Speed King (Men of Action)

by Ahren Sanders

  “This place is a drama-free zone. They need to have their own place. Easier to get away.”

  Achilles’s mouth comes to my ear. “They’re still fucking with you.”

  “It’s too early in the morning for me to deal with your antics.” I glare at the three of them.

  “Noted. Jay’s not a morning joker. Good to know when you move in,” Talon continues to goad.

  “I’m not moving in,” I argue.

  “We’re not going over it again or we’ll be here all morning. We have somewhere to go before you have to work.” Achilles steps to the door.

  “Somewhere to go?”

  I attempt to pull him to a stop, but it’s useless. He drags me toward the garage.

  “Wait, I planned to make breakfast.”

  He halts long enough to twist his head. His lips tip in a confident smirk. “Babe, really?”

  “Don’t say it like that. I can manage eggs and toast.”

  “You burnt the toast last weekend.”

  “That wasn’t my fau—” The words die because it was totally my fault. The kitchen and living room smelled the whole day.

  “Achilles, I can’t go anywhere like this.” I try a new tactic.

  “You’re perfect.”

  His eyes glint in that wickedly possessive way. I’m wearing one of his sweatshirts over a loose pair of pajama pants with my hair in a sloppy bun. Basically, I look like I just rolled out of bed. But beneath the clothes are his stubble marks covering my skin.

  The memory of his wake-up fills my mind, and heat courses through my veins. I bite my lip and drop my gaze to his groin.

  “Harley,” he grounds out in warning, and a throat clears from behind.

  He yanks me forward and guides me out. We pass the row of motorcycles and he stops by the golf cart, urging me to sit. As soon as the garage door opens, a blast of cool air hits us.

  “Shit, didn’t expect the temps to drop this much.”

  As if on cue, the door swings open, and a ball of green flies into his hands. “Thanks, man,” he tells Ford, draping the blanket across my legs.

  “Good luck, Kingston.” He leans against the doorframe with a sly grin.

  Achilles flicks his fingers, then drives us around the back of the house.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Over to Holmes Court.”

  The name sounds familiar, but I can’t figure out why until he rounds the pool house and the area comes into view. Then it hits me. Holmes Court. The side street Jewls and I swung into that first night thinking we were camouflaged from Talon. The bushes we hid behind with those stupid binoculars, waiting to see if women paraded in and out of the house.

  We bounce across the property, and he pulls onto the street, following the road to and stopping in the cul-de-sac.

  “This is the last street of lots to sell out in the development,” he tells me, staring at the lot in front of us.

  “I thought they sold out last year.”

  “Every lot but the ones on this street. Doug and Celia held on to these for a reason.”

  “What’s the reason?”

  “They offered them to us.”

  My eyes bulge, and I can’t stop the squeaky reply, “They what? Is this…” I swallow to help my dry throat, “…is this yours?”

  He shifts his gaze to me. “It is.”

  “Oh, wow… you own a piece of property—here?”

  “Is that a problem?” He crooks an eyebrow. “You don’t like the neighborhood?”

  “It’s not that at all, but it’s an exclusive neighborhood with enormous homes. Like mansions.”

  “Not all the houses are like the Whitmans’.”

  “No, they are mini-mansions.”

  “Celia recommended some builders. We can review them together and go with what style you like.”

  There’s a ringing in my ears, and my heart races double time. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. My mind is racing with scrambled thoughts. There’s no way I heard him right. My eyes close and I rewind his words.

  “Celia recommended some builders. We can review them together and go with what style you like.”

  He said it.

  He said ‘we can review them’.

  “Harley, look at me.”

  My eyes pop open, and he reaches out, scooting me to him. “Say something.”

  “You want to build us a house? Here? In one of the most exclusive, high-end communities in the area?”

  “If the community bothers you, we’ll go somewhere different.”

  My head shakes so forcefully my bun tumbles out. “I don’t want different.”

  His fingers thread through my hair, and he brings our faces close, his dark eyes glimmering bright. “Do you understand now?”

  He’s assuring me in his own way. He’s not making a promise because promises can be broken. It’s a different vow. The kind of vow that gives me insight into our future. The double-beat of my heart bursts with so much love, my body trembles.

  I nod, laying my forehead to his. “I understand.”

  We stay like this for a minute, sitting and staring until my brain clears and Ford’s statement comes back to me.

  “So, all the guys know?”

  “Doug gave us all a deal. Talon is on the right.” He points to the adjacent property. “Major is two over, and Ford hasn’t picked yet.”

  “We’re all living on the same street?”

  “Unless you tell me differently.”

  “Achilles, I know you have money put away, but can we afford this?”

  “The Whitmans plan to retire in a few years and move to Nashville. When Doug was here last month, he offered to sell us the lots. The price was too good to turn down. Even if we don’t build, we have his permission to sell at the market rate.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  His face softens and lips touch mine. “We’re brothers in arms. Doug knows what that means.”

  “I think I love Doug.”

  “The feeling is mutual. He’s been good to me over the years. Like your dad, he knows to call me on my shit. When he was here, he told me to stop fucking around or I’d lose you to someone better.”

  “He doesn’t know me well.”

  “He knew prodding me with the possibility of another man would set me on edge.”

  “We’ve been dating for a short time. Granted, it’s moved fast, but this is unreal.”

  “We’ve never dated, Harley. Our story started a long time ago. You forgave me, and that was the beginning of our here and now.”

  I kiss him, lacing my hands around his neck, and whispering, “I love it. I love you. And it’s a shame you have to work this weekend.”

  “Why is that?”

  “We could camp out here and christen our property the right way.”

  He slants my head and growls against my mouth before slipping his tongue inside.

  Making out with him isn’t exactly the same, but it will do. For now…

  17

  Ace

  “Another beer?” Jewls is already sliding it my way.

  “Where’s Tom? Isn’t there an occupancy limit in this place?”

  “Yes, officer, and we’re still under capacity. This happens when men find out ladies’ night is happening. They flock to the hopping joint. Lighten up.”

  I glare at her for a split second before going back to watching Harley across the bar.

  “She worked hard on this. The girl is a marketing genius. You should look at the bright side.”

  “What’s the bright side?”

  “She continues to bring in crowds like this, we will fund our European vacation before we know it and she can cut back her hours. You get more of her.”

  At the mention of the vacation, I pin her. “Jewls—”

  “Zip it, Ace, she already told me you’re crashing. Surprisingly, I’m okay with that. She also told me about the lot of land. I’m proud of you for finally proving you’re the guy she waited all her life for.�
�

  There’s no time to comment before Tom’s hustling back with his arms full of bottles. “Jewls! Stop nattering and get these women drinks. They’re savages.”

  She rolls her eyes and goes to help him.

  “Son.”

  At the voice, my head snaps to the side to find my dad with Rich and Hal.

  “Dad, you shouldn’t be here.”

  “I’ve spent a decade working my way into the sober life. Your mom wasn’t missing this. She’s at the table with the women, but Rich told me what’s going on.”

  I glance at Rich, who’s worried. Harley called him earlier, and he must have shared with these men. “Dad, it’s not something I can discuss.”

  “No, but know I’m here.”

  “All of us fucking are,” Hal agrees gravely.

  “You’re jumping the gun. Nothing’s happened.” I tip my chin casually. They’re not deterred.

  “You get the message to go, you call me. My Harley is a strong girl. She’ll be encouraging, but she’ll need support,” Rich demands.

  “Done.”

  “Goes without saying, we’re all around,” Dad pitches his support.

  “Appreciate it.”

  A loud squawk sounds from Jewls, and Harley pivots quick, squealing as excitedly.

  “Rowan!” they both scream.

  My head jerks, and I catch the woman standing there smiling wide, leaning over to hug Jewls. A prickle runs up my spine, recognizing her from the call out the other night.

  In a flash, Ford is with us. “Shit, shit, shit.”

  “That’s her,” Hal notes.

  “Who? Rowan?” Rich questions.

  “Fuck me, you know her?” Ford narrows his eyes.

  “Yeah, she’s a great gal. Been around a few years. Hairdresser, I believe. Harley, Jewls, Ginger, and her are a crew. Or, at least, they were. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Rowan lately.”

  Hal interprets my move, gripping my arm before I can leave my stool. “Wait, there’s a good chance she’ll recognize us.”

  “Doubtful.” My eyes go to Ford, who’s dressed similarly in jeans, a thermal, and a black ball cap. Out of uniform, we blend in. “She walked into a cop bar. It’s not a secret club.”

  “Trust me, I’m an old man and easy to forget. But you and your pretty boys aren’t. She’ll recognize you. Plus, the way you look right now will scare her off. She’s here, surrounded by women and smiling. This is a good thing. Let’s see how it plays out.”

  “If she’s facing a situation, I don’t want Harley anywhere near it. Jewls either.”

  The words hang in the air and the mood instantly changes. Rich and Dad don’t need further explanation to understand.

  “What kind of situation are we talking about here?” Rich asks with an edge to his tone. “Harley’s got a good sense of character and reads people well. Let’s rely on her judgment.”

  Rich has been doing this for so long, he feels the same burn in his gut at the possibility of a woman being abused. He’s not fooling me. He can spew that shit, but we both know he doesn’t want Harley anywhere near it.

  “I trust her judgment. I don’t trust the pompous ass we met blaming a nosy neighbor for a disturbance call.”

  “Well then, use this to your advantage. Harley and Jewls know her.”

  His message clicks loud and clear, and I settle back on the stool, sipping my beer. The girls laugh and serve Rowan and her three friends drinks before they wander to a table.

  Talon and Major come through the doors, heading our way. Their eyes go over my shoulder before meeting mine. This will be the first time they’ve been around my dad in many years. The last time was when we came home for Harley and the funeral. They stand on the edge of the huddle, picking up on the tension and waiting for me to make the first move.

  “Dad, you remember Talon and Major?” I jut my chin, sending the sign things are fine.

  They relax, shaking his hand.

  “Jesus, been a while. How are you boys?” Dad’s use of ‘boys’ has Rich and Hal chuckling.

  There’s another round of squeals, taking our attention back to where Harley is over at the bar again, this time hugging Erik. Kelvin and Ginger from her office are also there.

  “Shit, do these girls have to squeal every time someone they know arrives? It’s freaking my customers out.” Tom hands two bottles across to Talon and Major.

  “Your customers are multiplying by the minute. It’s fazed no one,” I correct him.

  “Your woman is down there hanging on a guy much prettier than you. You going to let that happen?” he snaps back.

  “Considering his partner is standing there, I think it’s passable.”

  This earns a chorus of rough laughter from all the men.

  Tom’s scowl tips into his own grin. “Harley did well.”

  “She did.”

  “We get this kind of crowd and turn out, I’ll have to do it again.”

  I gulp a healthy swig to keep from telling him it would be stupid not to take advantage.

  “How’s my favorite group of men doing? Can I get you anything?” Harley pops over, her face glowing with happiness and accomplishment.

  “Despite you and Jewls’ opinions, I can handle my bar,” Tom grouses.

  “We know you have bar skills; it’s the people skills that are lacking,” she teases. “And before you get any grumpier, we have a large party headed in. The girls on the floor are in the weeds. Get back to the service bar and warn the kitchen.”

  “Watch it, little missy, I’m still the boss around here.”

  “Can’t help if I love the fact that—even you can’t deny—ladies’ night rocks!”

  He does a poor job hiding his approval, giving her a nudge before walking away.

  “Hey there.” She props on her elbows.

  I lean over the width of the bar and cup her head, running my lips across hers. “Great job, beautiful.”

  Her breath catches and she whispers, “Our dads are right behind you.”

  “And?”

  “And our moms are right behind them.”

  “Baby, we loaded my dresser and closet today with your things, and I’m building you a house. They all know we kiss.” I don’t whisper, not caring who hears.

  She laughs lightly, her lips vibrating to mine. “You have such a way with words. But I’m too happy to be embarrassed.”

  “Good, because you should be.” I kiss her again and slide back. “Looks like you have a lot of friends showing up.”

  “You saw Erik, Kelvin, and Ginger.”

  I nod. “Who was the other group of girls?”

  “That was Rowan and the crew from the salon. Rowan is a hairstylist and skin care technician extraordinaire. She’s been taking care of Jewls and me for years. It took me forever to find someone who can work with my curls. She’s taught me my tricks.”

  “What tricks are those?”

  “Things like how to blow out with the right styling tools and air dry without resembling a chia pet.”

  “We call her the chia pet tamer,” Jewls calls as she rushes by.

  “It’s cool she came. We miss hanging out with her.”

  “Surprised you haven’t mentioned her before,” I push gently, wondering how close Harley and Rowan are.

  “She’s in a weird position and cut back on socializing. She was engaged to this guy for a long time, and things seemed to break apart. Story on the streets is he was stressed, and she was trying to help him through whatever was bothering him. I figured that’s why she didn’t take us up on our offers. But since she’s here, maybe things are turning around.”

  “Engaged? Not married?” I ask a little too eagerly, remembering the way the asshole called her his wife, and she didn’t correct.

  “No, she never married him, which was also odd. But I got the impression she had some reservations. We never met the guy.”

  Hal clears his throat, indicating he’s picked up on this, too.

  “Harley, be a d
ear hostess and send another round of those ladies’ night special martinis,” Amanda shouts from her table.

  “Mom, I’m a bartender, not a hostess,” she hollers back.

  “Make it sex,” Amanda replies, and the table howls.

  “Please, God, tell me she meant make it six.” Horror fills Harley’s expression.

  “I’m hoping she meant sex,” Rich delivers with a straight face.

  She drops her head and bangs it against the bar.

  “Mix ‘em up, baby, and we’ll deliver them.” I lift her chin and shoot her an encouraging smile.

  “Next time, remind me not to tell her about ladies’ night.”

  She rolls her shoulders and pulls out six martini glasses.

  “While you do that, did your mom tell you about the dinner this weekend?” Rich asks.

  Harley preps the drinks and nods. “Grandma’s seventy-fifth at Giovanni’s, right?”

  “That was the plan until she found out about your new beau.”

  Harley’s head snaps, her hand losing grip, and the bottle almost crashing before she saves at the last minute. “You promised to let me tell her myself! She adores Achilles and was heartbroken when he left me. I needed to ease her into us.”

  “Things change.”

  “Dad!”

  “I called her.” Her eyes fling to mine, squinting in irritation.

  “You,” she points, “are in trouble! She’ll eat you alive!”

  “I’m good, especially since we moved the party to the house.”

  She pales, looking away and finishing the drinks, adding the orange garnish and placing them on the bar. “Deliver these.”

  Rich, Dad, and Hal take the drinks. Talon, Major, and Ford settle into the bar stools. She eyes Ford first.

  “You approved this?”

  “My parents are driving in from Chicago for the occasion, with my sisters.”

  “They don’t know my grandma!”

  “My parents are coming from Louisiana,” Talon goes on.

  Her gaze moves between us, and she straightens, realization taking over. She takes a second, but she breathes deep, knowing everyone is coming for the same reason. “Grandma will love it.”

  “My parents are heading in, too. My jackass brothers are most likely crashing,” Major informs with a frown.

  “Everyone will be together.” There’s a sense of melancholy to her tone.