“The club owns several businesses. Each is run by a club member, and the majority of the employees are members, too. We are pretty self-sufficient. TV is great for entertainment, but...” I shrugged.
River finished with her food, wiped her mouth and hands, then placed her napkin on the table.
“I think there is more to the club.”
“Some things you don’t need to know.”
“Is this where you say the women aren’t privy to the inner decisions and activities of the club?” River asked, and I saw the amusement in her eyes.
“Yes.”
“Seriously, you mean the men in the club keep things from their SOs or wives? That sounds a bit archaic,” she asked, the amusement in her eyes gone as she glared at me.
“Sometimes knowing less is better.” My lips twitched at her glare. “Enough on my club. Let’s get out of here. I want to take you somewhere else. Then it’s my turn, and you can tell me about yourself.”
“Hey, you didn’t tell me anything about yourself,” River said and slid out of the booth. When she pulled cash out of her pocket, I lifted a brow. “What? I want to pay for my food.”
“Not happening, ever, when you are with me, so put your money away.” I slid enough cash in the folder the waitress left when she brought our food, to cover our meal and a nice tip for the waitress.
“You’re bossy.”
“Yes, I am, and hot by your admission,” I replied, chuckled as I stood, then placed my hand on the small of her back to lead her out.
“I’m surprised the bike doesn’t tip over from your swollen head,” River mumbled as we reached the bike.
“I guess because both my heads are swollen. It balances out.” I grabbed the helmets and handed one to her.
“I can’t believe you said that!”
“You brought it up, literally.” I winked, then leaned in before giving her a quick peck on the lips. She slammed the face shield down, and I smirked. “Gonna jump on the highway a couple miles up the road. The place I want to show you isn’t far from Shades Valley.”
River nodded, and I mounted my bike. Once she was on and wrapped around me again, I started the bike and pulled out.
When we got on the highway, and I increased the bike’s speed, she tightened her arms around my waist. As we cruised down the highway, I rested a hand on one of hers and rubbed it with my thumb. We fit, she fit. I briefly wondered how long it would take me to convince her of the same thing.
Taking the highway cut the time and a little over an hour later, I was taking the exit we needed. It was another spot me and the others found while out riding. No one but locals knew of the spot unless someone accidentally came across it if they were lost. Getting to it, the scenery was thick with trees and foliage blocking out everything until you reached the one spot that let you know what all it was hiding. We rode through the curve, and I slowed and eased off the road onto the soft and gravelly ground.
“Oh...my...God,” River said. I stopped the bike by one of the few picnic tables that were there. It was the first time I stopped there and no one else was around.
River got off the bike without looking away from the sight. Once I was off, I grabbed her hand and walked her to the guardrail that kept you away from the dropoff.
“I thought you might like it,” I said and squeezed her hand.
“It is beautiful. I know the ocean is farther than it looks. But it’s like the mountains are teasing you with what is on the other side of them.” The awe in her voice made me smile.
“Whoa,” I said as she stepped over the rail. “I know there’s a good bit of grassy area there, but you never know if the cliff’s edge might slide. You definitely don’t want to fall into the ravine.”
“I wonder if you could follow the ravine to the ocean.”
“That would be one long trek. Not sure it even runs that far.”
River sat on the rail, and I straddled it beside her and wrapped my arms around her waist.
“I don’t remember much about living here, I was almost five when my mom and I left. But since I’ve moved back, the beauty of the area and especially this, just makes me more confused on why my mother left. Why would anyone leave here and move to an overpopulated area where to go anywhere you are stuck in traffic?”
“That was the one thing I hated when I lived in the DC area. I learned a lot of back ways to avoid I95. Rush hour never failed to turn into a parking lot. Especially if you were in a hurry to be somewhere.”
“You didn’t want to stay in the military?”
“Maybe at some point the thought entered my mind, but if it did, it didn’t stay long. I knew I would come back here. It’s home.”
“Why an attorney?”
“The law was interesting to me. I wanted to go to college while the others decided they wanted to see more than where we grew up. My plan was to get my law degree and come home and be the MC’s attorney. I was on track for that, too. Then one visit when we were all home at the same time, hearing them discuss what they’d done and their experiences, I thought what the hell. I went back to school and visited the local Navy recruiting station. So when the time came to graduate law school, I was already committed to the Navy. With the six years commitment with them, they covered my loans. Now I’m the club’s VP and attorney and can help my club with everything legal wise and I don’t have astronomical debt hanging over my head. What about you? Sami mentioned you were probably going to be Ally’s teacher. Did you always want to be a teacher?” I asked, and before she answered, she straddled the rail, then leaned backed on me. “Come on, let’s move to the picnic table, it will be more comfortable.”
I helped her up and moved us to the table. She sat on top of the table, and I went to the bike and grabbed the couple bottles of water that I threw in before I left the house. They’d be a little warm, but at least it was something wet. When I offered her one, she shook her head, and I set them down in reach, then joined her on the table, putting my arm around and pulling her into my side. It surprised me when she laid her head against my shoulder.
“So, did you always want to be a teacher?” I asked again.
“Yes. I used to play in my room with my stuffed animals as my students.”
“Did you teach in Connecticut?”
“I didn’t get the chance to. After I graduated, I married, and Thomas wanted to start a family immediately. Which now I’m grateful I got my degree.”
“Why wouldn’t you have gotten one?” I looked down to see her face when she chuckled and in a tone that had nothing to do with humor and everything to do with bitterness.
“You’d have to know my mother. She didn’t understand why I wanted to go to college in the first place. My step-dad is a partner in the same law firm as Thomas’s dad. We grew up around each other. Thomas is four years older and from since I could remember my mother saw him and me together. I think she thought why bother if he would eventually join the same law firm, I wouldn’t have to work. I could spend my time helping build his clientele by hosting parties and volunteering for charities run by high profiled people. I attended college after I explained to her that I would be done with college as Thomas graduated law school. I mean she was discussing this as if Thomas had already proposed, which he hadn’t. I was just getting ready to turn eighteen.”
I listened as River told me some of the things her dad had already shared. I noticed the more she talked about her mother, the more hurt that came into her voice.
“I don’t know why I still let the things she’s done have an effect on me. It’s over. I’m here, and I refuse to buckle to her way anymore.” She tilted her head to look up at me. “And I’m sorry for putting a damper on such a lovely day with you by talking about my mother and ex. Boy, aren’t I a prize to take on a date?”
I wanted to ask what happened with her and the ex, but it wasn’t the time. Instead, I grinned and leaned in. This kiss was soft and slow, and it was the first time I remember ever wanting to show a woman gentleness.
Hard, fast, and explosive was how I liked it. But with River, I took my time enjoying her taste. When she shivered as the wind blew, I broke our kiss.
“Let me get your jacket.” I moved to get off the table.
“You’re a dangerous man, Dom.” I frowned as I stood in front of her.
“What makes you think so?”
“Because you listen, you’re attentive to what’s happening around you, and you’re very easy to talk to. I bet you are one damn good attorney.”
“And hot.” She laughed like I wanted her to.
“And incorrigible.”
I chuckled and looked at my watch. “If we leave now, we’ll get into town in time that I could take you to dinner.”
“How do you feel about cold chicken and potato salad?”
“Homemade potato salad?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“What other kind is there?”
“And where would we be eating this food?” I asked with a grin. I knew she was talking about her house, but I wanted her to say it.
“If you don’t mind, we can go to my house. Where I not only have those items, I have a half an apple pie. Plus, I have a nice plush couch to sit on. I think my tushy deserves it.”
“Well, we can’t have your tushy sore, so your house it is,” I said and grabbed her around her waist and lifted her off the table. In no time, we were back on my bike and headed to Shades Valley.
“That was really good, River. Thank you.” I rose with my empty plate and reached for River’s.
“I got it.” She stood, and as we started to walk, she flinched.
“Stiffening up?” I asked and took the plate before she dropped it.
“I don’t know how you ride all the time. My God my butt hurts and the inside of my thighs gives me an idea what it’s like to ride a horse. I’d bet money that’s where the saying ‘save a horse, ride a cowboy’ comes from. I mean, heck it would have to feel better. I’m going to start saying ‘save a bike, ride a biker.’” She abruptly stopped and looked at me. My lips twitched as I watched the pink form on her cheeks when she realized what she said.
“Hmm... I could get on board with that,” I commented and set the plates in the sink. “But not tonight. I’m going to head home so you can soak,” I walked to her and wrapped my arms around her, “this fine ass,” I finished as I placed my hands on her ass and started massaging.
River leaned her forehead on my chest and slipped her arms around my waist. I felt myself start to harden when she moaned.
“Oh my God that feels good,” she whispered into my chest.
“Ah, sweetheart, you’ll get used to it the more you ride. I’ll just have to make a habit of taking you out regularly, so you can get adjusted to it. Now kiss me, then you can go take a hot bath.”
“Bossy,” she mumbled but raised her head and did as I asked. I kissed her until we both were breathless, then turned us in the direction of the front door.
“Lock up, and I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.” I kissed her forehead and opened the door.
“I don’t know what time I’ll be home. I’m going shopping with Sami, Carly, Luna, and Bailey.”
“Well you girls stay out of trouble, and I’ll come by later in the day. Got a few things to take care of tomorrow anyway.” I stepped out on the stoop. “Don’t forget to lock the door.”
“I won’t,” she answered, and I pulled the door shut and waited until I heard the locks engage before I walked to my bike.
On the ride home, I thought about how the day had gone. The time with River and getting to know her was enjoyable. She might have started out a little tense when we headed out, but by the time we left the lookout place, she was relaxed.
I threw my hand up at Lock as I slowed going through the gate at Black Hawk. Once I was in my house, I was already looking forward to spending time with River again. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
Chapter Ten
River
Dressed and ready to go, I walked out of the house and locked the door when the women pulled into my driveway. As I reached the SUV, the back door on the passenger side opened, and Bailey slid to the middle to make room for me. We exchanged hellos and after I shut the door, Carly, who was in the driver’s seat, backed out of the driveway and we were on our way.
“You okay with the mall, River?” Sami asked from the passenger seat as she looked through the space between the seats.
“The mall would be good. They have a craft store, right? This morning I was thinking I would hit the store and see what I could find to decorate my classroom.”
“Oh yeah, I love that store. I find the most unique things in there to make ornaments with,” Bailey said, and I nodded.
“No, not another crafty person,” Luna said. “I guess you crochet, too?”
“Not me. My crafting skills only reach to items that are easy for children to work with,” I said.
“I could teach you. It’s easy. This one,” Bailey pointed her thumb in Luna’s direction, “thinks it’s a waste of time. I use it for its calming effect.”
“I use Brax for that,” Luna said.
“Sometimes I need to relax when Devil isn’t home,” Bailey said, and Luna lifted a brow as she looked at Bailey.
“Oh, I just use the toys in my nightstand,” Luna replied, Carly and Sami laughed, and Bailey patted my back when I choked.
“Luna, you are going to give River the wrong impression. She’s going to think all we talk about is sex,” Bailey chastised.
“From what I know, there are three of you that show that you do more than talk,” I said, and Luna, Bailey, and Sami, who once again looked between the seats, stared at me with wide eyes. I startled when Carly hit the steering wheel with her hand and started laughing.
“That was awesome. Give it up, sister,” Carly said and stretched her right arm between the seat with her hand balled up into a fist. I leaned forward and smacked my fist against hers.
It was that easy to make friends, and I knew these women would become mine. With what amounted to breaking the ice, we talked about everything from which business to stay clear of in town because their prices were high, to how each woman had met and ended up with her man. I learned Luna and Ghost had grown up next door together and met up again after Ghost lost his wife and kid, then came to Shades Valley to heal. Luna had been with the Ops Warriors in San Diego. Talk about fate bringing two people back together.
Bailey and Devil had been high school sweethearts, then when he had come home from the military, pulled his head out of his ass—her words not mine—they rekindled the love they still had for each other.
Carly and Sami were associated with Haven MC, a club Sami’s dad ran as President. I was shocked to learn how Carly and Speed had found out they were actually brother and sister and that Sami had slept with Speed not even knowing who he was, and he had no idea he had fathered a kid until he returned from the military and accidentally ran into Ally at the grocery store.
Sami told the story how Carly and Crusher met, and I smiled when she said that he patiently outlasted her prickly friend.
They shared funny stories about Ally and Neely. I never laughed so much in my life. I wiped under my eyes and was glad I put on the waterproof mascara, or it would have been smeared across my face.
“So, are you going to tell us how yesterday went with Jag?” Luna asked, and I glanced over at her.
“Why would you think I spent the day with Dom?” I asked.
“Because I was at the gym helping Ghost load the computer programs they will need when Coast came in and said Jag was spending the day with you if anyone needed him. And duh, you were riding on the back of his bike when he rode past.”
“Oh, yeah. It was nice,” I answered Luna’s original question.
“Just nice?” Sami asked.
“Well...” I didn’t get to finish when Luna cut me off.
“Did you two douse some of those flames?” Luna asked.
“Luna!” Bailey chastised.
“Well, his bike was in front of his place this morning, so I’m going to answer and say they didn’t do the deed. ‘Cause not that I know anything about Jag’s umm...prowess, but if he’s anything like Crusher, no way would he have been home,” Carly spoke up as she continued to watch the road.
“River, you don’t have to tell them anything other than to mind their own business. But they are nosey and will continue to hound you,” Sami said, and Bailey agreed.
“Aren’t you two the queens of what is polite,” Carly said.
“Better than the queen of no tact!” Sami shot back. I watched as the two women went back and forth with insults.
“Please, have pity for us. Those two can keep that up for hours, and if you at least tell us what non-getting-naked activities the two of you did, it will shut them up,” Luna said, and I laughed at her pout and the puppy dog eyes Bailey turned on me for added effect.
“Fine,” I said, rolled my eyes, and began sharing how Dom and I shared the day. When I finished, we were pulling into a parking space at one end of the mall.
“Ahhhh,” all four women said.
“I didn’t know any of them knew how to be romantic,” Carly said, then added. “They are more like I imagine a caveman to be romantic. Hit you over the head, kill something for you to eat, then kiss you until you give in.”
Jag (Black Hawk MC Book 5) Page 9