I find myself laughing at her. “Well I’m really happy you stopped by, I was ready to get everybody to search high and low for you so I could thank you.”
She blushes. “Please don’t treat me any differently. I just wanted to help you since you were so nice to me. I’m so glad they found you.”
She eyes my bruised face but doesn’t say anything, she just looks like she has understanding written all over her and I have the sudden urge to try get her to stay for a little while.
“Why don’t I make us some coffee? Katy sounds like she’s in good hands.”
We both chuckle as we hear Sam and Katy singing along to some Disney movie then she turns to me, indecision written on her face.
She sits down on the edge of the sofa, playing with a cross around her neck. “Sure, I’ll have one.”
We find ourselves talking about all things random. Clothes, traveling, hair, everything normal friends would talk about, but always skirting over the personal questions. Before we know it, the bell chimes downstairs signaling someone has come in and there’s several footsteps on the stairs. I see Faith tense and I narrow my eyes at her, why is she on high alert all of a sudden?
All three guys stroll back into the apartment in easy camaraderie and I grin, feeling content that Hunter has slotted right into Connor and Lewis’s friendship.
At the entrance of the guys, Faith’s head spins toward them and she stares at Lewis, worrying her cross again.
“Faith, this is Hunter, Connor and Lewis.”
She smiles at Hunter and Lewis, but her gaze lingers on Connor. “I think we’ve met?”
He nods. “We did, how’s Rose?” I give him a puzzled look. “Oh, Rose is her dog. I got licked to death by her.”
Faith giggles and Lewis’s eyes narrow at her, I’m confused by his reaction.
“She’s good.” She eyes Lewis back before looking at her watch and turning to me. “I should get going now.”
I nod. “Sure, Sam? Faith needs to go.”
I hear Katy trying to protest but she soon comes running out and tugs on her mom’s hands. “Mommy, Sammy said I can borrow the princess DVD’s!”
“Oh that’s very kind of her, did you use your manners?”
Katy nods her head enthusiastically. “Mhmm.” She notices the men standing there and narrows her eyes at Connor before they widen. “I know you.”
He bends down on one knee. “We’ve met before. How you doing, pretty lady?”
Katy giggles then looks at Hunter, studying him. “Who drew on your neck and hands? Was it Keeley? Did you draw on each other?”
I tense up, I’ve never seen Hunter with any kids other than his brother before so I don’t know how he’ll react. But he bends beside Connor and tilts his head to the side to give her better access to see.
“They’re called tattoos, special pens draw on the skin and it stays there forever. Pretty cool, huh?”
She shakes her head. “Mommy tells me off when I draw on myself.”
He laughs a hearty laugh. “Well your mommy’s right, only certain people are allowed to do that.”
Her eyes widen in wonder and I laugh at the contrast between the tiny little girl in a pink dress, standing in front of my biker clad in all black.
Faith is moving from foot to foot and seems anxious, Connor must notice because he stands up and Hunter follows.
Katy’s gaze turns to Lewis next. “You look like prince charming.”
The whole room bursts into laughter and Lewis turns bright red. “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment, Princess Katy.”
He bows in front of her and she does a clumsy curtsy. The exchange is so cute even I find my womb melting.
“Okay, Katy, we need to go, sweetie,” Faith says, looking at Lewis. Her eyes turn to me. “Thanks for the coffee, it was nice to meet you all.”
I don’t even have time to reply as she grabs Katy’s hand and flits from the apartment, down the stairs. Lewis is still staring after her and I clap to snap him out of it.
“Don’t even go there, Lewis. Did you not see the ring on her finger?”
He laughs and puts up his hands. “I wasn’t doing anything.”
“Coulda fooled me,” I retort.
“So? The flooring? Don’t keep us in suspense!” Sam squeals, jumping from foot to foot.
“It’s downstairs, sweetheart,” Connor says and I pretend gag at his pet name for her.
I’m slowly starting to feel like myself again, being surrounded by people I love is good for me. I’m glad Sam forced me out of bed this morning.
Hunter comes and wraps his arms around me. “I have some good news, Lewis offered me a job at his garage.”
“No shit? That’s amazing, thanks, Lewis.”
He waves me off. “Wasn’t doing it for you, this guy is well sought after for custom bikes, it was a no brainer. Remember when you asked me why I didn’t do bike customizations?” I nod. “Well I’m thinking that with Hunters contacts and expertise, we can do it now.”
“That’s awesome, Lew. Finally going to put those talents of yours to good use.”