I chuckled. “You’ve never been on a treadmill before, have you?”
“No. I usually jog outdoors. I figured I’d try it out, since there was a free one available. They’re usually taken.”
“I know,” I answered. “They need to invest in some more machines.”
“They really do. Anyway, I was thinking about stopping across the street to the coffee shop. Would you care to join me?”
“Thanks for the invitation, but I’m sweaty and just want to head home,” I told him.
“I understand. How about another time?”
“Maybe,” I replied, thinking that he seemed very nice. “Hold up, you’re not in a motorcycle club, are you?”
He laughed. “Why?”
“Long story,” I answered.
“I know that some of the guys from the Gold Vipers work out here,” he said, looking around the lot. “Don’t worry, I’m not one of them.”
“Good to know.”
“So, can I have you your number?”
“Sure.” I gave it to him. “My name is Terin.”
“Terin? Interesting. I’m Tony.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“You as well. So, what are you doing Saturday night?” he asked, typing my phone number into his cell.
“I actually have a bachelorette party to go to,” I replied.
“Oh, oh,” he said, smiling. “Sounds like trouble.”
“I’m sure we’ll be getting into a lot of that,” I answered. “We’ll be bar hopping on a party bus.”
“Are there going to be strippers?”
I raised my eyebrow. “I really don’t know. Why?”
“I actually work part-time as a male dancer,” he answered, lowering his voice.
“Really?”
“Yes. I work for a place called Stars and Stripes All Male Review. We perform live shows and also do private parties.”
“Interesting,” I replied. “So, you strip down, all the time, in front of hundreds of women and yet don’t have a girlfriend?”
“In my line of work, you meet a lot of women, but most of them are hot for the guy they see on stage, not the person they are off of it. Take for instance, whenever I tell a woman that when I’m not dancing, I normally work in the mall, selling phone service plans, it somehow ruins it for them.”
I laughed. “You’re one of those pushy cell phone guys? Oh, man… that would ruin it for me, too.”
He gave me a puppy-dog stare.
“Okay, okay,” I replied. “I’d probably keep you.”
Tony laughed. “I was hoping you’d say that. Anyway, if your plans for Saturday night change, call me. I’d love to get together with you,” he said. “Even afterward. I’m a late person. We could still have coffee somewhere.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
He smiled at me and took off.
“Who was that?”
I turned around to find Cole standing there and wearing a stony expression.
“A guy I met by the treadmills.”
“What did he want?”
I frowned. “He asked for my number.”
His eyes pierced mine. “Did you give it to him?”
I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy that Cole was jealous.
“It’s none of your business,” I said, wishing that he wasn’t so much more handsome than Tony. It would have made it easier for me to move on.
He gave me a cold, harsh smile. “Fine.”
I started walking toward my car when he grabbed my arm, pulling me back.
I scowled at him. “What do you-”
Cole took my mouth, hard and fast. Torn between wanting to kiss him back and being angry, I pushed him away.
“What is your problem?” I asked, wiping my mouth.
A slow smile crossed his lips. “You can’t replace me with a cheap knockoff. Besides, he takes steroids. You’ll piss him off easily and he’ll frustrate you because of his small pecker.”
I laughed harshly. “How do you know he takes steroids of that he has a small pecker?”
“Because I’ve seen him shoot up. As for the other thing, steroids aren’t penis friendly.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.”
He didn’t say anything, which I was grateful for. Lately, I hadn’t done a very good job of taking care of myself. He and I both knew it.
“We had a great night and I’ll remember it always. But, you and I are not compatible.”
“It sure felt like we were yesterday. In my kitchen. On my bed. In the shower.”
The mention of yesterday’s escapades made my stomach heat up. Even now I wanted him and could tell that he knew it, too. “Goodbye, Cole,” I said, turning away. “Stay out of trouble.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” he asked, a smile in his voice.
I didn’t respond but I could feel his eyes burning into my back as I walked to my car.
Thirty-five
Cole
The jealousy had taken me by surprise. When I’d seen Terin flirting with the guy in the parking lot, I’d wanted to throw her over my shoulder, find the nearest bed, and remind her that it had been my name she’d been gasping the day before. Instead, I waited until the douchebag had left, confronted and kissed her. Even as I claimed her mouth, I could tell she was fighting the attraction she had for me with everything she had. She was so damn stubborn. All I could do was give her time and see if she changed her mind. If she didn’t, I’d give her a couple of weeks and try again. I certainly wasn’t ready to give up on her. Not after the mind-blowing sex we’d had. No woman had ever gotten under my skin the way she had. Not only that, she had her shit together and that was sexier than hell.
My phone rang, breaking my train of thought. I checked the screen.
It was Tank.
“Hey man. What’s up?”
“Chips and Gomer have been released from custody,” he said, cracking sunflower seeds into the phone.
“You’re kidding me. Why?”
“I’m not sure but I thought you should know.”
“Thanks.”
“You should also know that he’s shooting his mouth off about visiting your detective friend. I think he’s planning on doing her some harm, Ice.”
My stomach clenched. Over my fucking dead body. “Is that right?”
“Yep. You want any help with this?” he asked, reading my mind.
“Nope. I can handle it.”
“Okay, but you change your mind, you know I’ve got your back.”
“I appreciate it,” I said.
“Talk to you later.”
“Yeah.”
I hung up the phone and shoved it into my pocket. I knew where to find Chips. I’d find him before he put his hands on Terin again.
Thirty-six
Terin
When I got into my car, I noticed that Walters had called and left a message. Bronson had been fired, but I was still suspended.
You still have your job, I reminded myself.
I called him back, mainly because I still wanted to know about the caller on the gas station video.
“They’re still working on it,” he replied.
“Why is it taking so long?”
“It’s not a priority.”
“What about Ronnie’s murder? Have they figured out who did it yet?”
He didn’t answer right away. When he did, I felt like someone had hit me in the gut.
“I can’t share the information with you, O’Brien. I think you know why.”
“Why? Does it have something to do with the Gold Vipers?”
“I can’t get into it with you. You’re off the case, too. For obvious reasons.”
“I understand,” I replied, knowing I’d disappointed him.
“There’s something else that you should know. You’re being transferred to a different department.”
I let out a ragged breath. I knew it was going to happen. I’d made it happen.
/>
It still hurt.
“Which department?”
“Cyber Crime. You’ll be required to take some Computer Investigation training courses.”
“Okay.”
“I’m sorry that you had to deal with Bronson. I had no idea he was such a fucking whack-job.”
“I know.”
“One thing you should be aware of… he was furious about being fired and because he knows where you live, I’d be very cautious.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
“Other than that, how are you doing?”
“I’m fine.”
“Good.”
“I’m sorry that I disappointed you,” I told him.
“You did,” he admitted. “But, I believe in you and think you deserve a second chance. Obviously, it can’t be in the same department, but you still have a job with the city of Jensen.”
“I do and I appreciate it,” I said, my eyes getting moist.
“I know you do, O’Brien. I know you do.”
***
I spent the rest of the week cleaning my apartment, watching movies, and working out at the gym. Fortunately, I didn’t find myself running into Cole either. It was a relief, and yet, I found myself thinking a lot about him. The short amount of time we’d spent together had been one of the best times I’d had with a man. It wasn’t just the sex, either. Not only did he know how to make me laugh, but he was a great listener.
When Saturday rolled around, my sister called me earlier in the day to make sure that I was still planning on attending her bachelorette party.
“Yes,” I said. “Of course.”
“Great. Other than that, how are things going?”
“Good,” I replied. I hadn’t told her or my mother that I’d been suspended.
“Any news on those murders from last week?”
“Nothing new,” I replied, although I didn’t really know myself. I quickly changed the subject. “So, is mom still planning on going tonight?”
“Yes,” she said. “So is Frannie, I guess.”
“This should be interesting,” I replied.
“Yes. Especially, since there will be strippers,” said Torie. “It’s been confirmed.”
“Really? Oh boy. Speaking of strippers, I had one ask me out at the gym.”
“You’re not going to go out with him, are you?” she asked wryly. “I mean, think of the diseases he probably has.”
“Just because he strips doesn’t mean he sleeps around,” I said, although I didn’t truly believe my own words.
“Of course he does. Guys are pigs, even the hot ones. I bet he’s getting laid every night by a different woman.”
“So why would he ask me out?”
“Because you’re more of a challenge, probably. I mean, you do look like a bitch.”
I snorted. “Excuse me?”
“You have that ‘don’t approach me’ look.”
I walked into my bathroom and stared at my reflection. “You think so?”
“Yes. I do, too. It’s in our genes.”
“Huh,” I replied, studying my face. I didn’t think that I looked like a bitch, not that I’d mind. I was in law enforcement. Bitchiness was a great skill to have. “I never knew.”
“Who’s going to tell you that you look like a bitch? Plus, you have a gun.” She chuckled. “A bitch with a gun. That would scare most men all the way to China. I suppose that since he’s a stripper, he thinks he’s got a handle on women though.”
“He doesn’t know that I have a gun,” I reminded her.
“So, you still look like a bitch.”
“Okay, I’m hanging up,” I said laughing.
“Be at my place around seven. The bus leaves at seven-thirty.”
“I’ll be there,” I promised her.
Thirty-seven
Cole
“You’re fucking kidding me?” I repeated, staring in shock as Tank presented me with my new cut. We were in the chapel and I was apparently getting patched
“This is no joke, brother,” said Tank. “Put it on.”
I removed my Prospect cut and handed it to him.
He tossed it into the garbage can. “Another one bites the dust,” he said, closing the lid.
I looked around the room at the other members, looking for disapproval, but everyone was smiling at me.
“I don’t know what to say,” I said, putting it on. “This has got to be the happiest day of my life. I had no idea that it would happen, and this soon?”
Tank patted me on the back. “I know it’s soon, but you earned it. Especially this week.”
It had been an eventful week. Not only had I discovered who it was that had shot up the Devil’s Ranger’s party, the one that Billy had been injured at, but I’d managed to set up a meeting between Schmitty and Tank. Apparently, Schmitty had been the one who’d ordered the hit on Ronnie and was now trying to bring peace between the two clubs. Tank was still a little skeptical about it, but was willing to meet in a safe place for a peace talk.
“You know what this means?” asked Tail, smiling at me from across the room.
“What?” I asked, smiling.
“We’re going to party like fucking rock stars tonight, my friend,” he said. “I even got us some Cuban cigars.”
“Nice,” I replied, as he held them up.
“By the way, here’s another gift,” said Tank, throwing me a box of rubbers. “Now that you’re patched, you’re going to have women fighting over you and we know how unprepared you are.”
They all laughed. I hadn’t mentioned Terin’s name, but I’d shared the condom story.
“There’s enough to cover an army in here,” I said, opening the box.
“I’ll take some of those,” said Hoss. “In case I get lucky.”
“That reminds me, did you check out any of those dating sites?” asked Tail.
“Yeah, I did. You gotta pay money for most of them. Then, you meet these chicks and hope they like you. Even if they don’t, it’s still a free meal for them and not so much as a hand job for you. I may as well just go down the street and hand my credit card over to one of the hookers. At least it’s a sure thing and I’m not getting stiffed by the end of the night.”
We all laughed.
When the meeting was over, Tail and I had a beer together.
“Did you tell Raina about finding the shooters?” he asked.
“She knows,” I replied, remembering the conversation. Tank and I had both sat down with her. Apparently, the guys that had shot up the party had been Independents. They’d been screwed over by Ronnie, who owed them a large sum of money. When he refused to pay, they retaliated by shooting up the party. I’d learned all of this from Chips. After Tank had informed me that he’d been released from custody, I hunted him down and beat the fuck out of him, during which he confessed to having known about the shooters all along. I forced him to tell Tank the same story. Afterward, we both spoke to Raina, who understood that there wasn’t anything we could do and that involving the law wasn’t an option. We all agreed that the person responsible for so much heartache was in fact Ronnie, who was now dead.
“So, you ready for tonight, brother?” Tail asked, clinking our bottles together.
“Damn right I’m ready.”
“Congrats, man. You deserve it,” he replied.
“Thanks. I just hope that everyone else thinks I’m worthy of wearing the cut,” I said.
“Gonna be honest with you, Ice… I was a little unsure of you. Hell, we all were. Especially after what took place before Tank brought you in.”
“Yeah, I know,” I said, sighing. “That’s something Raina and I will regret for the rest of our lives.”
“Emotions were running high. Hell, if I had a kid and something like that happened, I’d be looking for blood too.”
“Raina was in so much pain. She thought Billy was dead,” I said, staring at my beer bottle. “And that Slammer had ordered the shooting.”
“That
’s what Ronnie wanted you to think. A quick death had been too merciful for that fucker. He should have been skinned alive.”
I agreed.
Sensing that I was still feeling unworthy about being patched, he leaned forward and looked into my eyes. “Ice, you’re definitely one of us, man. You’ve got heart, soul, and as far as I’m concerned, have proved yourself. Not just by what you did this week either. I’ve been watching you. Everything we’ve had you do, whether it was cleaning toilets, setting mouse traps, or running to the liquor store before closing… you never complained. Not once. Never gave any attitude. Even better, you did what we told you to do and asked to do more. Hell, as far as I’m concerned, you’re a fucking rock star.”
“I wanted to prove myself,” I replied, grinning.
“You did, brother. You did.”
I noticed Hoss, who was playing darts with Raptor, staring at me from across the room. He smiled and raised his beer bottle.
“See, even Hoss has forgiven you,” said Tail, watching the exchange.
I wanted to believe that, but in my heart of hearts, I knew that it would take a lot longer for the old man to come around. He might accept me as a member of the club, but something told me that he was only doing it for Tank’s benefit.
Thirty-eight
Terin
I wasn’t exactly sure what to wear for the bachelorette party and settled on a pair of black jeans and a blue sequined tank top that sparkled when I moved. I carefully applied my makeup, quite a bit more than usual, and wore my hair down. I finished it off with a spritz of perfume and short high-heeled black suede boots that made my legs look longer.
When I arrived at my sister’s, her eyes lit up. “You look gorgeous! I wouldn’t have even recognized you. Now you don’t just have a bitch face. You have a sexy bitch face.”
“Thanks,” I said wryly. “You look beautifully bitchy yourself.” And she really did. Torie had on a little black dress, white high heels, and her blonde hair was piled on top of her head. Around her neck she wore a diamond pendent that looked like it cost more than my car.
Loving The Biker (MC Biker Romance) Page 15