Page 25 of Pooh

“Wow. Sounds like you keep busy,” Ava adds.

“I have help. I handle the administrative end of things and Tammy keeps the house running smoothly. I couldn’t do this without her. And we have volunteers too.”

“What made you decide to do this as a career?” Bailey asks.

“I was young when I found myself in a similar situation. I was one of the lucky ones because I had Tammy. She was my foster mom since I was thirteen and my rock in life. She was there when I stumbled and needed to get my priorities straight and she never wavered. A lot of women don’t have that, so Tammy and I decided we wanted to be that ‘person’, that safe spot, for others in need.”

“That’s very admirable. I’m glad the club has decided to help your organization. I was a foster kid also but I didn’t have a Tammy in my life. You were very fortunate,” Ava says softly.

“Who was the guy that put you in a similar situation, Pippa?” I growl.

“It was a long time ago, Pooh. All’s well now,” Pippa responds, smiling up at me. She knows exactly why I want that name. And I will get that name because Rex will help me and this time I’ll make sure to invite Axel. I don’t want to watch a 6’4” bald, tatted, muscle-bound biker pout again. Once was enough.

Pippa

The fence is almost complete and that should make me happy. But it kind of doesn’t. I find I like having Pooh around. I like his club members and their women. Good people. And Craig is having the time of his life with so many males to hang with.

One of Pooh’s club brothers, Rex, has walked me through our new security system and it’s very nice. Now, if I can only get the women to remember to use its features, all should be good.

I’ve chatted quite a bit today with Ava and Bailey, and even Bella. It didn’t take long to figure out that they were feeling me out and taking my measure, so to speak. They must know that I turned Pooh’s date offer down because I sensed a little anger and distance in the beginning with the women. Then it seemed to change to understanding as to why I might have done that.

I like that they seemed offended on his behalf. By the end of the day, it was obvious they were no longer offended, but more about trying to decide if I was even good enough for him. I think I passed all the tests but they are wrong on one point. I do want to date Pooh. I want to get to know him better and spend time with him. I’m just scared to. And I have to get over that because Tammy is right. I can’t let Cal continue to rule my life.

As the guys complete the finishing touches to the fence, I seek out Pooh. He’s stowing his tools in the bed of Trigger’s truck and he hasn’t put his t-shirt back on yet. Several of the guys had stripped their shirts off while working in the heat today and, believe me, it was a beautiful thing to see. Biker porn at its best. As I close in on Pooh, I take a moment to study his lean, muscled body. It’s a work of art and it’s something I want to study closer. His tats are beautiful and I’m sure there is a story behind each one. I recognize the one spanning his upper back and shoulders because it’s their club patch, including the rockers. On his left pec is a smaller tat that simply says “Geti” and is circled with a wreath of grape vines and small flowers. It’s stunning and it’s all in black and gray. I can’t help but wonder who Geti is and why that name is on his pec, over his heart.

“Hey, you. Like the fence?” asks Pooh upon spotting me standing like an idiot and drooling over him.

I pull my eyes from his body to his eyes and see them smiling the same as his mouth. Ugh. I’m embarrassing myself again.

Face red, I answer, “Yes, it’s perfect. You guys do great work. I can’t thank all of you enough.”

“Glad you like it, Pippa. It should help keep Craig corralled and add another layer of security for the guests.”

“I like that you call them guests,” I blurt. When he quirks his eyebrow at me, I realize I need to explain more. “Most people call them victims and I hate that word.”

“I call them guests because they quit being victims when they chose to leave their bad situations. They’re taking back control of their lives and I admire that,” Pooh responds, sincerely.

Wow. Just, wow. Standing before me is a guy who understands these women and admires their courage and the strength it takes to make tough choices in life. And I said no to a date with him. I’m beyond stupid.

“Yeah, I agree. Thank you for seeing it that way.”

“Look, Pippa. We’re done here but that doesn’t mean the club will forget about New Horizons. We’ll stay in touch and I want you to call me if you need anything. Or if New Horizons needs something. You don’t have to need something to call me though. You have my number. Use it, babe,” Pooh says while covering that beautiful body art with his t-shirt. What a shame!

“I feel like I say this a lot to you and the club, but thanks again, Pooh. I ju…”

“All is well, Pippa. We’re glad to help.”

“I better go speak with the others before they leave,” I say hesitantly. I don’t want to walk away from Pooh but I have to remember I’m at work.

“Okay, Pippa. Take care, doll,” Pooh says while leaning forward and giving me a light brush of his mouth across mine. I’m frozen in place at how much I wanted more of that kiss. My eyes shoot to his as he pulls away and it’s easy to read the heat in his. I know mine reflect the same.

“Pops said I could ride with you if you’re okay with that, Pooh,” says Bella as she steps up next to us.

“Absolutely, girl. Get your helmet on and we’ll head out. Where do you want to eat?” Pooh asks Bella.

“We’re going to dinner too?” Bella asks excitedly.

“Of course. I have to feed my favorite girl, don’t I?” teases Pooh.

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