by Eve R. Hart
The night went by in a blur, Nate’s words playing over and over in my head. I didn’t know what the hell he meant and I had been too caught up in the moment to realize anything. Was he trying to say he wanted more? What was he trying to do to me? What did I even want? If I admitted it, deep down inside, I wanted it all. I wanted him, every part of him. I wanted to know the man behind the hard exterior. I wanted to learn more about the happy-go-lucky boy. I wanted to know how his parents’ death turned him into the man I was familiar with.
Luckily, no one said anything about my dazed state. Maybe I’d pulled it off better than I thought.
The next day I spent hanging out with Nan. She seemed a little down but I had no clue why. I talked her into an all-day bake-a-thon. Which wasn’t all that hard. That woman loved to bake.
We made three different kinds of cookies and only ate about half of them as they came out of the oven. We also went crazy and made dark chocolate brownies and lemon bars. It felt good to relax and hang out with her. I didn’t know much about what to do in the kitchen but hanging around Nan I started to catch on to things. Thank God she was patient with me.
As we were cleaning up from our last mess, I heard Nate’s bike roll up to his house. I bit my lip trying to hide my smile. I didn’t fool Nan, though. She swatted the dish towel at me and told me to go out there. I shook my head. The last thing I wanted to do was to crowd him. If he wanted me, then he could come to me.
There was a loud knock at the door and we both froze.
Ask and you shall receive, I hoped. I dashed out of the kitchen, giddy like a damn school girl as I went to the door. I took in a deep breath and soothed my hair before I pulled it open.
There stood Nate looking sheepish. He was wearing a white t-shirt. His cut hung loose enough that I could see how his shirt clung to him tight enough for me to make out every ripple. I could see the outline of his tattoos under it. His dark jeans were worn and hung just right. The sight of him had my insides fluttering. I was speechless. I couldn’t even croak out a greeting.
“Get dressed, woman.” His voice was low and husky. I swallowed against my dry throat.
“Where are we going?” I asked once I managed to find my voice.
“Clubhouse.”
I blinked at him blankly. I felt like this was a big step. Sure I knew most of his brothers, but now he wanted to take me into their home. It felt like I was going to meet the family. He must have seen the shock on my face because he sent me a warming smile. Then he bent down and kissed my cheek lightly. I felt him smile against my skin as he lingered.
“There’s a party for Tank’s little boy’s birthday,” he said like it wasn’t a big deal. Like I should have known this information.
“Okay…” I gave a slow nod as I processed everything. “Come in. I’ll, uh, be down in a minute.” I moved aside to let him in then closed the door behind him.
“What the hell smells so good in here?” Nate winked at me as he called out like he was yelling to Nan in the kitchen. He headed towards the baked goods as I raced up the stairs.
Up in my room, clothes went flying all over the place as I tried to find the right thing to wear. What the hell was I supposed to wear to a kids birthday party at a motorcycle club?! Oh God, it was too much. I growled as I held up shirts I wore to the bar. I settled on a tight vintage rock t-shirt that dipped low in the front. With my lacy, blue push-up bra, the ladies were on display. I made sure to put on matching panties, just in case they would be seen later. Hey, a girl could hope. I threw on a pair of faded cut-off shorts with worn spots on the front and back pocket. I added a bunch of gold accessories, including a few bangles. I pulled out a pair of black suede platform stilettos that had gray wing tattooed designs on the sides. I checked myself in the mirror before rushing into the bathroom to throw on some makeup.
I wanted to be sexy. Not only for myself, because I believed every girl needed that sometimes, but for Nate too. If he was taking me then I was his guest. I didn’t want to reflect badly on him.
Okay, and I wanted to make his eyes pop out of his head. I made my eyes smoky and added a single layer of mascara. I figured a hint was good enough. I didn’t want it to get tacky in the heat and have my eyelashes get stuck together. Then everyone would wonder about the girl with the funny eyes. I went with a deep red lipstick and left my hair down. Spritzing on some perfume, I gave myself one last look. No turning back now, I thought.
When I made it back downstairs, Nate was in the kitchen with his hands full of cookies. I giggled at the sight of him. He had one cookie dangling from his lips as he attempted to pull it into his mouth without the help of his hands.
“Here, let me help you,” I said pushing it in enough for him to get another bite.
He smiled at me as I popped the tiny bite that was left into my mouth. His look turned dark as he took me in, his eyes scanning slowly down the length of my body and back up. Nervous about his reaction, I bit my lip as he met my eyes. I watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed with a hard swallow and I knew I’d made the right decision with my outfit.
“Have a good time you two,” Nan said breaking our trance. She grabbed the piles of cookies out of Nate’s hands and put them in a clear baggie for him to take. “Now out. I got myself a hot date to get ready for. Might use some of your makeup tips. Judging by Nathan’s reaction, it’s the way to go.” I cringed slightly. God knew I loved that crazy, old bat, but sometimes it was too much.
“Thanks for the cookies, Ethel.” Nate gave her a kiss on the cheek before he turned towards and grabbed my hand and he dragged me out the door. I barely had a chance to wave at Nan before I was outside.
“Wait. Shit!” I muttered. He looked at me with a brow raised in question. “I don’t have a gift. Dammit, Nate, you need to give a girl more warning than this.” He smirked at me walking over to his bike. He lifted the flap of his saddle bag and pulled out something wrapped in boyish looking wrapping paper.
“Got it covered, babe.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal.
I could tell by the awkward wrapping that it was some sort of stuffed animal and that he had wrapped it himself. I giggled and poked him in his hard stomach. He flinched slightly and I wondered if he was ticklish. Evil thoughts flooded my mind. I would have to remember to find out later. I rocked up on the toes of my shoes and placed a light kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you,” I said. I wasn’t just talking about his thoughtfulness of the gift.
“Ready?” He mounted his bike and handed me a helmet. I made quick work of getting it on. Then I climbed on behind him, this time not leaving any space between us as I wrapped my arms around his waist. He patted my hand once then headed out of the driveway.
Butterflies swarmed in my stomach. I was going to the clubhouse and I was going with Nate. I wasn’t sure how I should act or what I should do. I was also thrown off a little by the fact we were going to the club for a little boy’s birthday. I hadn’t spent much time around kids, and therefore, wasn’t all that sure how to act around them. Normally, I would say try to watch my language and not do any heavy making out in the open. But then again, these were bikers and I doubted those rules were applied with such strictness. I didn’t have long to over think it. Before I knew it, we were driving through the clubs gate as a prospect I didn’t know waved us on. Nate parked his bike and I slid off and undid my helmet.
“Is it always like that?” I asked jutting my chin to the gate that was now closed. The level of security seemed unnecessary for such a small town.
“Just keepin’ everyone safe.” His look told me not to ask further. He took my hand and pulled me into him. I pushed up on my toes, meeting his lips in a tender kiss. He grabbed the gift then pulled me behind him to the front door.
It was still early in the day and the place seemed a bit quiet. I looked around, taking in the bar and lounge area. A few of the guys were hanging out on the couches arguing over something that was on the TV. When we walked by a few of them turned and offered a
nod before going back to what they were doing.
I was nervous and for the life of me couldn’t figure out why. I knew I was safe. Hell, I knew most of the people I would see there tonight. So why did the change of scenery make it feel different? Was it the fact that I was here with Nate? Oh, crap, was I there with Nate. He brought me, but I wasn’t sure what exactly that meant. I shook my head and made myself stop the crazy train of thoughts. I had been good at going with the flow for most of my life, no need to change that now.
Nate never let go of my hand as he led me past the bar and into a giant kitchen area. There were a few people working on food prep. An older woman, with long blonde hair, stopped what she was doing as soon as she saw us. Her smile spread wide on her face as she made her way over to us.
“This must be Reagan,” her she said in an excited tone that somehow managed to calm me.
“Melody, this is Reagan,” Nate said, pulling me into his side. “Reagan, this is Stone’s old lady, Melody.”
He introduced me to the other two old ladies that were there and a tall girl named Jessica. I could tell she was a club girl, but I didn’t feel that she was a bitch like Tammy. I breathed a sigh of relief as they welcomed me. Nate kissed the side of my head and told me that he would be back. He said he had some stuff to take care of and it shouldn’t take long. I nodded understanding that I was to stay with the women. Mel pulled me into the kitchen area and into their whirlwind food preparation. I think at some point I made potato salad. I hoped it tasted alright.
“You’re Ethel’s granddaughter, right?” Jessica asked in a friendly tone.
I had a feeling I was going to like her; although it wasn’t lost on me that Nate had probably slept with her. And most likely more than a few times, too. I pushed the tinge of jealousy out of my head trying to tell myself that it was in the past. And I wasn’t even sure that Nate and I were even really a thing. I had no idea what we were, there hadn’t been any labels put on it.
“Yes,” I replied shortly, not knowing what else to say about it. I was sure everyone already knew who I was and that I had been in town for a while now.
I had no idea how to talk to them. I felt like there was a very thin line on things I should and shouldn’t ask. There were things that I had suspicions on and I also knew better to not say anything about those. But somehow it was like we all knew it deep down inside. A knowledge that almost linked us all together but for the club’s sake, we would pretend otherwise. I was about to ask them the usual bullshit questions you would ask normal people.
But right as I opened my mouth, Tammy and her minions came sauntering in, wearing next to nothing. At least Jessica had the decency to cover up knowing kids would be running around in the near future. I clenched my fist and tried my best not to let her get to me.
“Who the fuck invited this bitch?” Tammy said to one of the other girls loud enough so we could all hear.
I couldn’t even give two shits to try and remember all their names. It bothered me enough that I knew Tammy’s. My jaw ticked and I took a calming breath through my nose.
Melody was right beside me, I saw her look at me as a smirk played on her lips. She cocked an eye brow at me as if telling me I should say something. Looking up, I saw Jessica was standing behind us with her hip cocked out and hand resting on it. It wasn’t lost on me the hateful glare she was giving the group of club girls.
Fuck it, I thought. I wasn’t going to let these bitches push me around. I was done being afraid to step on toes. If Nate brought me here, then he wanted me there.
“Loch brought me.” I figured it was best to show Nate some respect and use it club name while I was there. This time it felt right as it slipped from my lips without the malicious tone I’d used before when I was pissed at him. Tammy’s jaw dropped open and I did a victory dance on the inside.
“Fuckin’ don’t mean nothing,” she snapped as she quickly recovered. “He’ll be beggin’ to get into my holes soon enough. You’re only a stupid phase.” I couldn’t believe she actually said that to me.
“Right,” I deadpanned. “Just as long as you don’t mind that he’s thinking about me while he’s fucking that worn out hole.” I heard Jessica and Melody chuckling beside me as Tammy’s face turned bright red with anger.
“You can go now, Tammy,” Melody said with authority. “The bathrooms need to be cleaned before the party starts. Looks like you all have something to do now.” She addressed the rest of Tammy’s clan. Tammy opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it. She snapped her mouth closed, turned on her heel, and stomped off like an angry child.
“I think you’ll fit in just right,” Melody said pulling me into a side hug. We all laughed and it felt good. I was glad I didn’t back down.
We finished getting everything ready, then brought it out to the back yard. It was an odd little area, surrounded by the building on three sides. Melody explained to me that the two halls on either side of the building were where the guys had rooms. It was nice and also smart the way the back area seemed to be protected. I understood why they’d made it that way.
There were rows of picnic tables with bright colored tablecloths on them. I helped set up the plates and cups, making sure they wouldn’t blow away in the wind. Then I helped set up the food, filling two of the tables completely. Tank and Crow were over by a massive grill and I could smell the hamburgers and hot dogs cooking in the air. I turned around and all of a sudden it seemed like the area was full. Kids of all ages running around chasing each other with water guns. I did my best to stay out of the line of fire, but someone managed to squirt me on my back. I joined in on the laughter. Because what else could ya do? I was about to grab one of the loaded up water guns and start some trouble when Nate found me. He pulled me into his side before placing a kiss on my hair line. I couldn’t help but tuck myself into his side and smile at how perfect we fit together.
He grabbed two beers and handed one to me. We made our rounds talking to everyone, his arm around me the whole time. This was a little odd considering up until today we had pretty much tried to play things cool. I wondered what the sudden change was.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Loch
Watching Reagan interact with everyone did something to my insides. She belonged there. Any doubts that I had melted away as I watched her. Sure, she had met most of the guys but it was different being around them at the clubhouse. Even being there with the old ladies and the club girls was a huge thing to handle, and it seemed like she handled it well.
Melody told me what had happened in the kitchen while I was away. I was proud of Reagan and wish I’d been there to see it. Even so, the fact that it had happened pissed me off. For damn sure I was going to say something to Tammy later. That shit wouldn’t fly, but I didn’t want to ruin the party for Grass.
I knew the real test for Reagan was coming soon. When all the kids and old ladies went home and the boys really started to party. I planned on keeping Reagan around. I wanted her to be there, but also because I wanted to see how she would react.
Was it shitty of me? Maybe a little. But I needed her to know what she was getting into if I took it further, I wanted her submerged in my world. There would be a lot of secrets, but I wanted to show her everything I could. I wanted her to see what I would be around and I had to know if she could handle it.
The thing was, being around the club girls wasn’t even an issue for me anymore. Compared to Reagan, nothing even came close. And I wouldn’t do anything to mess that up. I hoped she knew that somewhere inside.
After she helped clean up and all the women took the kids home, I guided her inside and handed her another beer. At this point, I could’ve driven home, but my plan was not to. I wanted to keep her here and wake up with her in the morning, preferably naked and in my arms. I figured this was about the only way I could actually get her to stay the night with me. She eyed me with suspicion as she took the beer. It was her fourth. And knowing she didn’t drink a lot, it was more
than likely going to be her last. I pulled her into me and kissed her without urgency.
“Is this your way of getting me somewhere so you can do naughty things to me?” She looked up at me with a playful gleam in her eyes and I laughed. I buried my head in the crook of her neck and inhaled her sweet scent as deep as my lungs would allow.
“What kind of naughty things are you thinkin’, baby?” I asked, kissing up her neck. Her body visibly trembled and I fucking loved it.
“The kind where you strip me naked and see exactly how wet I am for you,” she whispered into my ear. That was all I needed to hear. I pulled her hips into me so she could feel how much I wanted her. I was hard, had been all fucking afternoon. And hearing her dirty words made me lose all my patience.
I grabbed her hand and all but dragged her down the hall towards my room. I unlocked the door then pulled her inside. She looked up at me with wide eyes as she bit the corner of her lip. She looked so fucking sexy and I couldn’t wait another second. I ran my fingers down her stomach and into her pants as I pushed her up against the wall. I peeled the lace of her panties away and ran my fingers through her folds.
“Fuck, you’re so wet for me,” I breathed out as I slid my finger into her effortlessly. She whimpered as I kept a slow pace moving in and out of her.
“Please, Nate,” she said, desperate and needy.
“Tell me what you need, Rea,” I said looking into her eyes as I added another finger.
“I need to feel you inside of me.” She paused, her head pressing into the wall as her back arched into me. “I need you to fuck me. Now.”
I growled and we were a blur of moving limbs as we tore each other’s clothes off. Picking her up, I carried her over to the bed before I tossed her down. She let out a surprised yelp that I found cute as hell. I crawled up her body and she wrapped her silky legs around my waist.