Page 4 of Booker

“Now Twist said we have some ladies joining us. Who is it?” Compass asked. Booker appreciated him moving the conversation away from modeling. He’d talk about it, but he was already nervous having dinner with the girl from his dreams.

“Yes, Lexi, the girl I was head over heels for in high school. We were going to junior prom together until her dad was unexpectedly transferred. They moved within a couple of days. I ended up just skipping it because it wasn’t the same without Lexi. Her mom is also joining us. Ms. Maureen is just as sweet now as she was then.”

Booker caught Twist’s eyes looking behind him, and he turned. Lexi had changed into a body-hugging shirt that had sleeves that belled out. Tight jeans highlighted every curve of her thighs, and she had the cutest motorcycle boots on. He walked forward and kissed Lexi’s cheek.

“You look beautiful, and may I say, Ms. Maureen, you look gorgeous too.”

Maureen laughed, and he turned to introduce the guys, but they beat him to it.

“I’m Compass. It’s very nice to meet you.”

Twist stepped forward. “I’m Twist. The one who keeps Booker in line.”

“Who’s Booker?” Lexi asked.

Twist pointed at Booker. “He is.”

“Oh, is that your road name? Alex told me you were in an MC. Is it likeSons,or is that rude to ask?” Maureen questioned.

Compass chuckled, and Booker thought it sounded almost like he hadn’t laughed in forever. Compass held out his arm.

“Let’s go get seated and ordered and then we’ll fill you in on all things Bluff Creek Brotherhood MC.”

Alex giggled and laughed listening to the guys. Twist had shared some hilarious stories that she was sure Drew didn’t appreciate him sharing from their time in the military. Drew had then ratted out Twist with a couple too. Her mom and Compass had chatted a lot. Halfway through dinner, three more men from the Bluff Creek Brotherhood MC, Cider Creek Chapter had joined them: Dodge, Bootstrap, and Brew. Their names were interesting.

Bootstrap had called her and her momBaby girl. She had to admit he had a very sexy voice. She’d giggled when Drew, no, she had to remember to call him Booker around these guys, had slid his arm around her and saidMine. She’d read it in books, but the flames scorching through her from having it in real life had been almost too much. She’d smiled but kept the shiver that wanted to run through her from happening.

“Do you prefer Alex or Lexi?” Compass asked.

“I’m good with either. Booker was the only one who ever called me Lexi.”

“I think we’ve talked about all of us. Where do you live now, Lexi?” Booker asked.

“Well, that’s a long story. Let’s save that for tomorrow because I really don’t want to get into it tonight.”

Tonight was perfect, and she wasn’t ruining it with all the things she’d gone through lately. Maybe later.

“Do we need to beat someone up?” Booker questioned.

Lexi slid her hand onto Booker’s tense arm. “Let’s enjoy our evening. Everything is wonderful here. If somebody does eventually need to be beat up, I’ll make sure you get to be in charge of it.”

Booker nodded and stared into her eyes. Lexi mouthedpleasebecause she really wanted him to drop it.

“So what’s next tonight?” Compass asked.

“Well, if Lexi agrees, I was going to take her on a short bike ride so we could take a walk.”

Oh man. He remembered their walks and then set up one for them. It wasn’t too cold, just a tad chilly, but if she had to have his arm around her to keep warm while they walked, she wasn’t going to complain.

“I think that would be perfect.”

“We thought you might have plans. Bootstrap brought poker chips. How about a poker party in my room?” Twist suggested.

“I’m in. Maureen, are you joining us?” Compass asked.

At least Lexi wouldn’t need to worry about her mom tonight. The fact her mom and some of her friends had their own poker group when she was home meant her mom would have a great evening.

“I’d love to,” Maureen said.

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