by Kay Marie
“That was some kiss.” I grin. Even in the dim lighting of the light poles, I notice her cheeks turn pink, matching her hair.
“I should get going,” she says softly.
“Drive safe and text me when you get home.” I kiss her forehead and step back so she can get in her car.
“I will.” With that, she starts her car and drives off.
I shake my head, not able to fight back the smile on my face and head inside. Inside, some cut bunnies are hanging around. There’s music playing just loud enough to be heard and Hollywood is playing pool and drinking with a few of the guys. He turns toward me, his eyes landing on mine.
Something in the air shifts. My heart beats a little faster. I’ve always felt a connection with Hollywood, but this is different. Stronger even. Like something I’ve only ever felt for Tink. Glass shattering behind me breaks my stare. Turning toward the bar, I’m faced with Lolita and one of our new prospects. She must be showing him the ropes. I walk down the hall to my room without looking back at Hollywood.
Once in my room, I change into sweats and climb into bed. Being alone, my mind starts to wander. There’s no way I could have feelings like that for another guy. Maybe him keeping his distance from us is for the best. Either way, it still hurts and if I hurt, I’m sure Tink does, too.
As if on cue, my phone buzzes.
From Pixie: Made it home and headed to bed.
To Pixie: Sweet dreams, beautiful.
From Pixie: Good night :)
I plug my phone in to charge, turn the light off, and attempt to fall asleep.
The next morning, after I shower and get ready for the day, I go out to the main room. We have Church first thing this morning. I walk in and take my seat. Five minutes later, everyone is in their designated seats.
“Alright, let’s get started,” Prez announces. “Gunner, how’s the money look?”
“All dues are paid. Everything’s lookin’ good, Prez.”
“Great, on to business. It’s been brought to my attention that there’s a new drug being sold in our territory. Not much is known about it yet, but I’m working on gettin’ more info,” Prez explains. “I need all y’all to keep your ears to the ground. If you hear anything about anything, as always, come straight to me.”
“Are there any clues on who’s distributing it,” Rascal asks.
“None yet. It could be anyone at this point,” Prez replies. “Does anyone have anything to add?”
There’s a round of no’s and shaking heads.
“As a quick reminder, we’re having a club party this Friday as a send-off for Saint. Now, get the hell out and get to work.” He hits his gavel down and everyone leaves the room. Hollywood is one of the last to leave and he makes sure to make eye contact with me before he does. I walk out of the room and out of the clubhouse. The best thing for me to do right now is throw myself into work. I’ll try to figure shit out with Hollywood later.
6
Tink
The rest of the week flies by. Today is the first time I’ve been back at the clubhouse since Diesel and I had our date. He surprised me Wednesday by coming to Rosie’s Diner while I was working. I sat with him in between waiting on my tables. I had been having a rough day until he showed up. Tonight is the club party for Saint. He’s leaving Sunday to move to New Orleans. I’m working the bar with Lolita and two of the new prospects so I’m wearing a tank top with the Savage Menaces MC logo. Bull had a few shirts made for Lo and me to wear while bartending so everyone would know not to fuck with us.
I pair the tank top with a pair of hip-hugging, distressed jeans and black Converse. I have half my hair pulled up in a messy bun and for my make-up, I did a smokey eye with a nude lip. The only guy I’m trying to impress is Diesel, and maybe Hollywood, if it’ll get him to talk to me. But dressing sexy gets more tips from the hangarounds.
By nine o’clock, the clubhouse is packed with people here to see Saint off. Even some of the Nomads came to town for it. Usually, when Lo and I work the bar together, we’re busy the whole night. Add in two prospects helping tend the bar, I don’t stay as busy as I’d like. Every time I look around the room, I find Hollywood. Each time, he’s had a cut bunny hanging on him. I try not to let it bother me, seeing how I’m with Diesel. I mean, it isn’t official or anything, but still. I care about Hollywood and I thought the feelings were mutual. Maybe I was wrong.
“Hey, Pixie.” Diesel breaks me out of my thoughts. The smile on his face makes me smile.
“Hey, D. Can I get you something to drink?”
“How about a dance instead?” He smirks.
“Go ahead! The prospects and I can handle the bar,” Lo tells me. She hip bumps me. “Go have fun with your man.”
“Thanks, Lo.” I walk around the bar to Diesel. His eyes rake over my body.
“Damn, Pixie. You take my breath away.”
Heat rises in my cheeks and I grin. “You’re so cheesy.”
“It makes you smile though.” He winks at me.
I Like Trouble by Jailbreakers Ltd starts playing. Diesel grabs my hand, pulling me to where others are dancing. He spins me so my back is against his front. With his hands on my hips, I move them to the beat of the song. He pulls me closer and I can feel how hard his dick is through his jeans. Diesel’s cologne is intoxicating. Add in being wrapped in his arms, my libido soars. I let my eyes drift closed and soak up every second.
When the song ends, I slow to a stop, not moving from his arms. I open my eyes and they instantly land on Hollywood. He’s watching me and Diesel with a fire burning in his eyes. His eyes go from me to Diesel before he tears them away from us completely, turning to talk to someone. I turn around in Diesel’s arms, linking my hands around the back of his neck.
“Wanna get a drink and head outside to the fire pit?” Diesel whispers in my ear.
I nod my head and he leads me to the bar. We get a couple beers and make our way outside. It’s a clear night and there’s hardly any lights out here. It’s a perfect night for a bonfire, but tonight they have the fire pit going. Kicks is out here with his Ol’ Lady, Raven. She came back from New Orleans with Wren. Diesel takes me to the opposite side of the fire as them. He sits, pulling me onto his lap and wrapping his arms around my waist.
“I love nights like tonight. There’re no clouds hiding all the stars,” I whisper. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yeah, it is.”
I glance over my shoulder and he’s looking at me with the corner of his mouth tipped in his sexy half-smile. The reflection of the fire flickers in his eyes. His hand cups the side of my face and he pulls me into a kiss. It’s quick but sweet.
“Have you talked to Hollywood,” I ask Diesel.
“No, I haven’t even seen him today.”
“He was watching us dance,” I tell him.
“What? He was?”
“Yeah, but as soon as he saw that I noticed him, he looked away. It was kind of weird,” I say.
“That is weird. I’ll see if I can talk to him tomorrow,” Diesel mutters.
As if on cue, Hollywood, Tech, and Buzz come outside. When they reach the fire pit, Hollywood freezes. His eyes going between me and Diesel.
“Uh, I think I’m gonna go back inside,” Hollywood says. He turns on his heel, going back to the clubhouse.
“What the hell is his deal?” Kicks says.
“I don’t know, but it was fuckin’ weird,” Tech says as he and Buzz sit.
“He doesn’t want to be around us,” I tell them. Diesel hugs me close.
“Fuck that. He needs to get over whatever bullshit is goin’ on. I can tell it’s causin’ pain for all three of y’all,” Kicks responds. “I’m gonna talk to him tomorrow.”
“Let him. It can’t hurt,” Diesel whispers in my ear. He must have noticed me tense at Kicks’ words.
“Yeah, you’re right,” I agree. “I’m sure it won’t help either.”
“Do you work tomorrow?”
“No, Bull gave us the night
off,” I tell him.
“Perfect. Let’s go on a date. I have the perfect idea for us.”
“Oh? And what would that be?” I grin.
“Say yes and you’ll find out tomorrow.” He kisses my neck.
“Yes.”
7
Hollywood
It’s days like today that make me wish I had my own place. After last night, I really don’t want to see or talk to anyone. Especially Diesel or Tink. I thought keeping my distance from them would help, but it hasn’t.
Tink was working the bar at the beginning of the party. I watched as hangarounds flirted with her. One after another. It’s nothing new, but it pissed me off more than usual. Then Diesel asked her to dance. Nothing about him and her together pisses me off or makes me jealous. Which confuses the hell out of me. I couldn’t take my eyes off them as they danced. The way her body moved against his. The way his hands explored her body. It was sexy as hell and was turning me on. I wanted to be part of it.
When Tech, Buzz, and I went outside to smoke, seeing Tink and Diesel got me all choked up. I know Tink saw me watching them dance. I was afraid of what she might say. So I ran back inside, directly to my room. All I could think about the rest of the night was the three of us together. Dancing together, going out on dates together, maybe even living together at some point.
I want and care about them equally. Diesel isn’t into guys though. At least not that I know of. I have at least been with a few over the years. I’ve always kept it a secret and have never had full-on relationships with them. But it’s been enough to know that I’m into men as much as I’m into women. As far as Tink and Diesel go, I don’t think I could have one without the other. That and not wanting the brothers to find out I like men is why I’ve stayed away from them.
I have some money saved up, so I grab my phone and search for apartments nearby. I could probably move in with Buster and Shade still, but they already have a full house. Both their Ol’ Ladies live with them, plus Buster and Cali have a baby now. I’m better off getting an apartment.
After twenty minutes of searching, I’ve found three apartments to go look at today. I climb out of bed and go about getting ready for the day. As I’m sliding my shoes on, my stomach growls.
“Fuck,” I mutter to myself. Still not wanting to talk to anyone, I figure I’ll stop to get something to eat before going to look at apartments. I walk out of my room, making my way out of the clubhouse. I’ve made it this far with no one stopping me. If I had to guess, I’d say most everyone is still sleeping.
“Yo, H.” Kicks’ voice stops me in my tracks. “Where ya headed?”
I turn to face him. “Goin’ to grab a bite to eat and run some errands.”
“Cool. Mind if I tag along?”
I hesitate before responding. “Uh, sure.”
A twenty-minute ride later, we’re pulling up to Rosie’s Diner. Neither of us talks until we’re inside and seated at a table.
“So what’s up? What errands do you have,” Kicks questions.
“Nothin’.” I glance over the menu. It’s after eleven, so they’re serving breakfast and lunch.
“I call bullshit,” he states. “Does it have anything to do about Diesel and Tink?”
My eyes shoot to his. “Why would it?”
“You tell me. You dipped out pretty quick last night when you saw them together. Wanna explain?”
“Nothin’ to explain.”
“You’re a shitty liar, bro.” He laughs. “What’s goin’ on? Whatever it is, you can talk to me. We’ve known each other forever.”
“I’m just tryin’ to work through some shit,” I say. “After we eat, I’m goin’ to look at apartments. I need somewhere to go that’s my place. I’ve lived in the clubhouse for far too long.”
“I get that. We all need to get away some times,” he agrees. “I know that’s not what’s bothering you, but I’ll let it go. Just know I’m here to listen with no judgment any time you need it.”
“Thanks, Kicks.”
“That’s what brothers are for.”
After we eat, Kicks heads back to the clubhouse while I go check out the apartments. I end up liking the second one I see but have to come back Monday to fill out paperwork. I decide to ride around for a few hours to clear my head since it’s such a nice day.
I get back to the clubhouse around six o’clock. My plan is to have a beer or two with Saint then spend the rest of the night in my room. Though it seems fate has other plans for me. Diesel is walking out of the clubhouse as I climb off my bike. His outfit is crisp. He must be going to see Tink. There’s a pang in my gut at that thought.
“Hey, H. Have a nice ride,” he asks. It’s small talk. He’s trying to get me to talk to him, no matter what it takes.
“Yup.” I pop the p. I walk by him, toward the clubhouse.
“Hollywood, she misses you. She won’t say it, but I see it in her eyes.”
There’s a pause in my step as I take in his words. There’s a change in his tone. Hurt, maybe? Even so, I keep walking, because if I stop to talk I’ll end up saying the wrong thing.
8
Diesel
“Hollywood, she misses you. She won’t say it, but I see it in her eyes,” I say to his retreating back. He pauses for a brief second before continuing toward the clubhouse. “She doesn’t deserve you treating her like this.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing she has you to make her feel better,” he spits out. He doesn’t so much as stop this time. Anger bubbles inside me and all I want to do is punch something or someone. A buzz in my pocket pulls me away from my thoughts. I pull my phone out and there’s a text from Tink. I almost forgot I texted her asking what her favorite drink is.
From Pixie: Hmm, I’m partial to Malibu Rum and pineapple juice.
To Pixie: Perfect. See you soon, beautiful.
I hop in my car and head to the liquor store before going to get Tink. I pick up some cans of premixed Malibu Rum and pineapple juice for Tink and some premade cans of Jack and Coke for myself. I grab a bag of ice and check out. Back at my car, I pop open the trunk. I packed a cooler, a bunch of blankets, and a few pillows. After last night, I knew this would be a perfect date for us. Once I have everything in the cooler, I climb into my car and head for Tink’s house.
At her house, I park my Camaro in her driveway and walk up to the door. I knock a couple of times and wait. A minute later, the door opens. Tink is standing there with a smile on her face, looking gorgeous as always. She’s wearing a flowy halter top like tank top, capris, and flip flops.
“Hey there, beautiful.” I return the smile. “You ready to go?”
“Let me grab my purse, then I will be.” She takes a couple steps inside to grab her purse then comes outside, shutting and locking the door. “So, where are we going first?”
“First, we get dinner. Second part is a surprise,” I tell her.
“Ugh.” She fake groans. “It’s okay if you tell me, you know.”
“What’s the fun in that?” I smirk.
She folds her arms across her chest in an attempt to pout. “Fine.”
I drive us to a local Mexican restaurant. She had mentioned craving it so I thought why not.
“Oh my gosh! I’ve been craving Mexican food all week,” she says when she notices where we are.
“You told me a couple days ago, so I decided to help you satisfy your craving.” I wink at her. We head inside and get seated pretty quickly.
“Hola! Welcome to La Taberna,” she greets us. “Can I start y’all off with something to drink? Maybe some queso or guac?”
“I’ll have a sweet tea, please,” Tink tells her.
“I’ll have the same and can we please get some queso?” I say.
“Of course. I’ll get that right out for you.” She walks away to get our drinks.
“So, what’s your favorite thing to get here,” I ask Tink.
“Their fajitas are really good. So are their enchiladas, but my favorite is the c
hicken flautas.”
“Those all sound delicious. Thanks for making it more difficult for me to choose,” I tease.
“Why don’t I get one thing and you get something different, then we can share,” she suggests.
“That’s the best idea I’ve ever heard.” I chuckle. “Now to narrow it down to two.”
She laughs. “I’m getting flautas. They’re what I’ve been craving the most. Well, and the queso.”
“Alright, hmm.” I glance at the menu. “I’ll get enchiladas.”
“The chicken ones with queso on them instead of red sauce are amazing,” she tells me.
“Then that’s what I’ll get.”
Our waitress comes back with our drinks and queso then takes our order before walking away again. We fall into an easy conversation, like always. Our conversations have always come so naturally. It’s one of the things that drew me to her. She also hops topics so conversations are never boring.
An hour later, we’re done eating and I’ve paid the check. The sun is starting to set which makes now the perfect time to move onto phase two of our date.
“Are you ready for the surprise part of the date,” I ask her.
“I’ve been ready since you picked me up.” She pokes her tongue out at me.
“Better put that thing away before I do something like bite it.”
Her eyes go wide for a split second. “You wouldn’t.”
“Wanna try me?” I smirk.
Her cheeks turn the same color as her hair. I caress her cheek with my thumb.
“I love making you blush,” I tell her.
She playfully smacks me. “Of course you do.”
“Your cheeks turn the same color as your hair. It’s adorable.”
My words make her blush deepen and I laugh.
Twenty minutes later, we’re back on club property but not near the clubhouse. There’re two great climbing trees, but for the most part, it’s an open field.