Page 56 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

Where was that wine when I needed it?

With his laughter calmed, Burke asked, “So, what are you gals doing here alone?”

“Waiting for our guys,” Amy said as the server filled our wine glasses with chardonnay and left it chilling in an ice bucket beside the table.

“Help yourself to a glass, Burke,” Amy offered.

“Thanks, but I have a business meeting here,” he said. “When are you going to get me those plans for developing part of the lodge land?”

Grateful the teasing had ended, though I did have the whole night ahead of me to go, I said, “I’m thinking on it.”

I’d been putting it off, not sure what I wanted to do. I knew it would be a solid investment to take part of the land attached to the lodge and have condos built on it. But I just wasn’t sure if my Aunt Effie would want me to do that.

“Too busy with the plans for the preserve?” Burke asked.

“You got it. It’s something my Aunt Effie wanted, and I am going to make sure her plans see fruition.”

“I can understand that.” He leaned across the table. “You know you still owe me a date and I’d even take you out while sporting those raccoon eyes.”

“How thoughtful, but in your dreams, Burke.”

“Cheating on your old man?”

Burke and I both turned to see the biker Stone standing by the table.

“What makes you think it’s any of your business?” Burke asked with an attitude.

Burke was never one to take anything from anyone, so I wasn’t surprised that he went back at Stone.

“You certainly have a pair of?—”

“Watch your mouth in front of the ladies,” Burke warned, looking ready to stand and defend my and Amy’s honor.

Amy leaned over to me and whispered, “That’s a lot of testosterone going on.”

I had to agree with her, and I was worried about where it was headed.

“Mr. Strathmore, the party you are meeting is here,” a server said.

“Saved by the bell,” Stone said with a sly grin.

“Anytime, anyplace,” Burke challenged.

“Are you sure you want that pretty face of yours rearranged,” Stone threatened.

“Mr. Strathmore,” the server said, reminding him that he was waiting and doing his best to prevent an altercation between patrons.

“Enjoy the night, Burke, and I’ll talk with you soon, whereas I won’t be talking with this arrogant biker anytime soon,” I said, diverting Stone’s attention to me.

“Talk with you soon, Pepper,” Burke said and with a look of distaste at Stone, Burke followed the server.

“Holy shit, what happened to you?” Stone asked, keeping his eyes on me as he took a seat.

“None of your business and I don’t recall inviting you to join us,” I said.

“Maybe not, but I’ve got an offer you can’t refuse,” he said, and lifted the wine glass in front of him to wiggle at me. “I’d prefer a beer, but wine will do for now.”

“What offer?” I asked, ignoring his request for a drink.

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