Page 10 of My Single Dad Biker

I'm thinking about several things. The curve of her body under that sweatshirt. The fact that she invited us in without hesitation. The way Louis is comfortable here already.

"What happened today shouldn't have happened," I say.

"I know."

"Marrow has been testing Bloomfield for three months. Small things. Showing up where they shouldn't be, seeing how long it takes before someone tells them to leave. They're looking for openings."

"And you close them."

"Yes."

She's quiet, processing. "Are they dangerous?"

"Yes."

"Are you dangerous?"

I look at her directly. "Yes."

She doesn't flinch. "But not to me."

"No."

"Or to Louis."

"No."

She nods like this makes sense. Louis is drinking his hot chocolate, listening but not interrupting. Katherine's gaze moves to him and back to me.

"Will today cause problems? The fact that they saw you with me?"

I consider lying. Decide not to. "Probably not. But I can't guarantee it."

"What does that mean?"

"It means they're more interested in the club than civilians. You're not strategically useful to them. But they saw me defend you. That creates an association."

"So being near you makes me visible to them."

"Yes."

She absorbs this without visible reaction. Louis finishes his hot chocolate and sets the mug down slowly.

"Dad," he says. "Are we still having tacos?"

I'd almost forgotten what day it was. "Yes."

"Can Ms. Hayes come?"

The question catches me before I can think. I look at Katherine and she's already looking at me, her expression open and curious, waiting for me to decide.

I should say no. Louis is watching. Katherine is watching. The kitchen smells like chocolate and her proximity is affecting my ability to think clearly.

"If she wants to," I say.

Katherine's smile is immediate. "I'd like that."

Twenty minutes later we're back at my house and Katherine is standing in my kitchen while I pull out ingredients.