"Shut it, Lil," I mutter, withdrawing my hand.
"No, I'm serious," my sister continues, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "He's like, allergic to PDA. One time his ex-girlfriend tried to fix his collar in public and he practically short-circuited."
"Different circumstances," I say through gritted teeth.
Katty's eyes dance with amusement. She leans toward Lilly. "So what you're saying is, I should be honored?"
"Absolutely," Lilly confirms with exaggerated seriousness.
"Well then," Katty turns to me and winks—actually winks—"thank you for the mustache assistance, Tank. I'm deeply honored."
Goddamn it. The playful teasing, that wink, the way she says my name… It's a sin wrapped in a smile. I drain the rest of my hot chocolate, needing something to do with my hands that doesn't involve reaching for her again.
"If you two are done," I say, setting down my empty mug, "we should get going. It's late, and we need to figure out our next move with Dylan."
The mention of his name sobers the mood instantly. Lilly's smile fades, and Katty straightens, the playfulness in her eyes replaced by resolve.
"You're right," Katty agrees. "And he knows where Lilly lives, so she shouldn't go back to her apartment tonight."
"She can stay with me at the motel," I offer.
Katty shakes her head.
"Dylan's dad owns it. Not safe." She gathers our empty mugs. "You can both stay at my place. I've got a spare bedroom and a couch. It's outside town limits, like I mentioned before."
Part of me knows I should decline—spending the night under the same roof as Katty is testing whatever restraint I might have left. But the tactical assessment is sound. Her place is unknown to Dylan and off his radar.
"If you're sure," I say cautiously.
"I am." She returns the mugs to Ma with a wave of thanks, then turns back to us. "Besides, safety in numbers, right?"
"Right," I agree, though safety isn't what I'm feeling when I look at her.
We make our way back through the fairgrounds toward the exit. The crowd has thinned considerably, with vendors beginning toclose up their booths. The carnival rides still run, but with fewer riders now, their colored lights spinning against the night sky.
At the parking lot, Lilly yawns widely. The adrenaline crash from the confrontation with Dylan is clearly hitting her.
"I'll ride with Katty," she says, leaning against me briefly. "You can follow us on your bike."
I nod, scanning the parking lot for any sign of Dylan or his friends. "Stay alert. If you notice anyone following, honk twice and I'll move in front of you."
Katty pulls out her keys. "It's about fifteen minutes from here. Mostly back roads."
"I'll be right behind you," I assure them.
As they walk toward Katty's truck, an older model Ford that looks surprisingly well-maintained, I head for my Harley. The night air has cooled considerably, but I barely notice as I kick the bike to life. My mind is too full of green eyes and challenging smiles and the feel of soft skin beneath my thumb.
I follow the red taillights of Katty's truck out of the fairgrounds and onto the country roads that wind through Sweetheart County. True to her word, she takes us along back routes, avoiding the main roads where we might be spotted.
The rhythm of the ride usually centers me, clears my head. Tonight, it fails. All I can think about is what's waiting at the end of this road—a night under Katty's roof, the promise of her presence just a room away.
I'm leaving in a few days. I have responsibilities, commitments. A life built around the club and the brotherhood I've found there. Getting tangled up with Katty, no matter how appealing the prospect, is a complication I don't need.
The truck stops in front of a small but well-kept farmhouse, just as Katty described—wraparound porch, blue door, set back from the road among a cluster of oak trees. Light spills from the windows she must have left on, casting a warm glow onto the porch steps.
As I park my bike beside her truck and kill the engine, I take a deep breath of the cool night air. One problem at a time. First, keep Lilly safe from Dylan. Then worry about keeping myself safe from whatever spell Katty seems to be casting over me.
Based on tonight's evidence, I suspect the first challenge will prove far easier than the second.
