Gunner (Ride Series Second Generation Book 4)

by Megan O'Brien

  She threw her head back and laughed. “I remember those days,” she commiserated as I followed her into the kitchen. “More coffee?”

  I held up my still nearly full cup. “I’m good, thanks.”

  She poured herself a cup, and we made ourselves comfortable at their eat-in kitchen table.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t come over until now,” I apologized.

  “Em, seriously, it’s okay. I get it. I was forced to deal with it since, well, I live here and all. But if I was in your shoes, I probably would have done the same. It’s not like you didn’t check in with us.”

  My throat got tight as I fought for my next words. “It haunts me that I left you. I relive it over and over.” I squeezed my eyes shut.

  “Em.” Her voice was firm as she grasped my hand from across the table. “If you hadn’t run for help, we both could have died. You saved us,” she insisted. “And it was the plan we both agreed on, remember? The only reason you ran instead of me was because you’re faster. If the roles had been reversed, I would have done the same. You have to stop punishing yourself. You did the right thing.”

  I grimaced. “I felt so guilty. And then I just basically ran away to Colorado.”

  She shrugged. “So the hell what? You needed space. We went through something traumatic. And anyway, we both know it was less about what happened to us and more Gunner that had you running. And something tells me he’s hell-bent on making that right.”

  “Seems to be,” I admitted.

  She cocked her head to the side. “You gonna let him?”

  After years of me denying having feelings for Gunner when pressed and avoiding the topic altogether as often as possible, I understood why she asked. “I have more to lose if I don’t try. So, yeah. But if he disappoints me, I’ll kick his ass,” I muttered.

  She laughed. “I’d expect nothing less. But Em, the way that man just looked at you—shit, the way he’s looked at you since I’ve known you—I don’t think he’s going to.”

  “Yeah.” I sighed. “How are things with you guys? How’s Riley?”

  Layla was Riley’s aunt by blood but had adopted her after her father abandoned her. After years of raising her alone, she’d met Cash, and the rest, as they say, was history.

  Her eyes softened at the mention of her daughter. “She’s great. She’s really blossomed, and I know a lot of that has to do with Cash. He’s so damn good with her.” She sighed blissfully.

  “He is,” I agreed readily. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “And I’m happy for you.” She smiled. “Have you been over to see Frannie yet?” she asked.

  I shook my head. “Not today. Mad said she’s feeling pretty tired, and they’ve had a lot of visitors, as you could probably guess.”

  The club’s support network was incredibly tight, which now included enthusiastic new grandparents. I didn’t doubt Francesca just wanted some time alone to bond with her babies.

  It was after more coffee and lots of catching up that Gunner walked into the room, his eyes locked on mine as he strode to the side of my chair and put a hand to my shoulder.

  I looked up at him as he stroked my hair back from my face, searching my expression as though trying to assess my mood. “Ready?” his deep voice rumbled.

  “Ready.” I nodded. “Let’s get the girls together soon,” I told Layla as I stood up. “And I’ll come over soon to do Riley’s nails,” I added with a grin.

  “She’d love that.” Layla smiled as I waved goodbye to Riley and Cash through the window. She stood, giving me a hug. “I’m glad you came,” she murmured.

  “I’m glad I came too,” I replied, and I meant it.

  I was also well aware who I had to thank for it.

  “You alright to swing by the store before we head back?” Gunner asked after we’d climbed in the truck. “We can just get a couple of staples, because there’s actually something I—”

  “Thank you,” I interrupted him. “Thank you for pushing me to do that. For knowing I needed to when I didn’t. Just… thank you.”

  He leaned over the console, cupping the side of my face in his hand. “Anything for you, Emmie,” he murmured before he pressed his lips to mine. This kiss was soft and sweet and over all too soon. “You ready to go pick up a few things at the store?” he asked after we’d pulled away from the curb.

  I wrinkled my brow. “A few things? Gun, there are tumbleweeds in your fridge.”

  He ran a hand over his head and sighed as though bracing for a fight. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

  My cheeks heated as I realized I’d just assumed I’d continue staying with him. “Oh, are you going to just take me home? Because that’s fine… I wasn’t trying to—”

  “Fuck,” he bit out, pulling into the grocery store lot and into a space with graceful precision, made all the more impressive by the size of his truck. He cut the engine and turned to give me his full attention. “No, you’re not going home,” he informed me brusquely. “I told you you’re not leaving my side, and I meant it.”

  His words had relief coursing through me. “So, then are you suggesting we ration food for a reason?” I quipped.

  “You’re a pain in the ass,” he muttered, a gorgeous grin threatening at the corners of his mouth. “Before I came to bed last night, I connected with the prez of the Royal Bloods. They’re just outside of Denver. Not sure if you’ve heard of them.”

  I shook my head.

  “They’re solid. Ruston King, their prez, and I have had similar experiences with Castillo. We’ve been working together for a few years now. Ruston’s heard word Castillo could be in the area.”

  “And you want to go there,” I surmised.

  “I want to go there,” he confirmed, his eyes locked on my face, trying to read my emotions, something he seemed to do a lot.

  “Okay,” I replied easily. “So when do we leave? Are we taking the dogs?” He looked visibly surprised, compelling me to continue. “Babe, you laid it out for me this morning. I chose to accept that and agreed to give this thing between us a chance. That means, you have a shot at nailing this motherfucker, then I’m all in.”

  He put both hands on the steering wheel, gripping it so tightly, his knuckles turned white. I couldn’t quite read him, and I supposed that attempt to understand each other went both ways. We’d known each other nearly all of our lives, but this version of each other, this new world of us being an “us,” we’d never explored. It was new, scary, and deliciously exciting.

  “You okay?” I asked quietly.

  His nostrils flared, his gaze straight ahead. “Somewhere in the back of my mind, the part I denied so fucking long, I knew you were the only woman for me. And then you go and prove it not even two days in.” He shook his head to clear it. “I’m stuck between being so fucking mad at myself for waiting so long and pulling you into my lap and fucking you senseless.”

  I stared at him mutely, unable to conjure a response.

  “We’ll leave the dogs, and I was planning on driving,” he added, responding to my earlier question. “I like having my own set of wheels….” He trailed off uncertainly.

  “Okay,” I replied slowly. “And you’re reluctant because…?”

  “It’s a two-day drive, baby. Just wasn’t sure you’d be up for it. I’d rather get there sooner than later, which would mean driving straight through.” He raised a brow as though waiting for me to protest.

  I shrugged. “Okay, well, better make sure we have plenty of coffee and snacks.”

  He looked over at me, multiple emotions crossing his face. “Feels good to have you at my back, Em.”

  “Feels good to be there,” I murmured.

  Chapter 11

  GUNNER

  The next morning, after making Emmie breakfast and ensuring she was good, I took off. Only something monumentally important would have me leaving her side at this point.

  And this was.

  After waiting for Tatum to arrive at the house to ens
ure Em was covered while I was away, I pulled up to the club. With it being early, I was unsurprised to see so few motorcycles parked out front.

  And there was only one I cared about.

  My heart thudded in my chest as I strode inside, not with nerves but with the gravity of how important this was.

  Cal Jackson looked up at me, his intelligent blue eyes assessing.

  Cole had given me the heads-up that he was back in town and would be at the club this morning.

  “Gun,” he greeted with a chin lift, standing from his seat at the bar where he’d been reviewing some paperwork.

  “Cal,” I greeted. “I was hoping to grab a word.”

  “Let’s talk in Cole’s office.” He cocked his head toward the office that had been his for so many years.

  I nodded, following him inside and taking the seat across from him.

  I leaned forward, hands clasped. “I wanted to talk, man to man. I love your daughter, Cal. I have for a long time. And I intend to take care of her, respect her, and love her for the rest of our lives.”

  He sat back in his chair with a grumble but to his credit didn’t look surprised. “You askin' permission to marry her?” he demanded.

  “Might as well be,” I replied easily. “But I don’t think she’s ready for that quite yet.”

  “Been a long time, but I’ve been there,” he grumbled, obviously referring to the beginning of his relationship with his now wife. He leaned forward, his hands clasped over the table. “Look, Gun, you’re like one of my own kids. You spent more nights at my house than not. I know you’re a good man, and I trust you. But I gotta know—and don’t think I didn’t see the way you looked at Emmie all these years—what took you so goddamn long?”

  His question caught me off guard. “I didn’t want her mixed up in the Castillo shit,” I admitted. “I thought if I kept my distance, she’d be safe. I know you heard about what happened. Obviously, turns out my keeping distance only seems to put her in more danger. So, I’m finally doing what’s right for both of us. I want her, Cal. More than anything in my life. I always have.”

  He eyed me thoughtfully. “Way I see it, the past doesn’t always stay there. Particularly if you’ve got something unresolved. But….” He sighed as though reluctant to share his next words. “I trust you. As hard as it is for any father to not be the center of his daughter’s life anymore, I knew this time would come someday. And Gun, I’m glad it’s you.”

  The meaning of his words rested on my shoulders with a weight that anchored me.

  “Thank you. Means more than I could say,” I replied gruffly.

  He nodded, rising. “Now, you can do me a favor and get Em over to the house. Her mom’s about to resort to drastic measures,” he warned.

  “We’re headed out tomorrow morning for Colorado. I have some business with the Bloods. When we get back, consider it done,” I promised.

  “Gun, appreciate you comin’ to me.” He offered a chin lift.

  “Course.” I nodded, throwing up a two-fingered salute in parting and turned to make my way out of the club.

  As I strode to my bike, the tension I hadn’t known was there lifted. I felt noticeably lighter, freer. I’d have been with Emmie regardless of Cal’s blessing, but it felt a hell of a lot better to have it.

  Chapter 12

  EMMIE

  “This should hold us over for a bit,” I announced as I met Gunner at his truck the next morning, piles of energy drinks and junk food balanced precariously in my arms. I’d run into the gas station mart while he pumped gas.

  His lip twitched as he eyed my sugar-laden haul. “Baby, you’re gonna be jumping outta your skin. You do know that this drive will require sitting still?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I haven’t had the opportunity to do many road trips, but I do know that it’s practically a law that lots of junk food is involved.”

  He chuckled as I piled into the passenger seat of his truck. “Whatever you say.”

  When the tank was full and he was back behind the wheel, he looked over at me. “You ready?”

  I knew he meant much more than just the drive ahead. “Yeah,” I answered, and I meant it. “Just gotta be back in a week so I can start my new job,” I reminded him.

  “Wouldn’t have you miss it,” he assured me.

  The hours slipped by. I managed to sleep some, and we stopped a few times. He didn’t let me drive, which irked me, but after a while I let it go, content to watch the gorgeous landscape slip past.

  When we were nearing Denver, I sat up in my seat. “Whoa, slow down,” I ordered suddenly, spotting an injured woman standing next to a motorcycle turned on its side. “Pull over.” I gestured, the nurse in me needing to see if I could help.

  A gorgeous blond was clutching her arm as we pulled over to the side of the road.

  She turned to me in surprise as I slid out of the truck, her bright green eyes watching my approach with a grimace of pain.

  “You okay?” I asked, my gaze taking in her leather jacket, torn at the arm.

  “Hit a patch of ice and crashed. I think I broke my wrist,” she replied. “It’s so early in the year for ice, I wasn’t expecting it,” she lamented.

  “I’m a nurse. Can I take a look?” I asked gently as Gunner stayed back, giving us space.

  She nodded, holding out her wrist, which at one glance was obviously broken.

  “Ouch,” I murmured in sympathy. “You’re going to want to get that set as quickly as possible. Have you got someone on the way?”

  “I haven’t called anyone yet. I was sort of hoping it would magically heal itself,” she admitted with a charming shrug.

  I snorted, liking her immediately. “Well, girl, you’re gonna be waiting a long time.”

  Her gaze twinkled with humor despite being in obvious pain. “Ugh, I’ll never hear the end of this. My brother already gives me enough shit for riding out on my own,” she grumbled.

  “I can relate to that,” I commiserated wholeheartedly. “Is the bike operational or does it need a tow?” I wondered, looking over at the motorcycle lying on its side.

  “I’m not sure. I couldn’t lift it.” She raised her broken wrist.

  “I’ve got it,” Gunner spoke up, striding closer and focusing on the bike.

  “How about we call a tow, and I can take you to the hospital?” I offered. “You really should have that wrist looked at sooner rather than later.”

  “A tow will take a while out here,” she muttered. “Ruston will be even more pissed if something happens to the bike.” She sighed.

  “Ruston King?” Gunner broke in, as a look of realization dawned. “You must be Ava.”

  “Yeah, you know my brother?”

  He nodded. “I’m Gunner Pierce, part of the Knights MC up in Hawthorne. Our clubs have worked together over the years.”

  “I’m Emmie Jackson,” I introduced. “And I get the sense you might know what it’s like to have a protective brother. I have three of them,” I confided. “Plus a caveman for a boyfriend.” I gestured to Gunner as he winked, clearly pleased by the term. “Since Gunner knows your brother, he could stay with your bike. I should get you to the hospital,” I pressed.

  “Baby,” Gunner protested.

  I put a hand to my hip. “Gunner Pierce, you and I both know I’m perfectly capable of handling myself. And your truck,” I added with an arched brow.

  “Fuck,” he clipped, and I knew I’d won before he spoke. “Fine. I’ll call King and get this sorted. I’ll meet you at the hospital. Text me when you get there,” he ordered, handing me his keys and dropping a kiss to my lips. “Be careful.”

  “Will do, babe,” I agreed before turning to Ava. “Let’s get you sorted.”

  “You know where we’re going, or should I map the nearest hospital?” I asked as I started the engine.

  “There’s a hospital just outside my town, about twenty minutes off this highway. Just head that direction and I can guide you.”

  I nodded, pull
ing back onto the highway.

  “I’m gonna have to call my brother.” She grimaced, already holding the phone to her ear. “You think Gunner’s already talked to him by now?”

  I shrugged. “Probably. Good luck,” I added dryly, eliciting a small smile from her in return.

  “Hey, yeah, it’s me.” She spoke into the phone a second later. “I’m fine, but I got in a small scrape. Not sure if you already talked to him, but Gunner Pierce from the Knights MC and his girlfriend who’s a really nice nurse pulled over, and she’s giving me a lift to Community General.” She held the phone from her ear, and I could hear a deep male voice hollering in response. “I’m okay, Ruston, chill.” She paused while he responded, rolling her eyes toward me at whatever her brother was saying. “Okay, you don’t have to.” After another moment where he was clearly arguing a point, she lamented, “All right, fine. I’ll call you when we get there. ’Kay, bye.”

  She hung up and slumped back in her seat with a sigh.

  “He sounds almost as bad as my brothers.” I looked over at her with a sympathetic grin before redirecting my eyes to the road.

  “Oh, girl, believe me when I say I’m sorry,” she grumbled. “But he means well,” she added softly, and I gathered from her expression that the two were close.

  “I’m sure he does,” I assured her. “Mine always do too. Doesn’t make it less annoying.”

  “That’s for sure.” She snorted. “So, how long have you and Gunner been together?” she asked.

  I had to laugh at that. “Officially? About two seconds. But we’ve known each other almost all our lives and have been into each other for more than half that time, so….” I shrugged.

  “Good for you two.” She smiled. “Life’s too short.” She sighed, and I wondered if there was a story there. “You’ll want to take this exit,” she added, pointing to the exit ramp up ahead.

  I nodded, following her directions, and was soon pulling into the hospital parking lot. “Alright, let’s get you fixed up.” I raised a brow in her direction.

  She grimaced. “You think they’ll have to put me under?”