"Rowboat," Lily called as she followed her tumbling baby around. Constantly picking her up before she could hit the ground as they meandered around the whole house. Liliana's hair was halfway done and dripping from the amount of leave-in conditioner she'd slathered in it. She was missing her top as her jean shorts clung to her ass.

It was Friday afternoon, and she was terrified. All the other times she'd seen Gunner it had been on neutral ground. Now, it felt as if she was cruising into the den of the lions.

Her mind was racing, flirting with Gunner had been one thing. Hanging out with him outside of work? Who did she think she was... She didn't date. Nobody had really wanted to date her before and certainly not since she had a baby.

A baby that Gunner still didn't know about. But still, she was skeptical that Gunner wouldn't just lose interest as soon as he got a bit more of her attention. Then he'd see she was more trouble than she was worth. Liliana couldn't get attached before that happened, and she certainly couldn't throw a baby into the mix of things.

Rowan, oblivious to her mothers stress, began cackling when she tumbled over herself. It refocused Lily onto what was important.

"My gorgeous, gorgeous girl," the young mother sang. "Is something funny?" Their brown eyes clashed as the both of them laughed. Rowan charged forward on top of Liliana, with no care of her surroundings they tumbled back down.

"Mmmm." Rowan patted Liliana's cheeks while smiling.

With an exaggerated gasp, Lily nodded in encouragement at the sound. Rowan is practically a phonics genius by now.

The door opening caught them both off as Rowan tightened her tiny fists in Lily's hair at the loud sound. Unbothered, the woman sat up while looking sheepishly at Esmerelda's brow raising stare.

"And why are you on the ground half-dressed and not ready for your date?"

Rolling her eyes with a huff, Lily stood with Rowan and tried to shrug casually. Maybe if she faked confidence she would become confident.

"It's not a date. Plus, I was thinking about going out like this," she answered sarcastically. Her hand waved to her wide hips and stretch marks littering her tummy.

"Gunner would like that for your date," Esmerelda teased. The older woman tilted her head at Lily before smirking, "Freaking out?

With a pout, Lily nodded sheepishly.

"How'd I know?"

Huffing again, Lily turned away and retreated to her room to finish getting ready as Esme happily watched Rowan.

"You're taking this all too seriously," Esmerelda spoke from the living room. "You're going to a barbecue. Not a marriage proposal."

Exhaling softly, she tried to get her hair together while mulling over the words. "It feels serious. He feels serious. He's just so intense."

"That's a Mayhem Man for ya. Maybe he is taking it seriously, so what if he does? You're the catch here, it's better luck if he does take it seriously."

Finally, her curly hair was done into two long braids down her back. It was casual, classic. She couldn't go wrong with it.

Pushing her hair behind her ears, "I just can't do the games again, Es." Even though deep down she wanted it so bad with Gunner.

With a shake of her head, the older white woman stood up with her hands on her hips. "I really don't think that's what this is, I feel it in my bones."

Esmerelda rested her hands on Lily's upper arms sternly. "You are allowed to have a life. I am here for a reason. You have support systems for a reason. This town can be good for Rowan and for you. You are still a whole person and you're a wonderful mother at the same time, honey."

Finally, with her shoulders relaxing a bit, Liliana nodded in acknowledgement. Esmerelda swiftly ushered her off to finish up.

Thankfully, she finished just in time because a car rolled up in a flash. Inhaling sharply, and forgetting to exhale, she quickly kissed Rowan's forehead many times. Rowan blew out her lips in a blubbery mess while squinting up at her mother.

"Be good for Emmy, love you," she finally exhaled as Rowan pushed her lips out cutely. The sight made her soften up enough to relax. Then, with a quick goodbye to Esme, she grabbed what she needed and was out the door.

Out the door and right into a broad chest.

"Oomf!" she huffed while peering up at Gunner who looked ready to knock. She sucked her breath right back in and it seemed he did the same.

He looked good, a loose flannel hung from his wide frame and a tight white tee clung to his physique. Worn jeans hugged his muscular thighs. Her eyes flitted back up to his own mossy green gaze, he wore a small grin while taking her in.

Liliana looked like a breath of fresh air to him, even in her little shorts and t-shirt. Her face was free and clear for him to admire. His eyes fell over her captivating features.

The electricity crackling between them was stifling, her warmth reverberating through him as she finally shifted some of her weight off of him sheepishly.

They both opened their mouths at the same time but stuttered over one another.

His fondness for the girl was beginning to take on a heartbeat of its own, he almost couldn't get himself together.

"You look gorgeous," he rasped quietly.

It's just Gunner, Lily reminded herself in her head. "It's just a pair of shorts, Gun," she finally relaxed.

"Well, you are doin' those shorts wonders, lemme tell ya, sweetheart."

She nibbled on her bottom lip and Gunner felt a tug at his lower half as he nodded at her. Swallowing hard, he forced his grin to stay intact so as to not give away his lust.

Liliana's eyes strayed behind him. Her brows furrowed when she saw he'd driven a truck.

"No bike?" Even she could hear the slight disappointment in her voice.

"Figured you'd be more comfortable in the truck." He scratched the back of his neck. He pressed his hand to her lower back, guiding her to the truck while grabbing the dish in his other hand carefully.

"There's always next time though," Gunner couldn't help but add. "I'll get ya a helmet and everythin'."

Opening the door for her, he helped her hop up into the car.

"I'll hold you to it." Liliana shivered as he patted her knee reassuringly before hopping in himself. With tingles of excitement shooting up her back, she listened to Gunner warn her about the party.

Inside the house, she was taken aback by the wildness bikers partied with. By the time they got outside, she visibly relaxed at the dial down of energy.

"Do they always party like that?"

"Yeah well... Bikers can get rowdy y'know."

"Oh, but not you?" Her eyebrows rose in amusement.

"No, I'm thinkin' it's my time to settle down, what do you think?"

Lily hummed thoughtfully, "I think it'd be a good look on you."

"Well, if it isn't the woman of the hour!"

Their gazes were torn apart when a loud, higher-pitched tone sounded. Gunner winced noticeably as he recognized the voice immediately. Lily didn't recognize it but immediately caught the resemblance between the two.

Gunner scratched the back of his head. "Hey Pen."

He bent to greet the slender, beautiful blonde woman that had the same eyes as Gunner.

"Lovely brother of mine... I see you've got a pretty lady with you tonight."

Liliana's brown cheeks felt flush at the attention. She nibbled on her bottom lip before giving the woman a sheepish grin.

"I'm Lily, ah- Gunner said this is the best barbecue in town."

The blonde's eyes lit up. She nudged her brother's shoulder. "It is- isn't it? I'm sorry, I'm Penelope. Just call me Penny, it's so nice to meet the Lily that Gun has been so enamored with. Ya know I thought he'd move on by now but-"

Gunner's eye twitched once before gently turning Lily away. He mouthed a quick 'fuck you' towards his sister.

"Hey wait! You're going to ignore your pregnant sister-" Penelope tried while rubbing her very small baby bump. But Gunner pointed her away and watched her roll her eyes as he handed over the potato salad.

"Enamored huh?" Liliana smirked. "I wonder if she's right about the moving on." She teased as she took in the chatty party goers.

But Gunner frowned, wondering at what point would she understand just how much he was really beginning to like her. "You know you really have to try that potato salad," she nudged her hip against his side.

"I'd eat anything you made."

Liliana side eyed him as they approached the laid out food. "Don't say that. I'm really not that good at it. I mean I had to learn obviously but I'm a bit of a one trick pony."

Gunner scoffed as he grabbed a plate for her, "It sounds like you're too hard on yourself. Mac n' cheese?" He piled up her plate.

Her eyes widened as he made it up for her. She tried to tamper down the smile pulling at her lips. She almost thought he was about to feed her before her plate was handed over.

"Thank you, Gunner," she murmured as she happily picked at the food. He hummed as he towered over her, watching her with a certain satisfaction in his eyes. Her own gaze flickered up, peering up at him through her thick lashes. Her lips wrapped around her fork as their staring contest thickened the tension between them.

"Always, sweetheart."

"So, you'll eat anything I make, but what are you making me?" Lily's eyes trailed around, recognizing all the bikers from the pub.

Gunner's mouth turned down for a second. "Uh... Well that's a fair question because I'm all about giving. You could ask anybody, probably the most generous man in town. Best cook too." His words quickened and his face flushed as she looked up at him in that damn way that made his pants tighten. Her almond eyes fluttered a bit and that fucking grin of hers made him swallow hard.

"That is not what I thought you were gonna end in," she giggled to herself at her own dirty joke.

"Liliana," he scolded under his breath as if she was scandalous. She leant against the porch post between them, Gunner's forearm braced against the wood over her. She inhaled slowly as his masculine scent surrounded her. "I would never, I'm a gentleman you know. This is my reputation we're talkin' about." He gave a salacious grin down at her, watching the shiver shoot up her spine.

"But I was thinkin'." His hand brushed her hip gently. "I'll make you the best fuckin' dinner you've ever had, I promise you that."

"That sounds like a date, Gunner," Lily reminded him.

Quickly he nodded, trying to tell her yes, god yes fuck that's all he wants but he was interrupted.

"Is that who I think it is?" a voice rasped beside them.

Both of them glanced over, seeing Taz stroll over to them. Lily's head tilted as she saw a little sway to his step and a dopey grin on his face.

"There's my favorite waitress and bartender when we need her to be!" The older man slung his arm over the young woman's shoulder. Taz winked at the now irritated Gunner, but really what did he expect. He dragged the pretty girl over for the barbecue and expected to get her undivided attention? That was funny.

"How are you, Taz?" Liliana asked with a bright smile. She held the man's back to keep him up. He glanced behind his shoulder as the music grew louder.

"I'm doin' dandy, girl. Ya up for a dance, huh? It's actually required by the club that newbies need trial by dancing. Ya don't mind, Gun? Nah, you don't mind." Taz laughed loudly at his now rather upset president.

Lily was busy giggling at how loose Taz was. She and Taz got along just great and weren't always able to chat as much because of how needy Gunner could be.

She looked over her shoulder, catching Gunner's green gaze that was mildly annoyed. But it softened at the sight of her amusement while being enthusiastically spun by Taz.

"Watch your hands," Gunner grunted as he held Lily's plate while going to help Jude who was cooking. Still, he kept an eye on her.

"Can't tell a man to watch his hands on what ain't yours, boss," Jude chirped.

"Shut up," he sneered with a wave of his hand.

"Hey, Taz deserves a good time, and he likes the girl. Ya know damn well Butcher doesn't let that happen with his girl."

This only made Gunner glower even more. He opened his mouth but he was cut off.

"I know what you're going to say, and I'll repeat myself. She ain't yours. And from what I understand, doesn't want to be. Ha," Jude snorted.

Scowling down at his beer, Gunner shook his head. "Ain't true and you know it. She's just a little hesitant and I respect that. Makes me like her more."

Jude glanced over at the blonde man, seeing he was still watching Lily get spun around and dipped. He had to give him a small amount of credit, "I guess you're right."

He got a sideways glance in acknowledgement. "She does look at you differently than any of the other bikers. I just hope you don't fuck it up before she gives your sorry ass a chance."

"That is if Taz doesn't swoop in. Damn it, Taz!" Gunner found himself butting in when Liliana was bent over laughing as Taz swung his hips besides her.

He cut in between them, sliding his hand into Lily's and placing a hand gingerly on her waist.

"He can kiss my ass," Gunner grumbled, turning her towards him. Lily spared Taz a fleeting wave.

Their chests brushed one another as her eyes finally flickered to his again, Liliana basked in his warmth.

"Jealous?" Lily joked.

Gunner scoffed, holding her slender hand while moving them in a sway to the music.

"Like ya wouldn't believe, babe." Gunner's voice came out in a rough husk. Liliana's lips parted in a gasp.

Couples around them followed suit, the sun setting around them as fairy lights illuminated the space.

"Do all bikers know how to two step?"

"Oh, just the Mayhem Men. It's part of the requirements. Listed all the way at the bottom of the contract," Gunner spun her smoothly.

"I think every other word you say to me is a one liner, did you notice that too?" she hummed teasingly towards him.

"But we're glad I've moved on from the stuttering right? At least a little bit."

All the bikers around them that were eavesdropping nodded.

Liliana still just hummed in response. He quickly continued, "B-But I can be serious. I've got a whole other side you haven't seen yet." He raised his brows at her. She couldn't help but admire him in the moment. A few stray strands of hair hung in those eyes of his, his chiseled jaw crooked to the side as his charming smile stayed intact like always.

"A serious, sensitive side?" Lily almost rolled her eyes.

"So serious and sensitive." He palmed the small of her back while tugging her a little closer.

"Uncle Gunner!" a high-pitched voice squealed.

"Fart muncher!" Gunner responded back in a similarly high-pitched voice. He let go of Liliana only for a moment before dropping to accept the little girl's tackle. "My favorite niece, Addy. Ya havin' fun gorgeous?"

Lily's eyes were wide watching the big bad biker love on the little girl.

"Did you call my kid that name again?" Penny yelled from the grill with a biker trailing behind her who held her waist.

"I called her a fart not a fuck. Relax, Penny," he scoffed with a roll of his eyes- looking at his sister as if she were crazy.

"Addy, this is my... friend, Lily," he forced the word out slowly. "She's been real nice to your uncle. I got real lucky meetin' her."

"A-Are you guys close?" Lily's doe eyes couldn't leave the muscular man as he held his niece up to his towering height.

Gunner, watching her eyes soften entirely at the little girl, grinned. "I'm only her favorite uncle."

Addy's little blonde brows furrowed. "I got no more uncles?"

Gunner winced. "But I'm the favorite right?"

Addy's brows were still furrowed as she thought, but she nodded nonetheless.

"My favorite," she confirmed confidently.

"Your hair looks so pretty, sweetie." Liliana gently brushed her fingers against the braid.

"Thank you." Her lack of teeth slurred her words, but the message was clear. "I like yours." She pointed to Lily's wild curls that were poking out of her own braids.

"She's so pretty, ain't she?" Gunner whispered loudly. He glanced over his shoulder at Penny and sighed, "Let's get ya back to mommy huh? I'll be right back, yeah, Lil?"

Lily nodded and watched Gunner hold the little girl, her heart thumped at the sight and the reminder of her own little girl at home. She couldn't help but notice how good Gunner was with his niece. But was it because he was good with kids or because that was his family?

She nibbled on her bottom lip, wringing a single curl around her finger as her mind spiraled about just how right Gunner looked taking care of a baby. His blonde hair was pushed back out of his eyes, his biceps flexed while lifting her over his head easily, and of course a sly smile on his face as he teased her and his sister.

...Oh shit. Liliana was so fucked.