“Whatever you say, princess.”
I grinned at Jace, but he didn’t share my amusement. Bailey rolled her eyes at the kids then turned to me.
“Nick still loves me.”
“Why would he stop?” I asked, skating carefully into the rink.
“You’ve met me. I can be too amazing for some people. I wear them down with my awesome until they want me dead. It happens.”
As Bailey wrapped her arm through mine, we moved slightly faster.
“Nick isn’t some people. He’s your guy.”
“Hell yeah,” Bailey said, smiling. She opened her mouth to speak, but paused as Harlow and Raven raced by.
“Faster!” Raven yelled and I saw Harlow pushing herself.
“Nuts,” Bailey muttered then grinned at me. “Anyway, I heard you had a date with Dylan. Are you in love yet?”
“It doesn’t work like that.”
“How do you know?”
I shrugged. “We’re going to the movies tonight.”
“Bringing the chaperone?” Bailey asked, gesturing to Harlow racing around the rink and trying to keep up with Raven.
“Yes.”
“You know that’s weird, right?”
“It’s Dad’s idea.”
“Being a pastor’s daughter can’t be easy. Men are so protective of their daughters. I won’t be like that with mine. I’ll let them run the streets like my sons.”
Doubting Bailey would appreciate my response to her plan, I didn’t share it.
“I’ve never dated before, so Dad wants me to feel safe.”
“Fair enough, but Dylan is a sexy guy who doesn’t usually go on chaperoned dates. I hope he doesn’t get weird about it. He’d be missing out on Winnie love.”
I smiled, but her words freaked me out. Bailey glanced at her little sister who was tugging at Jace.
“Faster, weenie,” Sawyer barked.
Jace came to a stop and glared at her. She crossed her arms and glared up at him. I watched them until Bailey pulled me out of the rink.
“Let’s leave the lovers to quarrel without an audience,” she said, sitting down on a bench. “So how did it go with Dylan really?”
“Okay. He kissed me and I liked it, but I also got a little weird. I’m hoping he didn’t get mad about that.”
“Raven told me Dylan came by the bar last night. She said you two were dating and he was really into you. Like hump your leg into you. I wouldn’t worry that he’s mad.”
I smiled. “He’s gentle, but not weak. I know that sounds stupid, but this one guy from church in Tennessee liked me. He was really nice, but he seemed weak and I didn’t feel like he could protect me. I know I shouldn’t need protecting. Harlow doesn’t. She punches people in the face, but I get scared and panic. When my dad is around, I feel safe though because I know he’s tough. I feel that way with Dylan too.”
“The guy did get shot trying to save you. He also attacked armed bikers with a hammer. That’s pretty manly.”
Smiling, I watched Harlow struggling to keep up with Raven who wasn’t even breaking a sweat. I knew my sister wanted to be badass like a man, but skating wasn’t coming easy for her.
“We should double date,” Bailey said. “Nick and I need to go out with a couple that won’t ditch us halfway through a meal because they’re horny.”
“Maybe when I don’t need a chaperone anymore.”
“Yeah, I’m not looking to hang out with another couple plus a third wheel. No offense to Harlow.”
“She plans to live her life without a man.”
“Good for her. Someone needs to take a stand against all this love shit and it ain’t gonna be me.”
I shook my head. “I’m not in love with Dylan.”
“You will be. Give it a date or two then I won’t be able to pry you off him.”
Shuddering, I shook my head. “I don’t think I can be comfortable with sex ever. As much as I like Dylan, this thing won’t last. I want it too, but I can’t have sex.”
“You never know. In the beginning, Farah was frigid like Antarctica and now she can’t get enough of Coop’s dong. If Dylan is sweet to you, you might defrost all over him.” Bailey and I shared a frown. “That sounds gross, but you know what I mean.”
“Maybe, but only time will tell, so I’m not over thinking it.”
“Good for you. I always over think things. I can’t stop thinking. It’s why I’m always right.”
I squinted at her and she grinned. “I like when you think stuff about me, but don’t say them. Unlike Raven who blurts out her insults.”
Laughing, we returned to the rink. I noticed Harlow in the death throes while Raven dragged her by the hand. On the other end of the rink, Jace skated quickly with Sawyer holding the back of his shirt. They seemed to be having more fun than my sister who finally collapsed on her butt.
“I’m done.”
“I blame Raven,” Bailey said. “She’s a really bad teacher.”
“Eat shit and pickles, dumbass.”
“See what I mean?” Bailey said to me while I helped Harlow up. “She has no people skills.”