Page 40 of March 5

She felt guilty. Because she had no plans for the night, Mariah had to go to Brett's house for privacy.

"I could go over to my parents and—"

"Stop." Mariah opened the closet by the front door. "I want to go to Brett's place. It allows me to get to know him better and snoop around." She looked over her shoulder and smiled. "There's no tampons in the bathroom and no extra toothbrush. It's a good sign."

"Don't get caught being nosey." She sobered. "Take a chance and trust him."

"Should I wear this jacket?" Mariah held up two options. "Or this one?"

"Is he picking you up?" she asked.

There was no reason to wear a jacket. The weather was perfect unless Brett was taking her on the motorcycle.

"Yeah." Mariah frowned. "Neither one of these goes with shorts."

"Well, you shouldn't be wearing shorts when you ride." She got up from the couch and walked back to her bedroom. "Hang on a second."

In her room, she grabbed a leather coat and boots that reached her thighs. She returned to Mariah and pushed the clothing articles into her hands.

"I'm not going to be responsible for any injuries to your skin." She put her hands on her hips. "Brett should know better than to—"

The doorbell rang.

Skye stepped over and looked out the window, seeing Brett standing on the walkway. A boost of confidence filled her, seeing the bag he held.

"Quick. Throw my clothes in the closet," she whispered.

"What?" Mariah frowned. "Why?"

She shooed her. "Just do it."

"Wear this. Wear that." Mariah ditched the clothes and shut the closet door. "I don't know what has gotten into you lately."

Skye grinned before she opened the door. "Hey, come on in."

Brett ducked his chin. "Thanks."

Mariah exhaled and forced a smile. "Sorry, I'm running late."

"I'll wait." Brett handed her a bag. "I got you something."

"Really?" Mariah's face glowed, and she looked into the bag.

Skye hugged herself, happy for her friend. She was finally getting treated with the love and respect she deserved.

Brett glanced at Skye. She nodded her approval. Havlin men were protective of those they cared about. She wasn't surprised that he'd bought Mariah a leather jacket and a pair of leather chaps to wear.

At a loss of what to do, Mariah stood still while Brett outfitted her. As much as she enjoyed watching them, she wanted to give them space. This was a big moment. A Havlin member wouldn't put just anyone on the back of their bike or buy leather for a ride.

"Have fun, guys." She waved over her shoulder and went straight to the bedroom.

Shutting the door, she flopped on the bed. After getting over her shock of learning about their relationship, she was Mariah's biggest cheerleader. She wanted nothing but the best for her friend.

But seeing them together only manifested the frustration she had with Dio. Something was going on with him, or she'd pushed him too far. Dio wasn't a man who would want a woman telling him how to feel—if that was even possible.

She wouldn't beg him to love her. That's not what she wanted.

In her dad's own way, he'd told her to back off. Aunt Brooke had said the same.