The Biker's Fate Chapter 673

Waverly

I PULLED UP to Connor and Maisie's home just before six-thirty, an absolute nervous wreck. So much so, I actually jumped a little when Maisie opened the door. "Oh, um, hi, Maisie. Sorry."

"No, I'm sorry, darling. Gio's been so excited all day, I practically had to make a run for the door. Come on in."

I smiled, stepping inside and lifting the bag I was holding. "I brought wine and an apple pie. It was my grandmother's recipe, so I hope that's okay."

"I have it on good authority that apple pie is Gio's favorite, so well done, love."

I couldn't stop a blush as I followed her down the hall and to the kitchen. Walking into the room, Maisie took the bag from me and set it on the kitchen island. "Waverly made an apple pie."

"No way," Gio said from his place on the chair in front of the television. "That's my favorite."

"I told her," Maisie said.

Connor was leaning against the kitchen counter by the sink. "Hey, Waverly."

"Hi, Connor. Thank you for having me."

"Thank you for comin'."

"Can I help with anything?" I asked.

"No. We're almost ready. Make yourself comfortable, honey," Maisie said.

I nodded and made my way over to Gio.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, smiling up at me.

"Hey. You look great."

He chuckled. "Amazing what a shower and a shave can do, huh?"

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Sit down, Fizzy. Maisie'll let you know if she needs you."

I bit my lip and sighed. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

I sat on the sofa beside him and set my purse on the ground.

"Did you really make apple pie?" he asked.

"I did. It's my grandmother's recipe."

He grinned. "You like me."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

"Now, the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question is, did you bring ice cream?"

"Of course I brought ice cream," I said with mock horror. "I'm not an animal."

He grinned wider. "You really like me."

"I guess it all depends on whether or not you like the pie."

Gio raised an eyebrow. "Haven't met an apple pie I didn't like."

"That sounds like me with potatoes."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes. I would marry potatoes if it was legal."

"Do you cook as well, or is baking your specialty?"

"I can cook," I admitted. "Although, I order in more than I should. It's not much fun cooking for one. What about you? Do you cook special?"

He gave me a crooked smile. "Shut up, Annette."

"Oh my god!" I couldn't stop a laugh as I clapped my hands. "Donnie Brasco is in my top five. I knew you were a closet wise guy."

"Nah, I'm more of a wise ass," he retorted. "And, yeah, I cook. I just haven't in a while. I don't have a great kitchen, and I agree, it's not much fun cooking for one."

"I have a phenomenal kitchen."

"Yeah?"

I nodded. "It's why I bought the unit. That and the bathroom."

"Can't wait to see it."

I shivered. The thought of him in my space did things to my body.

Good things.

"Right, you two, we're ready," Maisie said.

"Can I help?" I asked.

"If you can help carry plates to the table, Ha—uh, Connor will get Gio sorted," she said.

I nodded and she directed me through her process.

"How did you land on physical therapy, Waverly?" Maisie asked once we were seated.

"I think it was kind of kismet in a way. My grandmother took a fall when I was about sixteen and it had been her and I against the world for about four years at that point. My parents had been killed in a small plane crash and my grandfather died two years after that." I shook my head. I couldn't believe I'd just told them all of that.

"Oh my lord," Maisie exclaimed. "I'm so sorry, love."

"It was a long time ago. Sorry, that was a lot," I breathed out. "I didn't mean to make everyone sad. My life is really good." I forced a smile. "But she's the reason I'm a physical therapist because when she took that fall, I helped her rehab, and I found I really liked it and she encouraged me by telling me I was good at it. She always told me I could do anything."

"Is she still alive?" Gio asked.

I shook my head. "She died six years ago."

Gio reached over and squeezed my hand. "Sorry, Fizzy."

"Gosh, I'm just bumming everyone out." I blushed and took a sip of my wine. "Sorry."

"Safe space, love," Maisie said. "We've all had tragedy, and you should always feel free to share your memories, whether they be happy or sad ones. They make up who we are after all."

I let out the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "You know, despite years of therapy, you're the first people who've made me feel like I can be myself. Well, besides Lennon."

"Lennon's your best friend?" Gio asked.

I nodded. "Yes. She's currently in Africa doing field research."

"Wow," Maisie said. "What's she researching in Africa?"

"She's studying black rhinoceroses. She's actually studying the social behavioral patterns of endangered species, and she chose to focus on the black rhino. She has a job waiting for her at the Denver Zoo when she gets back."

"Goodness, you're both quite amazing young women," Maisie said.

"Well, thank you." I smiled. "She certainly is. She's the best human I know. Despite her choice of… uh, sorry, never mind."

"You can't choose who you fall in love with," Maisie mused, pouring herself more wine.

"I disagree," I said.