Page 93 of Peer & Coco

Chapter 39

Coco wrapped her armsaround his waist. Peer inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself. It'd been a hell of a night not knowing where she was or how to find her.

One short phone call from her could've reassured him she was okay. He'd put too many responsibilities on her shoulders lately. She deserved to do the things she enjoyed.

"I am sorry," she whispered. "I should've answered your calls and let you know what was going on."

He caressed the back of her head. The puppy-smooth hair stilled his body.

"What did you do to your hair?" He tilted her head back and studied her all over.

The front was still down to the top of her shoulders. He turned her head and stared. The back was shorn short with a little pink dye along the bottom inch near the top of her neck. It was the craziest thing he'd ever seen on her—and he'd seen some doozies.

She drew herself up to her full height. "Hate it?"

Why had her question come out like an accusation? Almost a challenge? There was nothing she could do that would make him hate something she loved. He chuckled. "I could get used to it."

Her eyes flashed before she pulled away from him. He frowned. He couldn't win with her. Without knowing what bothered her, he would probably keep saying the wrong things.

"I'll go to the clubhouse and get Tyr," she said.

"Do you want company?"

She glanced over her shoulder. "You don't want to take your Harley?"

"Short trip. I'll ride with you." He followed her outside, locking the door behind them. "I need to talk to you anyway."

Her brows lowered. "About what?"

He pointed to the vehicle. She got in, and he slid into the passenger seat. He couldn't put off the talk. After tonight, he realized that she was stressing about the trip and it was making her frustrated with him. Telling her would at least fix that part of her life.

Once on the road, he said, "During Kelli's visit with Tyr, she told me she's moving."

Coco's gaze snapped to him before going back on the road. "Where?"

"To some apartments in North Portland."

"Oh," she whispered, clearing her throat. "What made her do that?"

"She wanted to prove to me that she wasn't involved with the Bantorus member who owns the house she rents, and she wanted to remain close to Tyr. She said the apartment complex is a safe place and family-oriented."

"I take it you didn't tell her that we're moving to Norway in four days." She stared straight ahead, squeezing the steering wheel.

"About that..." He put his hand on her thigh. "I think we'll stay here. Things are going okay with Kelli. Tyr seems to enjoy the interaction and to have his mom's full attention when she visits. I don't want to take her away from Tyr when she's benefitting his life."

She slammed on the brake. Caught off guard, he grabbed the dashboard and found them sitting at an intersection with a red light.

"Are you serious?" she said.

Her eyes were barely visible, and her mouth was tightly pinched. He thought she'd be happy.

"You knew this is where I'd prefer to stay. I'm an officer within the Portland Chapter of Slag. I've worked hard for the position." He pointed. "The light's green."

She jetted forward, not saying a word. He shifted in the seat, getting his knees off the dashboard in her small car.

"Roar understands our position. Your job's secure." He studied her. "We already decided to pay the month's rent on the house, so we can have Slag come over and clean after we leave. We won't have to worry about where we live."

She gave nothing away. The cold attitude she'd given him lately remained. He couldn't tell if she was happy over the news or disappointed.