Page 67 of Quiet Chaos

Without answering, I shut the door, change, and come out to watch Cade’s mouth drop open. I took my sweater and bra off and put the vest on. I don’t know what it is, but I do things I never thought I’d do. Cade has this effect on me. He encourages comfort while nudging me to venture outside my comfort zone.

I grab a hold of the front flaps, turn from side to side and ask, “What do you think?”

Cade charges at me. I squeal when he sweeps me up in his arms and says, “I think we’re going to be late.”

As always, Cade relieves me of all tension. Thank goodness we finish before anyone arrives. I can’t see ever tiring of having sexwith him. He makes me feel beautiful, as if I’m the only woman in the world, and it’s an incredibly uplifting experience.

Several motorcycles turn into our driveway. Cade greets everyone while I put the waters and snacks in the saddlebags, but I’m unable to finish because the ladies come running over, grabbing my hand. Patsy, Howler, and Stiletto turn my hand in numerous directions, admiring the sun’s reflection.

Lashes’ eyes widen as she says, “Hot damn! Look at that ring. You’re lucky.”

I blink at her. “I know. It’s bigger than I would have ever expected.”

“Well, yeah, but most of the guys don’t bother with rings. A cut withProperty ofor a patch name is given to the Old Ladies.”

I remove my jacket and turn around to show them my cut. “He gave me one, too.”

The women hoot as they read my patch name.

Howler shouts, “I’ve never seen a more fitting name!”

I put my jacket back on and Cade claps his hands and says, “Okay, who’s up for some barbeque and a river walk?” Everyone hollersI am. “Then let’s get moving. We have close to a three-hour drive, depending on traffic.”

Everyone gets on their bikes. Cade helps me with my helmet. I snuggle myself into him, arms hugging him close, fingers caressing his hard abs.

“I suggest you stop, Sky. You’re making my dick hard.”

“Again?”

He glances over his shoulder. “It’s your fault. If you weren’t so fucking sexy, he wouldn’t be standing at attention all the time.” He revs the motorcycle. “Hold on, Princess.”

We take off; me clutching him until he hits top speed and then falls back. The ride is enjoyable, having the sun warm us against the wind. We ride in pairs, side-by-side, Reed and Patsy next to us. By the time we arrive, my legs are sore and I’m starving.All the bikes park to the side of this little building and we pour inside.

The owner comes out to greet Cade and shakes his hand. “Cade, it’s been a long time. How’s everything? How’s Charlie?”

“Charlie passed away last year.”

“Aw, damn, I’m sorry to hear it. Charlie was a good man.”

Cade acknowledges his condolences. “Willy, do you have enough room for us?”

“Sure do. You’re early for the lunch crowd, so you folks make yourselves comfortable.”

A woman with dreadlocks and a smile a mile wide pulls Cade into a hug. When she releases him, her hand cups his face. “Boy, you get better lookin’ every time I see ya.”

Cade lets out an embarrassed laugh. “You’re not looking too bad yourself, Jada.”

She laughs, pats his chest, and then says, “Well, it’s good to see ya.”

The men sit down at one end, and I join the ladies at the other. Jada hands out the menus. Everyone is talking while looking it over. I excuse myself to freshen up and Stiletto joins me.

While I’m in a stall, she’s talking to me from the sink. “All I gotta say is you’re a lucky girl, Sky. Before I hooked up with Handlebars, I had my sights set on Cade. Who am I kidding, everyone wanted him.” I leave the stall and wash my hands. “He’s a catch. Gorgeous and has done well for himself. His whole character screams sexy.”

I watch the soap go down the drain, unsure of how to respond to what she’s saying. “Cade is very good to me.”

Her long, pointy nail touches my nose. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I just wanted to say you’re lucky, and I hope to get this,”—she points to the ring— “from Handlebars.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will. He loves you.”

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