“Hey, man, where’s the fire?” Bright yells as he enters the house. I don’t bother to answer. I continue on to my room and change my clothes, brush my teeth, and grab a hoodie. It’s early fall and a seasonably warm day. Chances are slim to none I’ll need it, but she might. I almost leave it behind, but I like her in my clothes. Being able to take care of her wins out and I shove it under my arm.

I march out the front door, not bothering to address the girls who are waiting patiently in the foyer. I hop back in my truck and throw the hoodie in the seat. I back the truck up to the front of the trailer. I’ve done this a million times and never need anyone to guide me. Hopping out of the truck, I work on fastening the hitch to the truck. Once I’m done, I open up the ramp gate in the back so we can easily load the bikes. Brighton joins me and it takes no time for both of our four-wheelers and gear to be loaded in the trailer. Bright loads up the cooler. Josh is supposed to be bringing the grill. We’ll stop on the way to get ice, drinks, and chips; that’s our contribution. We also need to get the girls helmets. No way are they getting on the back of a bike on those trails and not be protected.

“I think that’s it,” Brighton says as he loads the toolbox. We always take it just in case.

“Looks like it.”

“Hey, man, I know we have to stop off to get the supplies, you think we can make another stop?” he asks.

“Where? We need to stop at the bike shop and get the girls a helmet.” It’s not up for debate, not that I think he will fight me on it. Nicole means a lot to him and I know he would want her safe.

“You read my fucking mind. That’s what I wanted to do. No way is she going on those trails with all those other idiots without a helmet. We need to keep our girls safe from those asshats,” he quips, pats me on the shoulder, and walks off in their direction.

Our girls.

Kensington.

My girl.

Shit just got real.

AFTER THE GUYS get the trailer loaded, we hit the road. I’m still not completely sure what I’m getting myself into, but Nicole is happy and that’s what matters. So many times she has sacrificed for me; this is the least I can do. Maxton pulls into a strip mall that has a grocery store, a bike shop, and a salon. I assume we’re here to get the supplies I overheard him and Brighton talking about earlier.

I watch as Maxton hops out of the truck, walks around the front, and to my door. He opens the door and holds his hand out for me. Brighton opens the back door, and he climbs out with Nic right behind him. I place my hand in Maxton’s and he helps me down. Not that I needed it, but it was another chance to touch him and have a good reason for it, so I took it.

Instead of heading toward the grocery store, like I assumed, he leads me to the bike shop. I guess we need more than just food for the trip.

Brighton opens the door for Nicole and leads her inside. Maxton catches the door, places his hand on the small of my back and guides me to follow them. A big burly guy behind the counter greets the guys by name. “What can I do for you?” he asks.

Brighton speaks up first. “These lovely ladies need helmets. We’re going riding today.”

Nicole smiles at him sweetly, soaking up his need to take care of her. I, on the other hand, feel awkward and out of place. Maxton probably feels obligated to insist I have a helmet as well.

“All right, you two, follow me,” burly guy says. Nicole dutifully follows him to the back of the store, while I stand still holding my position.

I feel Maxton grab my hand as he begins walking to the back of the store. I’m no match for his strength, which leaves me no choice but to follow along. Nicole already has a helmet on her head. Big burly guy and Brighton are checking to make sure it’s the right fit for her. Maxton, still holding my hand, stops in front of a shelf and studies it. He chooses a helmet, releases my hand, and offers it to me. “Here, try this on,” he demands.

I shake my head no. “Maxton, this isn’t necessary. I don’t need this. I might not even ride. I can just stay back and cook or something.” I don’t know what exactly the protocol is for bringing a girl riding, but I can only assume it will mean I am riding with him, or another guy. I fight back the panic of the unknown.

Maxton studies me, looking for what, I don’t know. He sets the helmet on a stack of boxes beside us and cups my face with his big hands, his eyes boring into mine. “I’m only going to say this once. Understand?” I nod my agreement. “I need for you to be safe. There is no way I would let anything happen to you, and you wearing this helmet is a part of that. Please don’t argue, and try the damn thing on.” His voice is pleading.

I blindly reach over and grab the helmet from the stack of boxes. He takes it from my hands. With his free hand, Maxton pushes my hair back behind my shoulders. He then lifts the helmet and places it on my head. Once in place, he fastens the chinstrap, making sure it’s tight. He then turns my head in all kinds of different angles to ensure the proper fit.

“Perfect.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” burly guy says from behind Maxton. He walks over and places his hand on my shoulder while the other goes through the motions Maxton just went though. Satisfied, he loosens the strap and slides the helmet from my head. Leaning in, placing his hand on my hip, he whispers in my ear, “Looks real good, doll.”

I don’t get time to respond before Maxton is jerking the guy back by his shoulder. He twirls around to stand in front of me, facing off with burly guy. “Don’t ever fucking touch her again,” he seethes.

I place my hands flush against his back. I can feel his ridged muscles underneath his shirt.

Burly guy throws his hands in the air. “Didn’t realize she was yours. I wasn’t about to let a beauty like her slip away,” he smarts off. Maxton growls and I feel him start to take a step forward. Instinctively, I wrap my arms around his waist and bury my face in his back. He stops in his tracks. I feel him take in a deep breath and slowly exhale. His large hands slide over top of mine, which are still clinging to his stomach.

“Consider yourself warned. You don’t touch her, don’t even fucking breathe in her direction. You see her on the street, you turn around and walk the other direction.” His voice is filled with anger.

“I would listen to the man, Marty.” Brighton’s voice comes from behind me. Seems burly guy does have an actual name. “Ring these up so we can be on our way,” he tells him.

Marty makes it a point to bump his shoulder into Maxton’s as he walks by. I feel the contact and wrap my arms tighter around his waist. I don’t want him to go at it with this guy over me. That’s when it hits me. Maxton protected me. Not once did memories of the past surface at Marty’s closeness. His sleazy come on and his hand on my hip normally would have sent me back to that night. I don’t do well with these types of situations. Uninvited touching is off limits. Sometimes, even dancing with a stranger can cause panic to swell in my chest. Instead, my thoughts were solely on Maxton, on keeping him from beating the shit out of the guy.

I wasn’t afraid of Marty. I knew Maxton and Brighton were there. Later, when I’m not plastered to his back with my hands planted firm against the hard ripple of his abs, I’ll figure out when I placed that kind of trust in him. I knew deep down I was safe. He’d protect me.

I’M RELIEVED WHEN Brighton steps in. He’s saying something, but I don’t know what. As soon as he starts talking Marty fucking shoulder checks me and I am about to lose my shit on him, until she tightens her grip. Kensington is holding me like her life depends on it. I close my eyes and focus on taking deep even breaths.