t let her do that. Zack is a good kid but can also be a handful.”
Torin steps further into the room. “It’s not too much, baby. Ma loves kids. She’ll be disappointed if you decline.”
I can’t help but think about everything that could go wrong. My instincts scream that I need to keep Zack close. As if he sees my internal battle, Torin is at my side, locking eyes with me.
“Nothin’ will happen to your brother. He will be with my mom, but they won’t be alone. One of my men will be with themat all times.” Torin brushes his thumb across my cheek. “You have my word. You and Zack are safe.”
I search Torin’s eyes and find only the truth. Something tells me he means every word. “I trust you,” I admit.
Torin continues to hold me with his palm resting on my face. His gaze is so intense and focused. For a split second, I think he’s going to kiss me. I’m disappointed as his hand drops, and he steps back. “I’ll be back around five to get you.”
I watch him turn and walk out of the bedroom while shaking off my disappointment and breathing deeply. Now is not the time to develop some silly crush on a guy who is probably not even interested.
I snatch a pair of jeans and a sweater from my suitcase and trudge into the bathroom. My focus should be on Zack and keeping him safe. Not some man and wondering whether or not he likes me.
After I shower, I head back downstairs to look for Zack and hear voices from the kitchen, where I find Zack with Torin’s mom. June is wearing an apron with candy canes and little Santa hats, spreading dough with a rolling pin. Nearby, there is an assortment of sprinkles and baking sheets. Zack sits on a stool beside her with a massive grin.
Zack looks at me. “You’re just in time, Nelly. Ms. June is making cookies.”
“I see that,” I say, walking over to my brother and ruffling his hair. “You’re not giving June any trouble down here, are you?”
“Zack has been an absolute delight,” June quickly responds. “Zack helped me with the dishes after breakfast, and as a thank you, I decided to make some sugar cookies.” She picks up a tree-shaped cookie cutter and hands it to Zack. “Think you can handle this part?”
“Sure.” Zack hops down from the stool.
While Zack is cutting out tree-shaped cookie dough, June wipes her hands on a dish towel as she walks around the counter toward me. “I’m unsure if my son talked to you, but I hoped Zack could hang out with me today. The community center is hosting an event for the kids in the town square. There will be candy cane bingo, donut decorating, and a gingerbread house contest. I thought Zack might have a good time.”
I look over June’s shoulder at my brother, holding his hands up in a plea while giving me puppy-dog eyes, and I smile. “Well, I guess that’s okay. As long as you’re sure.” I eye her wearily.
June beams. “I’m positive. It’s been years since I’ve attended the kid’s Christmas events. They’re a tradition in Ember Falls. Torin used to love Christmas when he was a child.” June gets a faraway look in her eyes. “Oh, how I miss having little ones around.” She returns to Zack and starts placing the dough on the cookie sheet. “I keep telling that son of mine I’m not getting any younger, and I’d like to have a few grandbabies running around while I still have the energy to chase after them.” As soon as those words leave her mouth, June cocks her head to the side and gives me a wink.
What the heck was that?
I do not want to analyze the whole look and wink, so I ignore it. “Well, I think I will hang out upstairs until Torin picks me up for work.” I look at my brother. “Hey, buddy. How about you come with me and get cleaned up before going out with Ms. June for the day.”
Zack peers down at his shirt, which is now covered in flour. “Good idea.”
Once upstairs, I help my brother clean up. I use a rag to gently wipe away some flour from his cheek while being mindful of his bruises. “Your face is looking much better today.”
He nods. “Yeah, it doesn’t hurt so much anymore.”
I hate how vulnerable his voice sounds at the admission.
“Never again,” I whisper, swiping the cloth against his cheek again. “I promise.” When Zack doesn’t say anything, I look into his eyes. “You believe me, don’t you? Iwon’tlet anything like this happenever again.”
He nods and whispers back, “I believe you, Noelle.” He’s quiet for a beat before adding, “And now we have Eazy and the club. You heard him say that you and I are safe here.”
I zone out for a moment.
“Do you believe him, Noelle?” Zack asks.
I sigh but have no doubts about Torin’s promise. “Yeah, I do.”
“I like it here, Nelly,” Zack confides.
I wrap my arms around my brother and kiss his head. “Me too, buddy. Me too.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
