Page 56 of Manic

Pride swells in my chest as I watch them interact with the other members and their families.

Meghan throws her head back, laughing at something Fern just said.

The sound of her joy cuts through the noise of the clubhouse, drawing my attention like a moth to a flame.

Her ashy blonde hair catches the light, and for a moment, I'm mesmerized by the way it shimmers.

Tindra, my little firecracker, is perched on a barstool next to my father, regaling him with some wild tale.

Her hands fly through the air, punctuating each word with dramatic flair.

Dad’s eyebrows are raised so high they're practically touching his hairline, but the grin on his face tells me he's enjoying every second of it.

I can't help but smile, my heart full to bursting.

This is what I've always wanted—my family, my club, all together.

Safe. Happy.

It's a moment I want to bottle up and keep forever.

As I watch, Meghan's eyes find mine across the room.

The connection is instant, electric.

She gives me a little wink, and I feel a surge of heat course through my body.

Christ, the effect this woman has on me is unreal.

I beckon her over with a tilt of my head, and she excuses herself from her conversation.

As she makes her way toward me, I can't help but admire the way she moves.

There's a newfound confidence in her stride, a sureness that wasn't there before.

It's sexy as hell.

"Hey, handsome," she purrs as she reaches me, sliding onto my lap without hesitation. "You looked a little lonely over here."

I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Not anymore," I murmur, nuzzling into her neck.

She smells like vanilla and something uniquely Meghan, a scent that never fails to drive me wild.

"You two are gross," Tindra's voice pipes up, and I look over to see her standing in front of us, hands on her hips in a perfect imitation of her mother.

Meghan laughs, the sound vibrating through her body and into mine. "And you, little miss, are supposed to be getting ready to go to grandma and grandpa's."

Tindra's face lights up. "Oh yeah! Do we need to go home and grab a couple of things? I have some stuff I’d like to take if that’s okay."

"Of course it is," I tell her, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Now go tell them we’re gonna run back to your house to get some of your things."

As Tindra races off, I turn my attention back to Meghan.

The realization that we'll have the night to ourselves hits me like a freight train.

It's been too long since we've had any real alone time.

I lean in close, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear. "Kid free tonight," I whisper, my voice low and husky. "So I guess that means you can get a little wild, huh?"

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