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His gaze darkens, and I feel like I’m sitting on the sideline of an intimate conversation.

“It’s not what you usually paint,” he reminds her.

“I know.”

They continue to stare at each other as a silent conversation passes between the two of them.

“I can do this,” she promises.

He turns to look at me. “What do you think?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Sure. If you can get her to see what we all do, then I’m down for it.”

“Per. Fect.” She turns and points where she wants everything set up. “We’ll be out in a few.”

Brody chuckles low as she walks away. “I think you’re in for a treat. Be fucking prepared.”

“Where did you say you met this girl?”

He doesn’t take his eyes off her until she disappears into the cabin. “The beach.”

“You went to the beach?”

“Yep.” His worried eyes turn my way. “Listen, Ash. Lexie had a tough time while you were gone.”

I follow him to his truck to unload Daisy’s painting supplies. “Jackson filled me in.”

He hands me a blank canvas. “I’m serious, dude. It fucking broke my heart. She reminds me so much of my niece. I was scared she might …” He draws a finger over his throat.

“She’s never given me indication she’s suicidal, but I sure do appreciate everything you and the club’s done for the both of us.”

“I can’t believe the little turd has been hiding upstairs from you. Why didn’t you just go up there?”

I set the canvas on the easel after he props it up. “I’m trying to respect her boundaries.”

“Hmm,” he hums. “She’s a stubborn one. You’re lucky we showed up, or she still might be up there.”

“Yeah, about that,” I tease. “What were you and your newfrienddoing here?”

His mouth pulls into a wide grin. “Just looking for a private place to get creative.”

I chuckle at that, but I’m happy for him. “I thought the club might have asked you to come. Anyway, I’m surprised Daisy talked Lexie into this. I feel like it’s got to be pushing her boundaries.”

“That’s what we need sometimes.”

Brody’s attention shifts toward the cabin as the door opens. His jaw drops, but he quickly snaps it shut. We exchange a glance before our focus goes back to Lexie.

She’s in a baggy sweater that hangs off one shoulder, leggings, and boots. It’s my new favorite look. Her hair is pinned up, and fuck, her neck … it’s so delectably slender. My mouth waters when she pauses. Does she feel the way her presence awakens all my senses?

Lexie holds perfectly still, just like prey hoping not to draw the attention of a passing predator. Daisy steps in front of her blocking my view. They talk quietly for a few moments.

“Holy shit,” I breathe out. “How did she get prettier?”

Brody laughs. “I’m not sure where Daisy’s going with this ...”

“Me either, but I’m fucking excited to find out.”

Lexie peeks around Daisy’s shoulder, her cheeks instantly turning pink. Brody’s new friend takes my girl’s hand and drags her past us, down to the bench that overlooks the mountains.