Ho Ho Hennessy

Rising, she waited for Hennessy to follow. When he didn’t, Arin reached out to grab his arm, which he jerked away from her.

“Put on your coat. I want to show you your Christmas present.”

“My present is outside?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you acting so strange?”

Hennessy already had his coat on, but he was walking slowly toward the middle of the room as she put on hers.

“Did you hurt yourself putting toys together?” she asked in concern when Hennessy zipped his coat and, for the first time, she took a closer look at his hands, seeing they were swollen. “Did you get in a fight with one of the men?” When she found out which one touched her man, she was going to kick him in the nuts … or get Jewell to do it for her.

“We can do it after breakfast if you want?” he evaded her question.

“You’re not getting off that easily. Let’s go.” She started for the front door.

“Let’s go out the back. The steps might be icy with it being so early.”

Concerned at the strange way he was acting, she stayed quiet as they went through the kitchen and outside. She had been so focused on Hennessy that she paid little attention to some of the men who looked like they had been in a war zone. She waited until they were outside before giving him hell.

“Did you all get in a free-for-all? Jack has two black eyes. Did you do that to him? Zip looked like he was in bad shape. Did they get in a fight and you had to break them up? Why aren’t you telling me what happened?”

She was still fussing when they walked around the corner and she saw her SUV had a new hitch attached to the rear.

“Jesus, my head is killing me, and if you would give me five seconds, I’ll explain. Jesus.”

Irritated at his abrupt tone, she walked closer to her SUV. “Why did you give me a hitch for Christmas? What do I need a hitch for?”

“I bought it for us, so Core and I can ride in your car to Ohio.”

Happiness bloomed in her chest. It was as if he had given her a diamond ring. “You’re coming back to Ohio with me?”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!”

“I’m so happy!” She threw herself in his arms.

A pained curse had her pulling away.

“You’re hurt!”

“I’m fine. I’m in better shape than Core and Jack. I think his wrist is broken, and he won’t go to the ER.”

“You joined The Last Riders?”

“They have a clubhouse there.”

“I know … I was … At first, I assumed you were saying you were moving in with me.”

“I am. I’m going to work at their factory and hang out there when you get on my case.”

“You’re going to live with me?”

“If the offer is still open?”

Enlightened, it finally dawned on her that Hennessy was in pain and was hiding the extent of his injuries. A hiccupping sob escaped her at the joy sweeping through her at the speed of Santa’s sleigh.

“Oh, yes!” She gently hugged him. “What about the Road Kingz?”

“Core and I were the only ones left. The rest scattered after the fire.”

“How bad are you hurt?”

“Not bad …”

“… as Jack and Core?” She rolled her eyes. “You really didn’t have to join The Last Riders. I can give you a job in my company.” They could live together, drive to work together, be with each other during the day. Hennessy didn’t just give her a hitch for Christmas; it was a present that just kept on giving because she wouldn’t be going back home alone. Christmas Day was the beginning of a brand-new life with Hennessy … and apparently, with The Last Riders.

“Do you offer a game of pool and beer during lunchtime?”

“No.”

“Sex during my breaks?”

She nodded.

“Then I might consider it if I hate the job. Okay?”

“I can also provide other compensations. I give great back rubs …” Arin trailed off when she saw Moon helping Jack down the walkway.

“Going to the ER?” Hennessy asked when the two men drew closer.

“Yes. Core wants to go, too. Viper is bringing him.”

Arin circled her arm around Hennessy’s waist when he placed an arm around her shoulders to give her some of his weight. Her big, strong he-man had just run out of steam.

“Do you have room for Hennessy, too?”

“I don’t need—”

“You’re going.”

Since he was in no shape to argue, Hennessy found himself in the back seat next to Jack.

She pressed herself into the back seat with them. Core was left to take the front seat with Moon driving.

“Hennessy, thanks for going first with Viper. If you and Core hadn’t, I wouldn’t have made it in.” Jack carefully held his arm in the makeshift sling. “Did you beat Viper’s record?”

“Fuck no,” Moon butted in.

Arin gently snuggled against Hennessy. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”