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She bounced toward him, wearing an enormous grin. “Do I have time to take a shower?” she asked as she opened the cabinet.

“Yeah.” He stepped aside, putting space between them.

He didn’t trust himself to get too close to her. The smell of her coconut bodywash made his cock swell more than it should. He didn’t want her to notice. He wasn’t sure how she would react to that.

After what Carrie had experienced at the hands of the Bloody Scorpions, physical touch made her recoil. Kid never wanted to be the source of that reaction. So, he often gave her a wide berth for her comfort.

Was that a frown? Why? Had he offended her? Had she noticed his erection?

Internally, he shook the questions from his mind and took the carafe.

“I figured we would ride over there together.” Did he detect a hint of hope in her words?

Perhaps, between therapy and his presence, she’d gotten comfortable with him being around her this closely. Maybe she didn’t need him to stick around much longer.

That idea soured in his mind. Mentally, he cringed but kept a neutral expression. He cleared his throat, reached for the cup she’d retrieved from the cabinet, and filled her mug before his own.

“I figured I’d take my bike,” he said, replacing the coffee pot back into its spot on the maker.

“Oh.” She nodded.

Immediately, he regretted his words. “I might head to the Knucklehead with the guys afterward to celebrate.” And he wasn’t sure she’d enjoy, or was ready, to be around a group of bikers drinking beers.

Eight months had passed. Carrie hadn’t left her apartment to do more than errands, appointments, go to her salon, and the occasional lunch with her friend, Kelsey. She hadn’t been out-out. Kid didn’t blame her. He didn’t want to push her, but he shouldn’t deter her.

Walking a fine line wasn’t his forte. Of course she was invited, but he didn’t want her to feel obligated to go if she couldn’t handle it. When she made her return to a semblance of a social life would be her choice—when she was ready and not because he pushed her.

She rocked from the balls of her feet to her heels and back again. “So, just the guys, then?”

“No.” He shook his head and stirred his caffeinated beverage. “You’re more than welcome to join us.” He glanced in her direction to study her reaction. “But only if you want to. There’s no pressure. It’ll be loud and—”

Ahh. He was fucking this up.

She chuckled and brought her mug to her lips, blowing on the hot liquid. “I’m well aware. I’ve been there before.”

He sighed, unsure how to navigate this. Following her lead seemed to be the best course of action. He filled his mouth with the delicious bean water as he mulled over possible responses.

“I think it’s time I stopped putting my life on hold,” she said and stepped closer to him. “I want to live again.”

He froze. She’d entered his space. On purpose. What was he supposed to do? Suddenly, he thought of her like a fawn. Any sudden movement and he’d startle her.

With large brown eyes, she looked up at him. The naïve optimism of her youth had returned to her expression. His heart swelled. This was the progress he had never thought possible. He had to support it.

After swallowing the coffee, he grinned widely and nodded. “If you’re ready, I’m honored that you’d want to come hang out with us.”

She squealed and hopped in place, clapping her hands like a little kid who’d just been given a brand-new puppy. She reminded him of before they’d parted ways. When they were both young and innocent. Before life chewed them up and spat them out. He loved this side of her and hoped that he could be responsible for more moments like this.

Carrie had always been beautiful to him, but witnessing her crawl out of the darkness she’d dwelled in for the last eight months made her radiant. The gloom that hung over her when he’d first brought her home was gone. He’d do everything in his power to keep it from returning.

She deserved better.

And if she wasn’t ready at the Knucklehead, he could take her home. Sure, Kelsey, in theory, could do it, but then she’d have to drive across the city. There was no need for that. Besides, Kid had promised Hitman. He intended to live up to that end of the brotherhood.

If she couldn’t handle hanging out, him being the one to whisk her away would make more sense.

With her hands together, she tapped the tips of her fingers against her chin. “Right, so quick cup of coffee and some breakfast. Then a shower.” She glanced up at him. “You’re right. Don’t wait for me. You probably have a shit ton of stuff to do to get ready.”

True, but if she asked him, he would’ve stayed in the apartment with her until she was ready. He sipped his caffeine instead of answering her. He didn’t want to dampen her moment of glee. She hadn’t had this in a while. He wouldn’t ruin it.