Page 110 of Nevada

She blushes slightly. “Nothing’s happened. He’s a nice guy.”

I snort. “Nice?”

“Well, we’ve been hanging out and stuff, but I haven’t slept with him, if that’s what you mean.”

“But he wants to.”

She shrugs. “I think he likes me.”

“It can be exciting, dating a guy in a motorcycle club, but it still holds its dangers, babe.”

She rolls her eyes ever so slightly. “Right. Coming from you who’s practically shacked up with your boy toy over here.”

I smile. “But I’ve led a hard life, it hasn’t always been roses. You on the other hand…”

“Right, I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I get it, but that doesn’t mean that everything’s been easy.”

“I didn’t mean that,” I say. “I just meant, maybe you’re not cut out for a life with a biker.”

“And you are?”

“Me and Nevada… we just seem to work.”

A slow smile spreads across her face. “Uh, huh.”

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what? It’s pretty obvious he’s nuts about you. Have you said the ‘L’ word yet?”

I look down at my shoes and try to deflect.

“Wait! You have, haven’t you?” she sputters.

“No! I… Well, it’s complicated.”

“I’ve known you for quite some time, Estelle Louise St. Clair, and I’ve never seen you like this before.” She holds me at arm’s length, assessing me like it’s the first time she’s seen me in a while. “This definitely isn’t just about sex, so don’t even bother with that excuse.”

“That’s the thing; I never expected to fall like this and so quickly. That first meeting at the Whiskey Straight, I never imagined I’d actually fall for the guy.”

Halo almost swoons. “And are you going to let yourself be happy?”

“What do you mean?”

“With everything that’s been going on with us trying to find Tilly, your happiness has taken a back seat. It's still okay to live your life and want things.”

I swallow hard. “I have been feeling guilty lately. I’ve been having a good time with Nevada and I don’t want it to seem like I’ve forgotten my responsibilities.”

Her intake of breath is sharp. “You don’t seriously mean that?”

I look away. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Listen.” She practically shakes me. “There is nothing wrong with you living your life. You’ve dedicated every second of every day for the last few months to the cause of finding your sister. You’re allowed to fall in love along the way. It doesn’t mean we’re giving up, or letting things slide. It just means it’s okay to put yourself first. Without Nevada and the MC, we wouldn’t have gotten this far.”

“I know. At first, I thought it was just him wanting to score and brag about it to the boys. I didn’t care. He’s younger than me, and he’s hot, so we both had a good time, you know, it didn’t matter. But it turns out, he’s nothing like that.” God, does it sound like I’m gushing right now? “He’s proved over and over that he’s here for me. That he also won’t rest until we find her. He’s my equal, and I’m his. That sounds soppy and ridiculous, but it’s how I feel.”

She has tears in her eyes. “I’m really happy for you, babe. I mean that. Nobody deserves to be happy more than you do.”

“I just wish it didn’t have to be under these circumstances. What happens if this doesn't uncover anything either? Then we’re back to square one.”

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