Page 97 of Memphis

“Just a party to let off some steam. The guys are going to grill a hog and have a few cold ones.”

“That sounds great. It’s been forever since I’ve been to a barbeque.”

“It should be a good time.” I grimaced as I told her, “Mom will be there.”

“Oh, that should be fun. I’m sure she’ll love hanging out with the guys.”

“I don’t know. It’s been a long time since she’s had anything to do with the club, but we shall see.”

“Hey, you should call Jess and invite her. I don’t know how the whole club thing works with things like that, but I bet the guys would like a chance to get to know her out of the office, especially Goose.”

“Yeah, she just about did him in on our last session.” I shrugged. “I don’t know if she’d be up for something like that, but I’ll give her a shout and see what she thinks.”

“Great. That’ll give me at least one other person to hang with.”

“I’ll be there.”

“I know, but it’s not the same. Girls like having other girls around.”

“Well, Jenna will be there, and I’m sure Star and Nikki will be there with some of the other girls from the Vault.”

“The strippers will be at the party?”

“Unless they have a shift or something, but they usually figure out a way to make it.” I could see the concern in her eyes, so I added, “They’re great girls, Toni. You’ll see.”

“I look forward to meeting them.”

“Get ready. I’m sure they will have a million questions for you.”

“Oh, really? Like what?”

“Ah, I’m not gonna ruin the fun. You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“But you’ll be around, won’t you?”

“I’m not just gonna leave you to fend for yourself.”

“Okay, then I’m game.”

“Good deal.”

The pizza delivery came, and we set up in the living room. It took us a minute to find something to watch. She was in the mood for a scary movie, but after a little debate, we settled onsome old romantic comedy. After we finished eating, Toni curled up next to me, and she quickly became invested in the movie.

I, on the other hand, had no idea what it was even about. I was too busy watching her. I couldn’t help myself. With every moment I spent with her, I found another reason to fall for her—the way her nose crinkled when she laughed, the sound of her voice when she said my name, or the softness of her lips when they were pressed against mine.

I never imagined that I’d ever find someone who got to me the way she did, but damn. She was everything I’d always wanted and more, and I couldn’t wait a second longer to tell her, “I love you, Toni.”

“I love you, too, Wes.” She looked up at me with emotion in her eyes. “I love you so much."

And just like that, she’d made my day.

I scooped her up and carried her into the bedroom, and I spent the rest of the night showing her what it meant to be mine. Life was good. Really good.

Antonia

“What does one wear to a biker barbecue?”

“Whatever you want to wear?”

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