Page 64 of Rowdy & Kat

A clearly tense Rowdy tapped Goldie’s shoulder before sitting between Maria and me.

“It’s dealt with,” Rowdy said, holding Goldie’s gaze.

“Yeah, my brother beat up the guy,” she said and shrugged. “But that didn’t fix my hair.”

“You look better as a brunette,” Sabrina insisted as she watched Wicked slink up the stairs to investigate the loft.

“Is my presence here a hassle?” Goldie asked Rowdy.

“Not at all. The boys will be up soon. Then, my mom will arrive. Afterward, Maria and Ivy are walking to the market a block over. Farley is babysitting them.”

Goldie’s mildly annoyed expression warmed when Farley’s name was mentioned. Her gaze flashed to Maria before focusing on Sabrina.

“I am glad Farley likes someone who won’t need to be smacked around,” Goldie said and returned to eyeing Maria. “You’re a nurse, right?”

“Nurses can be crazy stalkers,” I said and smiled at my sister. “Maria isn’t one, though.”

“Good. The last one annoyed the shit out of me,” Goldie said as she eyed the baby monitor. “Cordy talked tough until we shoved her. Then, she fell on the ground and cried like a baby. It was obnoxious.”

“Those fake-ass tears didn’t do shit,” Sabrina said as she looked out the windows. “We scared her off. Bitch hasn’t been around since last year.”

When Maria looked at me, I felt her worrying about everyone knowing her business. Back in Little Rock, we kept to ourselves. At work, we were friendly but rarely saw people outside of the job. We barely chatted with our neighbors.

Now, we planned to live in a place where Rowdy’s large circle of family and friends would be aware of our every triumph and failure.

“I thought you hated kids,” Rowdy said to Goldie, who stroked the image on the monitor.

“Why does everyone think that? I just don’t want a kid. Probably. It’s possible I might change my mind after Boone and Nova have a kid together,” Goldie said and smiled at the monitor. “That’s why I’m curious about your boys. I barely get to see Elle and Trent. Your boys are my chance to test if I have what it takes to be a good aunt to a baby. I already know I’m an excellent aunt to older kids.” Goldie looked up from the monitor and focused on me. “Have you met Boone and Nova yet?”

As I shook my head, Rowdy explained, “My parents are having a party in a few days at their place. Kat and Maria will get to meet Nova, Boone, and the girls.”

Goldie nodded and fell silent. Sabrina remained at the windows. I wasn’t sure about the mood in the room. Maria’s gaze was focused on the wall. I sensed she was thinking about Farley. Or maybe she was just tired.

I turned toward Rowdy and rested my head on his chest. He instantly wrapped me in his arms. Despite his cool and relaxed exterior, I sensed Rowdy was always afraid I might flip out and run away.

I didn’t blame him for worrying. I couldn’t even trust myself. I felt normal one minute and like a weakling in the next moment. My emotions might leave me feeling nuts, but they wouldn’t derail the life I was making with Rowdy.

ROWDY

After Maria went with Farley and Ivy to the store, I convinced Kat to walk with me down to the condo’s indoor pool. I sensed she would rather spend time with Bebe. While I didn’t blame Kat for attaching herself to my mom, I wanted time alone to talk. I also sensed Kat should get out of the condo for a short time.

Despite my reasonable request, Kat couldn’t hide her discomfort. As soon as we reached the manicured courtyard, she acted like a vampire treading into the sunlight.

I stroked her hand in mine and explained how most of the condos were owned by Crimson Guard members. A few were owned by LM Jokers members.

“Only the original members of the Jokers live here. Tricky and Jagger plus a few other kids of the old Little Memphis club members. None of the troublemakers from Baton Rouge are allowed to live here.”

“But those troublemakers are friends with the men who live here, aren’t they?” Kat asked as we walked along the edge of the courtyard toward the common areas.

“Yes, but Tricky and Jagger ordered the assholes not to visit the condos since the Crimson Guard might jump them.”

“Would you jump them if they showed up right now?” Kat asked, sounding scared despite how she smirked at me. “I’ve never seen you get angry before.”

“I’m like a Tasmanian devil,” I replied and kissed her head. “I seem so harmless, but I’m a fearsome beast.”

Kat laughed and squeezed my hand. “Harmless isn’t a word anyone would use to describe you.”

“Aww, you know my worth,” I said and wrapped my arms around her body and gave her butt a little thrust. When Kat attempted to squirm away, I murmured, “You’re so hot that I lose control of myself.”