by Amo Jones
“Any requests?” he asks as I place his helmet down on the end of the bike and move towards the sidewalk.
“We could walk down and see what our options are?” I suggest, glancing into the first Chinese restaurant. “Or do you have a regular spot you go to?”
“Not really,” he admits. “I like to mix things up.”
“Yes, I know,” I mutter under my breath, coming to a stop in front of a seafood restaurant. “How about here?”
“Sounds good,” he replies, leading me inside with a touch from his hand on my lower back. I ignore it, and step inside, smiling at the waitress who seats us at a table in the corner of the restaurant. Zach pulls out my chair for me, and I take a seat, waiting for him to do the same. He sits and presses some buttons on his phone before placing it down on the table.
“Trillian is making sure everything is okay,” he explains to me, leaning forward on the table, elbows to each side, studying me. “We were out for a run when you called.”
Well, that explains her heavy breathing. At least I didn’t interrupt anything else.
“What am I going to do about my car?” I ask him, brow furrowing.
“I messaged Trigger to go and have a look at it and tow it back to mine, I’ll get it sorted for you,” he says to me, blue eyes unwavering. “I’ll have it back to you by tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I can take it to a mechanic it’s not a prob—”
“April, I’ve got it,” he states, cutting me off. “And before you ask, no, you aren’t going to be paying me anything.”
I open my mouth, and he arches his brow, as if daring me to argue with him on this one.
“I don’t expect you to pay for anything for me, I can cover it,” I tell him, as the waitress brings us the menu.
“Not happening,” he replies, eyes now on the list in front of him. “Oh, the soft shell crab burger looks good.”
“Then I’m paying for lunch,” I declare. I’m not one of those women who are okay with people buying stuff for them. I like to pay my own way, and I don’t feel comfortable if I don’t.”
Zach sighs, like I’m so difficult to deal with, and puts the menu down. “I think we both know that’s not happening.”
My lips tighten. “Fair is fair. You’re handling my car, I pay for lunch. Give and take.”
‘Sometimes Love Just Aint Enough’ by Patty Smyth plays on the radio.
“Look. I look after the people I care about, April. Why are you looking at me like I’m a fuckin’ criminal because of it? If I’m here, I pay. That’s just how it goes. You should probably get used to it,” he says, flashing me a smile and a wink. “Now what do you feel like? Want to share a seafood platter?”
He infuriates me.
“You infuriate me,” I tell him.
All I get in return is a wolfish grin, so I return my attention to the menu, trying to ignore him.
And damn him, he’s right, because the seafood platter does look good.
We share it, and at the end of our meal, I try and pay, but the bastard wins.
He pays, and then we head back to my house, where he drops me off and then goes to fix my car.
Before he leaves, I thank him.
He might be a bossy, overbearing brute, but I’m thankful that he’s there for me.
“You’re welcome, April,” he says to me, eyes smiling. “You know, if you ever need anything, I’m here for you.”
“And right back at you,” I tell him.
Two Weeks Later
“It’s Zach’s birthday on Saturday,” Trillian murmurs, picking up a piece of popcorn and popping it in her mouth.
“Is it?” I say, even though I already know it’s his birthday. Trillian and I are sitting in the lounge room while her boyfriend Xander was hanging out with Zach for the day.
“Must suck having your birthday so close to Christmas. What’s he got planned?” I ask.
“Party at the clubhouse. He told me to tell you that you’re invited.”
He couldn’t tell me himself? Although after he got my car fixed and returned it to me, Zach had been noticeably absent in my life. He was usually around, somewhere or another, but suddenly he was scarce. And I’m so confused. I want to be around him, but at the same time I don’t. I crave him but I know he’s bad for me. I’m a glutton for punishment, it seems. And he lives right next door to Trillian. That is a temptation I don’t need.
“What cake are you baking him?” I ask her, grinning. Trillian is damn good in the kitchen, and always spoils us with cakes, cupcakes and muffins.
Trillian rolls her eyes. “Chocolate. Going to put a naked chick on it.”
“Standard,” I mutter under my breath. Trillian gives me a weird look but doesn’t say anything.
“I’ve never been to the clubhouse before. Why are we allowed there now?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
She shrugs. “I guess because I’m allowed there now, so are you. You’re my family too, April.”
Zach’s dad, Grim, the president of the MC, never let Trillian into the clubhouse until recently when Zach just showed up with her. I’d have loved to be a fly on the wall for that.
I feel lonelier now that Trillian is with Xander all the time instead of me, but I don’t hold it against her. It makes me happy to see her happy. If anyone deserves it, it’s her.
“Are you going to eat those snakes or are you going to share?” I ask, changing the subject by pointing at the gummy sweets in her hand.
She giggles and throws the bag at me, which I catch with my right hand. “Thanks.”
“How’s uni?” she asks, running her hands through her wild black curls.
I’m studying teaching, same as Trillian did, but want to be a high school teacher while she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher.
“Good, but I can’t wait for it to be over, you know? I can quit the bar and get a full time teaching job. It will be good.”
“I agree,” she murmurs. “I hope you get a job at Channon high school. It’s right next to the primary school.”
“I know,” I reply, drawing each word out. “We could have lunch together every day.”
“Priorities…”
“Damn straight.”
“So what’s going on in your love life?” she asks, narrowing her eyes slightly. “You haven’t been on any dates recently, have you?”
I have.
Dave was a banker. He was good looking, polite and a little boring but most importantly—he was safe.
“I’ve been on a date with Dave,” I admit, biting my lower lip.
“The sexy banker?” she asks, gasping.
I laugh at the expression on her face. “Yes. Dave the sexy banker, in the flesh. We have another coffee date this afternoon, actually.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” she asks, scowling.
I puff out a breath. “Because it’s no big deal, just casual dating.”
Trillian has big news. Met the love of her life and having a whirlwind romance of the likes I’d never seen in reality. Me going on a few dates with Dave isn’t big news. Maybe if it becomes serious, which I honestly doubt, but until then it’s not really noteworthy.
“If it’s happening in your life, it’s a big deal to me,” she replies, chewing thoughtfully on some more popcorn. “I’m always here for you, you know that, right?”
My expression softens. “Of course I know that. Just like I’m always here for you. If Xander hurts you I already know exactly what I’m going to do to him.”
We look at each other and both start cracking up laughing.
“Xander won’t hurt me,” she says when we’ve calmed down. “He’s a good man, April. I have to pinch myself to believe that he’s with me.”
My head snaps to her. “You’re kidding me, right?”
Where I’m blonde, petite and cute, Trillian is curvy, dark haired and looks like a temptress.
“You’re beautiful. And more importantly, you’re one of the best people I’ve ever known so he should
be thanking his lucky stars every day that he has someone like you.”
She sucks in a breath. “April…”
“Yeah I know,” I say, cutting her off. “We love each other. No need for soppy speeches.”
She smiles, her eyes soft. “Tell me about Dave.”
I clear my throat. “He’s a gentlemen. Polite. Even tempered. Stable. Hot.”
“That doesn’t sound like your type,” she adds, giggling.
I shoot her a dirty look. “I’m exploring new horizons.”
New horizons of boringness. Okay, that isn’t fair. Dave’s a nice guy. We just don’t have the chemistry I’d hoped for. I didn’t feel the *BAM* moment that Trillian did, but maybe things can still work out? We could get to know each other and find we’re compatible, who knows? And if not, who cares? It’s not like I want to settle down right now. I’m not looking for marriage at this age.
“Well I can’t wait to meet him,” she says to me. “And if it works out, we can totally go on double dates.”
“Who is going on a double date?” Zach asks, scowling as he steps into the room with Xander. Fuck. Of course he had to hear that part.
Trill jumps up and greets her man, giving him a lingering hug and kiss on the lips. “Me, Xander and whoever April ends up with.”
I don’t take my eyes off Zach, so I don’t miss the slight narrow of his, and his arms crossing against his broad chest. “I see.”
Clearing my throat, I look back to Trillian. “I better go home and get ready for my shift.”
I had the six pm to close shift, and I was in for a long night of dealing with drunk men, spilt drinks and loud music, but it wasn’t so bad. We have a great team working there, and the tips are good so I can’t complain.
I grab my denim jacket and handbag, and give Trillian a hug on the way out. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, April,” Xander says, kissing the top of Trillian’s head.
“Bye, Xander.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Zach says following me to the front door, and then outside. “How’s the car running?”
“Perfectly, thank you,” I reply to him, coming to a stop at my car door. “There’s been no issues since.”
“Good,” he replies, studying me. “I’ll see you tonight. Drive home safely.”
“Tonight?”
He nods. “Me and the boys are coming into Drake’s for a few drinks.”
“Oh,” I whisper. “Okay, see you soon then.”
Does he only come into work when I’m on shift?
Maybe he does, and he’s just there all the time.
Or maybe he just wants to harass my life, you never know with him.
He waits until I drive off before heading back into Trillian’s house, and I’m left with my head filled with confusion. I don’t think I’ll ever understand Zach or his intentions with me, and it’s probably time that I stop trying to.
“Do you want something else to drink, April?” Dave asks, glass in hand.
He looks good, coming straight from the office in his grey suit, but I still find my mind wandering to Zach, and our ride and lunch together. What is wrong with me? It’s like I’m out to self-sabotage anything that could be good for me.
“No, thank you, I’m good,” I tell him, smiling.
“Okay,” he replies, smiling in return.
Awkward silence ensues.
I think and think of something to say to keep the conversation flowing. “So, how was work today?”
“Good,” he replies, nodding. “I think I’m going to be up for that promotion. How about you? How was your lecture?”
“It was good,” I tell him, clearing my throat.
Although on paper Dave is ideal for me, I’m not really feeling this date.
Or him.
“I should actually probably head to work now,” I lie, glancing at the time on my phone.
“Oh, I can come with you,” he says, calling over a waitress for the bill.
What?
I sit there awkwardly, wondering how the hell I’m going to get out of this one. “You don’t have to, I’m not going to be good company. I’ll be busy all night.”
“That’s okay, I can just grab a drink. I’d like to see where you work,” he says, smiling at me.
Shit.
Avoiding Zach’s general direction, I carry the tray of drinks and place it down on table four. Dave wanting to be here tonight has made my night that little bit more awkward. I should have told him before we got here that I’m not interested, a conversation I plan on having before the night is over. I don’t want to hurt him, but I’m just not feeling it.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” I ask the men at the table, cringing when the man closest to me gives me a slow perusal, stopping and lingering on my breasts.
“How about your number, love?” he asks me, smacking his lips together suggestively. “You look like you enjoy a good time.”
Eyes narrowing, I step away from him and pin him with a filthy look. “I’m going to have to pass on that, thanks. I could always tell the management, though, because I know they won’t hesitate to kick you out.”
I can feel eyes on me.
Zach’s, or Dave’s. Probably both.
“Kick me out for what? It’s a free country. And it’s a bar. People only come here to pick up, and you are fair game,” he snickers, glancing around the table, as if trying to get his friends support on this one. They don’t join in with his taunts, however they don’t stand up to him or tell him to pull his head in, either. I move to leave but he stands and grabs my arm, and that’s the moment I hear Zach’s voice clearly, over everyone and everything else in the bar.
“Touch her again, and it will be the last thing you do,” he threatens, and before I know it, he’s right next to me, pulling me to safety, to his side. “Are you okay?” he asks, glancing down at me, worried eyes filled with anger and concern.
I nod. “I’m okay, thanks.”
He puts me behind him and gets right in the man’s face, pointing a finger at him. I can tell the customer is scared, and he has every reason to be. Everyone knows who Zach is, and no one wants to mess with the bikers in this town because they hold more power than they probably should.
“If I see you even looking at my girl again, I will fuckin’ end you, you hear me?” he seethes, in a tone so calm, so dangerous, even I gulp.
His girl?
“I… I didn’t know she was yours,” the man stutters, clearing his throat. “Or I wouldn’t have said anything.”
“How about you just stop harassing women in general?” Zach suggests, tone full of disgust. Dave decides at this point he’s going to try and be a hero, and stands next to Zach, the two of them a complete contrast. Zach is in leather, black and denim, and Dave is in a shirt and slacks, his posture so straight, his nose in the air.
“Are you okay, April?” he asks me, and he does look concerned, but apparently not enough to offer any help when the altercation was taking place.
“Who is this?” Zach asks me, tone as cold as I’ve ever heard it.
“I’m Dave. April’s boyfriend,” Dave replies, gulping and moving slightly away from him. “You can’t do anything to me. My brother is a lawyer.”
Zach blinks slowly a few times, and then a deep laugh escapes his mouth.
A dark laugh.
He then turns to me and arches a brow.
“He’s not my boyfriend—”
“Why am I not surprised to hear her say that?” Zach mutters, stepping closer to Dave. “Get the fuck out of here, before I lose my temper.”
“—But I did go on a few dates with him,” I continue, pulling Zach back by his cut. “Can you please just leave him alone?”
“You went on dates with this idiot?” Zach asks me, sounding surprised. “He’s not even a man, or he would have defended you just now.”
“Apparently, I have a type,” I fire back.
“Don’t put me in the same category as this puss
y,” Zach replies, seemingly insulted. “Fancy ass suits and shit don’t cover the scent of a coward.”
I throw my hands in the air. “I’m done here. Dave, I’m sorry but I’m not your girlfriend. We haven’t even spoken since our last date. Zach, get out of my business.”
I escape to the staff room, but Zach soon finds me in there.
“Are you okay?” he asks me, closing the door behind him. “I’m sorry I lost my temper a little out there, but come on April, you deserve so much more than that loser.”
“Yes,” I assure him for the second time. “I’m fine, Zach.”
I hate that he had to step in for me but I do appreciate it. I’m ashamed to say that you kind of get used to the sleazy men working here, but then some have to take it over the top and cross that line, and it makes me feel very uncomfortable. I’m also kind of embarrassed about the whole Dave thing.
He studies me, muscle ticking in his jaw, before he starts to pace. “I don’t like you working here. How much longer until your degree is done again? Then I won’t have to come in here, pretending to be a fuckin’ alcoholic just so I can watch over you and make sure no one fucks with you.”
My eyes widen to saucers. Zach is so deep in his rant, I don’t think he even realizes what he’s just given away with that slice of information, but my mind is blown. So he does purposely come here on my shifts.
“I don’t need watching over, Zach,” I reply, pursing my lips. “I’m thankful you were here tonight, I really am, but you don’t need to be here every time I’m on shift. That’s a little over the top, and I can look after myself.”
He stops his pacing, and comes over to where I’m sitting on the table, cupping my face with his hands, scanning my eyes intensely. “What are we doing, April?”
“What do you mean what are we doing?” I ask him, brow furrowing. “We’re sitting in Drake’s staffroom, which, by the way, I should probably get back to work.”
In fact, the only reason no one has come to yell at me yet is probably because they are friends with Zach and the MC.
“I mean with us,” he whispers, thumb stroking my cheek.