Page 103 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

“Diane let me off early. Said I’ve put in my share of late nights already.”

She leans forward and gives me a peck. Damn, I love her lips.

“I knew you had poker night with my dad and the guys, so I called the girls to see if they wanted to go to a winery that has some live music.”

Brandy’s father had invited me to poker one night about a month ago, and I’ve tried to make it to a few more. It’s really given me a chance to bond with him, but now I’m kind of regretting committing tonight.

“Well, yours sounds like more fun. Think I could ditch your dad?”

“No. Besides, it’s all girls.”

“Who’s going?”

“Izzy, Melissa, Harley and a couple of their friends.”

“You know half your crew is underage.”

“Izzy and I are each buying a bottle, and then we’re picnicking on the lawn, listening to music. No one’s going to be walking around carding people once the wine’s been bought.” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses me one more time before scooting past me. “I gotta go. The guys are already at the table.”

“Am I going to see you again tonight?” I call after her.

“If you’re lucky.” She waggles her eyebrows and then climbs into her truck.

This girl has really wrapped herself around my heart. I feel like maybe she could be the real deal.

I shake my head. I’ve always opened myself up too quickly for hurt. Probably because I’ve been seeking the love I was never given by my parents. In the past, I always threw out I love you too soon, hoping the girl would say it back, but the last time my heart was trampled I made a promise to myself I wouldn’t jump the gun. I’d only say it if I was absolutely sure my life would crumble without the other person in it. I’m starting to think that girl is Brandy, but I’ve been stupid so many times I’ve grown gun-shy. I’m not ready. Not yet.

“Marcus! Get in here!” Gerald calls from the back room.

“Hey, boys,” I say as I sit.

We play for a few hours before we decide to call it quits.

The other men drift out the door, the smell of cigars wafting behind them.

“So, it seems you and my daughter have been going strong now,” Gerald comments as he hands me a tumbler with two fingers of scotch.

“Yeah, we have.” I smile, taking a swig.

“Even with this whole motorcycle thing, I can tell you two are good together. And you’ve held true to your word about keeping my girl safe. Thank you.”

“I’d never let anything hurt Brandy.”

“Good.” He sips his drink. “Because I won’t either.”

The sound of the front door opening carries back to us.

Gerald lifts a brow. “Speak of the devil, I believe she’s home. I’m going to bed.” He sets his glass down and walks toward the door. “Tell her goodnight for me.”

I walk into the hallway and see Brandy hopping on one foot, trying to take off her strappy heeled sandal.

Leaning against the doorway, I watch, amused. She finally gets the first shoe off and looks up. Her eyes are glazed and her cheeks flushed with alcohol.

“Did you drive, babe?”

She waves a hand toward the door. “No, Izzy dropped me off.”

“Good. Because you seem to be having a hell of a time taking off those shoes, and I don’t think you’d do much better driving.”

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