Page 17 of Holly's Christmas Biker

She reaches out and covers my hand with hers. Inside I’m cheering a bit because this is the first time she’s initiated any kind of contact with me whatsoever. Oh, she’s an active participant when we’re kissing, of course, but I typically start that, so for her to do this voluntarily is huge in my mind.

“Yes, they do,” she replies. “Not gonna lie, but even with only seeing them a few times, you’ve made an impression on both of them.”

Taking a deep breath, I tell her, “I need to tell you something, sweetheart. I know I told you it’s been about fifteen years since I dated anyone and here’s why. Let me say this first, though, what I thought I felt for her is nothing compared to the way I feel about you. But back when Paula and I met, she ticked all the boxes, if that makes sense.” She nods but doesn’t respond, instead she listens intently, which I appreciate. I know she’s younger than me by at least a decade, maybe a few more years than that, but what she’s been through has matured her. “She said and did all the right things and it was right when we were starting the club. I had bought a ring and was planning to make her my old lady.”

At her expression, I can’t help but laugh. “I know you’re new to how a motorcycle club works, but the term ‘old lady’ is a sign of respect. It’s as good as being married to someone if you make someone yours in that way. I pictured us having kids down the road, the whole nine yards, y’know? Instead, a conversation she had was overheard and I found out she was playing a long game, so to speak. She was planning to fleece me once she had access to my accounts.”

“What ended up happening to her?” she asks, her thumb stroking across my hand at this point. The soothing motion calms me enough that I’m able to keep going with the story.

“Well, of course I got pissed, broke it off with her, tossed the ring into the lake, and banned her from every club business.”

“She broke your trust in women,” she whispers, understanding filling her eyes. “Kind of like Devin did with me and men.”

“Yeah, she did. Only one day, I was in the grocery store picking up some snacks and what-not for my room and I heard a little girl giggling, and I was immediately entranced. I know you’regonna think this is way too soon, given the circumstances, but if I’ve learned anything at all, it’s that life is too damn short.”

“Devin’s accident showed me that,” she admits. “I didn’t think I’d ever want to date again, much less think about another relationship. I mean, how many men would want to get involved with a single mom?” she asks.

“I do,” I reply, leaning in to kiss her.

When our lips finally separate, she sighs and says, “I’m glad, Rebel, because I feel the same way. So, are you coming with us?”

“Yeah, babe, I’ll come with you guys. Should be a lot of fun,” I tell her.

“Oh, and since I don’t remember seeing a lot of kids running around at the clubhouse, have you ever heard about the Elf on the Shelf?” she questions. “Because if you haven’t, you’re in for a wild ride.”

With my brows drawn in, I ask, “What is it?”

“Well, the girls have a female elf called Tiny Sparkles and she shows up on Thanksgiving morning. She reports back to the North Pole about the girls’ behavior, but every day, she gets into something and brings them a small gift. This year, my plan is to redo the last bedroom into a playroom for them, complete with an area where they can play school, as well as a kitchen so they can play house. I just need to find some of that fabricated tape that says ‘under construction’ because I’ll put her on the door with it covered in tape, along with a letter telling them what’s going to happen. The room will be from me, Pappy, and Grammy, with a few small things from Santa.”

“I can get you the tape and any renovation tools you might need,” I say. “The club runs a construction company. I’ll see if I can find a tiny demolition hat for your elf if you want me to.”

“Oh, my goodness, that would be perfect!” she exclaims, her excitement contagious. “They love it when Tiny Sparkles shows up. It’s a lot of work for me every night but so much fun and while they’re both well-behaved, it ramps it up to the next level because Tiny Sparkles ‘reports’ back to the North Pole.”

The laugh that bursts free from me has her smiling because I can only imagine what this little elf will do. “I’m looking forward to seeing what she gets into,” I tease.

“Good, because I may need some help,” she replies.

“Any time you need me, I’m available, Holly,” I say. “All you gotta do is call.”

“Thanks.” The smile she has aimed at me makes me want to claim her lips again.

“No thanks needed, sweetheart. Now, we’re having a party Friday night and I know you’ll be working, but will you come to the clubhouse with me afterward since the girls will be at Samuel’s?”

I see desire flare in her eyes as she nods. “Yeah, I’d like that, Rebel.”

My dick throbs in response to her throaty tone, and I have to discreetly adjust myself. “I had a question for you, babe. Are you able to take on more clients?”

“Probably, why?” she questions.

“Because I hate doing fucking paperwork,” I admit. “Then we have to pay the person we have now, and trust me, they’ve made their fair share of mistakes.”

“What all would you need? And which businesses?” she asks.

“All three of them, the bar, the auto repair shop, and the scrapyard. The normal business ledger, of course, plus payroll on all three, as well as handle the accounts payable and receivables,” I say. “You’d still be able to work remotely, of course.”

“Can we do a trial run?” she questions. “Because I’m not familiar with any of those businesses.”

“Absolutely. Plus, the ratio paid to the brothers is different from the pay for the civilian employees, if that makes sense. All the brothers get a cut from all the businesses, with the percentages varying. The civilian employees are paid a salary rate for the hours worked.”

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