Time Will Tell (Maybe #3)(53)

He laughs harder. “I was going to say accessible.”

My lip twitches and I shake my head. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation right now.”

“It’s a normal conversation for me,” he adds.

“I’ll bet.”

“Where’s that sidekick of yours?”

I narrow my eyes on him and purse my lips. “Why do you want to know?”

I sawthe way my best friend, Lana, stared at Tracker when she met him. Like he was f*cking Superman or something. I caught Tracker studying her too, but didn’t think much of it until now.

I know that Lana would never be someone’s side chick, but Tracker has this way about him . . . I hope he just leaves her alone. Lana is smart, bookish, and doesn’t have much experience with men. If Tracker shows interest in her, that’s not a good thing. Allie is his woman and is so crazy—legit crazy, not just crazy in love—she’d probably claw Lana’s eyes out. I don’t miss the looks she gives me when I talk to Tracker, and I’m just a friend.

Of course, Allie might have to watch her back. Lana can be quiet and unassuming most of the time, but she has a serious temper on her. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand. It hardly ever comes out, but when it does, everyone is in trouble.

He shrugs like it doesn’t matter to him either way. “Just making conversation. Put those claws away, Anna Bell.”

Rake walks over to me like he’s only just realized I’ve been standing here. Which he probably did.

“Hey, sis,” he says as he rubs his scruffy jaw. Blond hair and green eyes the same shade as mine, my brother has an eyebrow piercing and lip ring that suit him. He’s good-looking and knows it.

Yes—he’s one of those men. He uses his good genes to his advantage and no woman is safe in his presence. I wonder when he’ll settle down, and the type of woman it would take to make him do it. I’m thinking she would have to be pretty freaking phenomenal, because Rake seems to like a lot of variety and never stays with one woman long enough for me to even get to know her. Okay, that’s not exactly true. Rake started acting this way only after he broke up with Bailey in high school. She was the only woman I’ve ever seen Rake pay any real interest to. I wonder what Bailey’s up to these days.

“Hey. Why did you want me to come here?” I ask him, getting straight to the point.

He looks confused. “I thought we could hang out; I haven’t seen you in a couple of days.”

I blink slowly.

“Okay. Will she be joining us?” I ask, pointing to the woman who is now standing behind him wearing a pouty expression.

“Fuck, no,” he replies, turning back and telling his tag-along something.

“Cut him some slack,” Tracker tells me softly so no one else can hear.

My mouth drops open. “But . . . but . . .”

He grins. “I know, but he’s trying.”

I know he’s trying; I do. He isn’t used to me in his space, I’m not used to being in his space, but I I’m getting there. It is a lot to take on, being thrown headfirst into the MC lifestyle. I am adapting though, and know it means a lot to Rake that I try to fit in here.

When I see Rake walk past Faye and kiss her on the top of her head, my throat burns. How can he be so loving and affectionate with her but not his own sister?

I pretend his casual affection with her doesn’t hurt.

Rake says something to Faye, and she throws back her head and laughs. “What have you done now?”

Rake grins boyishly. “Nothing . . . yet. Just need some legal advice on something. Make some time for me, woman.”

Faye looks amused. “Come see me tomorrow.”

My brother nods and says something to her in a low tone that I can no longer hear.

“He doesn’t wanna f*ck things up with you, so he’s being careful,” Tracker muses from beside me.

Thank you, Dr. Phil.

I sigh and lean my head on Tracker’s arm. “I know he cares about me. I just wish he wasn’t so . . .”

“Slutty?” Tracker adds with a wolfish grin.

I laugh, shaking my head. “No. It’s almost like he’s scared to be himself around me.”

“I think he just wants you to be proud of him and not scare you off with his bikerish ways.”

“I am proud of him,” I say, cringing when he slaps the woman’s ass as she leaves. “Okay, he can be a pig sometimes.”

Tracker’s loud laugh gets us looks from everyone in the room.

“What’s so funny?” Rake asks as he walks over and moves me away from Tracker. He sends Tracker a look that says She’s my sister, *.

I roll my eyes. Rake has the protective big-brother thing down pat, that’s for sure. He’s always looking out for me, always has.

Tracker raises his hands, proclaiming his innocence. “We’re just friends, man, you know I wouldn’t go there.”

“And why not?” I ask him in a sweet tone. “Is there something wrong with me?”

I put my hand on my hip, cocking it to the side, and give him a look that dares him to say anything other than how I’m one of the most beautiful women he’s ever seen. I try and keep my face serious, not wanting to break out in the smile that’s threatening my lips.