Page 19 of Caden

“And is our boy here keeping you happy?” Miles asked, clapping Caden on the shoulder with one hand.

Caden rolled his eyes Why did half his brothers insist on treating him like a kid tagging along even though he wasn’t old enough to do what they were doing? He might be the youngest member, or at least youngest fully patched in member, but he wasn’t a kid, and hadn’t been for several years.

He knew some of them, especially Miles, did it to get under his skin. Caden did his best to ignore it because if he reacted, in any way, it would only get worse. Still, he loved these guys and if it happened, he’d take the teasing because having the brothers and the companionship and people he knew would back him up was worth a little teasing.

“So has he introduced you around?” Miles asked.

“I’ve met several people. The names and faces are all blurring together. I might know everyone after a few meetings, but I’ll be lucky to remember a half dozen after today.”

“So, you think you’ll be back for the event on the Fourth?” Courtney asked, speaking up for the first time since the introductions.

“There’s another event on the Fourth?” she turned to Caden.

“There is. I didn’t know what you might be doing yet, and we hadn’t talked that far ahead yet, but I’d be thrilled if you want to come.”

“I think I’m free, but let me double check before I commit.”

“No problem. I thought you might have plans with your family and not want to do this again so soon,” Caden said.

“He means that he thought we might have scared you off,” Miles put in.

“It takes a lot more than friendly people and good food to scare me off.” Olivia turned and gave him an impish wink. “Those five siblings I mentioned? Three are brothers. The older one was my guard, he’s done his best to make sure no one hurt me or threatened me my whole life, but the other two, while they’re older than me, they’re not as protective as Rick. Tom and Steve were different. They acted like it was their job to make sure I could handle anything, whether it was someone who got a little handsy or a party where someone might try to push me in to something I wasn’t ready for. A few rowdy bikers and their families aren’t about to scare me off.”

14

Miles’ eyes narrowed as he watched her a moment, making Olivia wonder what he was thinking.

“Rick, Tom, Steve. What’s your last name?” Creases formed on his forehead.

Olivia frowned, wondering where this was going. “Duncan, why?”

“I knew it!” Miles slapped the tabletop with an open hand. “I know your brother Tom.”

“Oh? Does he annoy you as much as he annoys me?”

“Sometimes, he has that quirk of personality that makes him find annoying people funny.” Miles turned to Caden. “You do know you’re dating the chief of police’s daughter, right?”

Olivia’s stomach dropped. She’d already told him but who knew how he would react now that his friends knew too.

“I did. She told me. My dad was an MP. I get how it can be when your parent is responsible for enforcing the law.” He squeezed her hand, sending warmth through her.

“As long as you know what you’re getting into,” Miles said with a one shouldered shrug.

They went on visiting for a while. People drifted in and out. By the time they called it a night and headed home, Olivia’s head swam with names and faces. She knew she’d never remember even a fraction of them.

“Want to go home or for a ride? We’ve got a couple hours of daylight left,” Caden asked as they headed out to the row of motorcycles where he’d left his.

“A ride sounds nice.” Olivia smiled as she thought about sitting on the bike, her arms wrapped around him as they rode.

“Then a ride it is.” They reached the bike, and he handed her a helmet then pulled his own on.

This time getting it on and fastened was easier, she didn’t fumble her fingers as badly.

“You need help?” he asked once his was on.

Olivia shook her head, then tilted it back to let him see she’d gotten it down. She felt his thumb slide in between her cheek and the padding, but before she could ask, it was gone again. Caden swung one leg over the bike and settled in.

“Okay, your turn. Remember to keep clear of the pipes.” He held the bike steady while she put her hand on his shoulder then stepped onto the nearest peg and climbed on behind him. This time it seemed easier than the last.