Page 116 of Creed

“Just a friend,” I echoed, crossing my arms to match Austin’s. “Uh-huh. What’s thisEthan’slast name?”

“Garrett.”

“Garrett,” I repeated, glancing at Austin like we needed to start a background check immediately. “Do we know his folks?”

“His dad is a preacher in town, and his mom works at city hall.”

“A preacher’s kid?” I gasped. “No fucking way. They’re nothing but trouble.”

“Jameson,” Devin scolded.

“Well, it’s true, and you know it.”

“What’s his GPA?” Austin asked, dead serious.

Chrissy’s mouth fell open. “Seriously?”

“Just wanting to know if this kid is a dumbass or not.”

“He makes better grades than you did.”

That wasn’t saying much. Austin never had much interest in school and barely graduated. But he’d gone on to vocational school and was working to become a mechanic. And when he wasn’t taking classes, he was at the clubhouse. He’d taken to the life and was planning on prospecting, and I was all for it. He’d make a hell of an addition to the brotherhood.

Unfortunately, all his schooling and hanging with the brothers hadn’t helped him adjust to his ever-growing teenage sister. It hadn’t helped me either. “What’s his driving record? Any speeding tickets? Reckless driving? Parking tickets? I need to know.”

“Dad!” Chrissy exclaimed, the word slipping out like it had a hundred times since I married her mother. She didn’t even realize it anymore, and damn, it still hit me every time.

“Don’t ‘Dad’ me,” I grumbled, though I couldn’t hide the grin tugging at my lips. “You’re not getting in the car with him until I know he’s a good driver.”

“And you best let your boyEthanknow that if he lays a finger on you, he’ll be missing that finger,” Austin finished, nodding with satisfaction.

“That he will.”

I could hear Devin laughing in the kitchen, and I turned to snap at her, but lost the thought when I spotted Grace offering a fistful of Cheerios to the dog. I walked over and took Grace into my arms, kissing her on her chubby cheeks as I told her, “You’re not dating until you’re in your thirties, kid. Isn’t that right?”

Grace giggled, and I gave her another round of quick kisses. “That’s my girl.”

“You need to stop,” Devin fussed, trying not to laugh. “You are going to traumatize the poor girl.”

“If me trying to keep her safe is traumatizing, so be it.” Grace babbled something that sounded suspiciously likeDada, and I felt the hard edge inside me ease just a little. “But I’ll try to ease up a little.”

“Please do,” Chrissy huffed, hands on her hips. “He’s a good guy, and we’re just going to the movies. We’ll be home by eleven. Mom already met him.”

“Okay, okay.” I let out a breath. “But, when he gets here, I want a word. Just a word.”

Austin nodded solemnly, adding, “Yeah, we’ll be quick.”

Chrissy groaned, but there was a smile fighting at her lips as she rolled her eyes again. “Fine. But if you two scare him off, I’m never speaking to either of you again.”

“Deal,” I said, not meaning it for a second.

Devin looked over at me, and her eyes were filled with a warmth that made me want to kiss her senseless. I gave her a smile just as Grace squealed and threw a Cheerio across the kitchen. I glanced around the room at Devin and the kids and the dog scarfing down Cheerios off the floor, and my heart was full.

I’d fought for this.

For them.

And if it meant scaring the hell out of every kid who came to the door, so be it. Because this was my family, and I would give my life to protect them.

Every day.

In every way.

The End