Page 3 of Cash

I didn’t catch her name, but she’s attractive. Not stunning like Ava and Taja but definitely worth more than a few looks. I’ve always been attracted to women with an athletic build. And she has that in spades. Tall, slim and toned all work for me. Having dark hair with natural red highlights glinting in it just makes her even more my type.

I straddle my bike but continue watching her. One of them must live close by to have chosen to walk home. That puts one of them in my dad’s neighborhood, and I catch myself hoping it’s her. Shaking my head at myself, I put on my brain bucket and start my bike. Time to get home and get some sleep.

*~*~*~*

“Hey, Dad. Terry,” I say while walking into Dad’s living room.

“Hi, Cash. How you doin’?” asks Terry in his most seductive tone.

“You know you’re wasting your time, right?” I ask for like the millionth time.

“Never a waste of time when I’m getting my Cash fix for the day,” Terry responds while slowly sliding his eyes up and down my body.

“Leave him alone, Terry. Boy’s as straight as they come. In more ways than one,” my dad says with a laugh.

“One night and I’ll leave you alone forever, sugar,” Terry says to me.

“Never going to happen,” I state while fighting a smile. A smile would just encourage him.

“Poo. We’ll see. Since you’re here, I’m going to run to the store. Be back in thirty minutes.”

I watch with amusement as Terry, a thirty-something-year-old man, snatches up his Hello Kitty backpack, tosses it over a shoulder and walks out of the house.

“He’s harmless,” my dad says dismissively.

“He’s a pain in my ass and no jokes are needed about that,” I answer.

“He’d probably move on if you’d ever bring a woman around here. We’re both beginning to wonder if you’ve taken up residence in your closet, so to speak.”

“Fuck you, Dad,” I tell him with a smirk.

My dad, Wayne “Lars” Larsen, is the best man I know. He’s spent his life working hard to provide for his family. Great husband, even better father. He ran a construction company from the front lines for many years before falling off a roof and landing in a wheelchair. He can still walk, somewhat, but with much difficulty and pain. I would’ve moved back home to take care of him without a thought, but he wouldn’t allow it. Didn’t want me to sacrifice my life for his but he’s never understood that it wouldn’t have been a sacrifice. Love that old bastard and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him.

One of Dad’s nurses at the hospital hooked him up with Terry, and they’ve been together ever since. Terry’s been a blessing when it comes to Dad and his care. Couldn’t ask for better. Even though I give him a hard time, I consider him family at this point. He’s outrageous, over-the-top and my dad’s best friend.

I take a seat on the couch and turn my attention to the TV. Dad’s always watching some true-crime show or sports. Occasionally, he’ll watch some political analyst-type show, but that’s mostly done so he can bitch and moan about the idiots in government. Those are the days I make myself scarce.

“Got today off?” Dad asks.

“Yeah. Going for a ride,” I answer.

“This house is already set up for a wheelchair. Guess you’ll be moving back here when you crash on that damn bike,” Dad grumbles.

I give a snort-laugh at my dad and his continuous comments about riding a Harley. This is an old argument. He has no issue with me being in an MC, and he likes my club members, but me riding a bike is another story. I get that he worries, but that’s not going to change who I am. I’m a biker through and through. I own a truck but always feel confined when in it. I like the freedom I feel when on a bike. The wind in my face, the speed and the danger of splitting lanes are what keeps my heart beating. Dad swears that’s what will stop my heart someday. We agree to disagree, but he likes to get his opinions heard. I give him that because he’s earned the right.

“Question for you, Cash. How the fuck did Vex settle his whorish ways down and get married before you? Sad state of affairs, right there. I’m not getting any younger, and I’d like some grandchildren before I die. You got a woman you haven’t told me about? Because if you don’t, you need to get on that. Grandchildren don’t just drop out of the sky, Son.”

My mind briefly thinks about the woman from the bar last night. I could see her, or someone like her, in my life. I’m not opposed to having a relationship or getting married someday, but I’m not in a hurry either. It’ll happen and when it does, I want what my club brothers have. Solid relationships with strong women. I won’t settle for less.

“Ha! Your face just said you’re thinking about some woman. Who is she? Is it serious? Bring her here to meet me. She’ll love me, and that might help her overlook your many faults,” Dad says then cackles like an old witch.

“Jesus, Dad. There’s no woman. But when there is, I’m not bringing her here until I have a ring on her, so you can’t scare her away,” I taunt him with a smirk.

“Advice, Son. Since you didn’t inherit my good looks and charm, you need all the help you can get. Apparently, I’m going to have to be your wingman.”

“Glad I didn’t inherit your mental illness either.”

“Smartass. Weren’t you going for a ride?” Dad sputters.

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