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My dad taught me to whittle when I was just a kid. I hadn’t done it for years, but I’m glad I’ve found that part of myself again. The part that can just sit and be. I’m going to use it to get through to her and also to keep myself grounded.

We’re allowed to go into town once a week. Just like a goddamn field trip. Treatment has been a bit humbling to say the least. But anyway, that’s where I got the book. There’s not much in this little town, but there’s enough for me to find things that remind me of her.

Jackson said the club is going to keep us separate for a while. I’m not sure how I feel about that. Actually, that’s another lie. I know exactly how it makes me feel … like sneaking up there to steal her away.

Between my father and the military, I have all the skills to do just that.

I won’t do it … but I could.

Chapter Six

Lexie

“Lexie, baby, it’s time to get up,” Jesse says quietly, shaking my shoulder lightly.

“Ugh,” I groan, sitting up.

She doesn’t give two fucks about my protest. “Come on. It’s not that damn early.”

“I’ll be down in a minute. I just need to get ready. Do you know where my makeup is?” I ask her as she starts down the stairs.

“You don’t need makeup out here,” she says simply, not stopping her descent.

I jump from the bed and follow her. “Wait, what do you mean? I do need it.”

Dirk is asleep on the couch as I rush through the living room, trying to keep up with her.

She opens the fridge. “What do you need it for? Dirk and I don’t care what you look like, and I’m sure the birds outside don’t give a fuck either.”

My heart is about to beat out of my chest. “Can’t we go back down and get it? Or can one of the guys bring it up?”

She slows her steps as she sets a carton of eggs on the table. Her brows are pulled tight when she turns to face me. “Lexie, you don’t need makeup. We aren’t going out on the town.”

“Do you have some I could borrow?”

I feel a big hand wrap around my shoulder. “What’s going on out here?” Dirk asks.

I toss my head back. “I just want my makeup. It’s not a big deal.”

“You’re right. It’s not a big deal,” Jesse agrees. “And no, I don’t have any with me. You didn’t have makeup on yesterday and you survived,” she tries to reason with me.

Dirk’s hand falls from my shoulder, and he moves to his wife’s side.

“That’s because I still had my makeup on from the day before. Just, please,” I beg.

The two of them exchange a look. Dirk points to the table. “Have a seat,” he orders.

Instantly, I realize my mistake. “I’m … I’m helping Jesse make breakfast.”

“Not anymore. Right now, we’re about to do a little unpacking.”

Jesse puts the eggs back in the fridge as he pours three cups of coffee. She sits down and waves her hand for me to do the same.

God, I hate this. I hate them too!

I plop my ass into the chair across from her. “There’s nothing to unpack. I just like makeup, okay?”

Dirk hands me a cup and takes the seat between us. “Okay, we get that. There are a lot of women who enjoy it.”