“There’s a lot of shit you don’t know, Bell.” He clears his throat. A shudder moves slowly over my skin with his revelation.

“I’m sure there is and if you decide to tell me, then we will deal with it,” I tell him and he doesn’t respond.

“Fuck! What are you doing to me, Bell?” He lets out a frustrated breath and it’s as if I breathe it in from my end.

“What are you doing to me?” I answer back. “I’m so far out of my comfort zone I don’t know how to feel.” I whisper the last part. Admitting truths comes easy when I’m talking with Jesse.

“I want to see you tomorrow. Are you working?” He changes the subject and I’m thankful.

“It’s Valentine’s Day.” Of course, Jesse Carter doesn’t know what day Valentine’s Day is.

“Oh, you got a date, Bell?”

I laugh. “No, why? You asking?” I tease, then face palm. Way to act cool, Bell.

“Yeah, I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Can we meet?” I ask, not ready for Mom and Dad to know about Jesse.

“I’ll pick you up and we’ll be talking about that too,” he promises and I wonder if I should talk to my mom tonight?

“Jesse.”

“No, Bell. You’re pushing my boundaries. It’s only fair I push yours too.” I nod into the phone because how do I argue with that? “You feel me?” he presses.

“Yeah, I feel you, Jesse.” I know he’s right, and if it wasn’t for Jesse, I wouldn’t be here, taking this step.

“Okay, now go to sleep.” The order is firm, strong, and I love it.

“Okay.”

“Night, sweetheart,” he whispers.

“Night.” I hang up and press my face into my pillow.

Oh, God, what did I just do?

Fifteen JESSE

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Nix walks out into the hall, kicking a stool out of his way.

“What’s up your ass now?” I ask from the sofa, sitting up from the racket. I just got back to the clubhouse from dropping the baby supplies off to the safe house for Beau and the woman he rescued.

“Fuckin’ Red is sick. Just cancelled on me.”

“Cancelled what?” I question, still not understanding what he’s losing his head about.

“Shit. What about Kadence’s parents?” Brooks joins the conversation, walking out from behind the bar.

“They’re away for the weekend,” Nix answers, ignoring me. His fist slams down on the bar in frustration.

“What’s got your panties in a twist?” I move off the sofa and come to stand by them. Yeah he’s got a short fuse on the best of days, but today he’s wired.

“There’s always—” Brooks nods to me but keeps his eyes on Nix.

“Fuck, no.” Nix shakes his head, and I’m still not following.

“He’s your only hope,” Brooks pushes.

“Someone fucking tell me what the fuck you’re talking about,” I interrupt again, this time, getting Brooks’ attention.

“Nix needs a sitter. You’re it.” Brooks slaps me on the back and walks back to the bar. Now it becomes clear.

“So, you finally need me.” I laugh, turning to Nix, ready to rub it in.

“No,” Nix answers, not budging.

“Why not?” I fold my arms across my chest and wait for the poor excuse he’ll give me.

“Yeah, why not? You’re desperate. Everyone’s out or busy,” Brooks repeats my question, his grin as wide as mine.

“Fuck,” he huffs, knowing I’m all he’s got. “Fine.” He pauses, and takes a minute. “Can you watch the kids, Jesse?” A smile slides up my face and I beam it his way. We both know him asking pisses him off.

“Ask nicer,” I fuck with him, because I can.

“Fuck you, Jesse.” I don’t respond, deciding it’s warranted after the shitty mood he’s been in for the last few weeks. He really has to work harder, especially if I have to cancel on Bell.

“Fine. Jesse, can you please watch Low and Z?” Nix caves and it’s fucking awesome.

“I have a date but—” I shrug, knowing my club, and family always comes first.

“No.”

“You didn’t let me finish.”

“You’re not fucking some whore on my sofa as my kids sleep upstairs.” He watches me carefully but he knows I wouldn’t do it.

“Fine. I’ll do it for twenty an hour.”

“Fuck off.” He hits me over the head and walks back to his office “Be at my house at six. Don’t be fuckin’ late.”

“You owe me,” I call out after him.

“Call it even after the shit you bring me daily.” He counters, and fuck, he got me on that one.

“I want dinner too,” I put out one last demand, but instead of replying, he slams his door. “Do you think I have any chance of getting Kadence’s lasagna?” I turn back to Brooks but he shakes his head.

“Kelly and I wouldn’t even get lasagna,” he says and I know there is no hope for me. “Don’t you have a date to cancel?” he asks, reminding me I need to call Bell.

“Shit, yes.” I reach for my phone and dial Bell but get her voicemail.

“Hey Sweetheart, it’s me. Give me a call when you get this.” I hang up and hope she gets it soon. I would hate for her to get ready and then I don’t show up.