Page 26 of The Biker's Vow

“Okay. Like what?”

“Your phone number.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“In case I get lost, so they know who to return me to.”

“Ha. Funny.”

“I’m being serious.” He licks his lips, all sexy and inviting. “I messed up before. I know that. You know that but figure I gotta shoot my shot. Let me take you out for dinner.”

“That’s a terrible idea. For one, I’m not interested. Two, I promised Smoke I’d steer clear of club brothers. And we both agreed not to talk about the other night.”

“Lucky for me, I’m persuasive and I’m not patched in…yet. And you don’t owe that guy anything. I know what I saw and what you saw that night. We did nothing wrong.”

I scowl at him. Like I need a reminder of Smoke’s betrayal. We had barely ended things before he had his pants down for someone else. “No way. Doesn’t matter.”

“All right. I’ll ask again later.”

I roll my eyes. “Do you want some ink or not?”

“Yeah, beautiful. I want those hands on me.” He circles his grip around my wrist, bringing my right hand to his chest. “Something right here.”

“You already have a chest piece.” I pull my hand away, hoping he can’t see the blush creeping across my cheeks.

“You remember what I’ve got on my skin?” He smiles bigger.

“Ugh. Whatever. Tell me what you want and where.”

“I’m not really here for a tattoo. Here to offer you a ride.”

“I’m not interested in whatever ride you’re offering.”

“Not even to California?”

“So you guys have everything all set?” I question Sabrina and try not to cry at the sight of her bags laid by her feet.

Didn’t take long at all for them to pack their bags and be ready to go, which makes me think they already had this in the works. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but I wish it wasn’t the moment Smoke and I broke up.

She and Jimmy found a place around Davis Creek. An efficiency apartment over a dental office. Tiny but affordable. At least until they can save towards something more spacious for their imaginary baby. I can’t believe Sabrina hasn’t told him the truth. That’s not a secret you keep or something to lie about. I love my best friend, but I’m disappointed in her. This will come back to bite her in the rear sooner or later and when the day comes, I’ll be there for her while resisting the urge to say I told you so.

“I’m going to miss our morning coffee chats.”

“Me too, but I won’t miss you and Jimmy arguing. When are you going to tell him?”

“I don’t know. He’s happy and being like he used to be. I’m scared of what he’ll do when I tell him. I mean, would it be so wrong to wait a bit and tell him I lost it?”

“Are you asking or thinking aloud?”

“I’m a terrible person.”

“You’re scared. Trust me. I get it more than you know. Smoke dumping me had me thinking some crazy thoughts myself, but I won’t manipulate him with lies. You’re better than that, Brina. Even if you lose him, wouldn’t it be better to happen now before you dig yourself deeper into a situation?”

“Easy for you to say. You have a brother ready to swoop in and solve your problems. Jimmy is all I have. I can’t lose him.”

“You have me. And sure, Eric is ready to give me a hand, but that doesn’t mean my life is perfect. You of all people should know that.”

“Just promise you won’t tell anyone. Let me do this my own way.”

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