Page 24 of Filthy and Dirty with the Bikers

Rosie laughs. “On account of his cock being in your throat and all.”

My clit twitches just thinking about last night. “Yeah, well, I’ll be hearing about you and Owen next month, so watch your mouth.”

She laughs and spins toward the ivy wall at the front of the shop, hanging the birdhouses carefully on a vacant hook.

“We’re both a mess.” She grins and grabs another house from the counter. “That’s why we’re together. Don’t go getting sane on me or something.”

“I don’t think there’s any current threat of me becoming sane. Don’t worry.” I laugh and the bell on top of the door rings, prompting my gaze to the arrival of our first customer of the day. My heart beats with anticipation, hoping this shopper will be the one who wants to set up a wedding or an event that will fill our quota for the year, but it’s the mail man with another package. The gray-haired man smiles and sets the box on the counter before turning to leave.

“Maybe we should do mailers or something. That would generate some business, right?”

“Do you look at your mailers? I throw mine right in the trash.”

I sigh. “No. Mine go in the trash, too.”

Rosie grins. “Maybe Rhett is a secret billionaire, and he’s desperate to dump a bunch of money into your failing flower shop so all your dreams can come true.”

NowI’mlaughing. “Yeah, now who’s been reading too much?”

“I don’t read.”

“That’s right. You’re addicted to reality TV and doom scrolling.”

She pinches her lips and shrugs. “Well, we’re all phone addicts, yourself included.” We’re always playing rough with each other, so I don’t think much of it. I know she loves me, and I love her and want the best for her just the same.

That said, I’m thankful the phone I’m addicted to vibrates in my pocket, and I’m even more thankful when I see it’s Rhett. I’m half expecting a cute message from him wishing me a good day or reminding me of how great last night was. Instead, he’s all business.

Rhett: We really need to talk tonight. Can we plan on dinner a little early?

Early dinner with…talking.Maybe Rhett realizes last night was a mistake. Maybe Maverick called him to talk about the weird ride in we had this morning. Maybe Holden decided to blow up his life, and he’s told Rhett and Maverick about what happened in therapy. Maybe Tyler has done something stupid and the reality of what my life is going to be is crashing down around me.

My chest tightens and the room starts to spin. I can’t find air.Why can’t I find air?

Rosie notices the crazy and she swings open the door, allowing a swell of cold to shock my system and bring me back to the moment. It’s probably nothing. Most likely Rhett wants dinner early so we can talk about last night.

Maybe he talked to my brother. Maybe he’s feeling guilty. Neither of those things are good for me, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of everything, right?

“You okay?” Rosies hand is on my shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

I glance toward her with another wave of nausea in my stomach. Nausea I’m sure now is anxiety. “Rhett wants dinner early.”

She gasps playfully. “Oh God, that’s terrible. Are you okay? Should we Google it… see what he’s thinking?” she laughs. “Or… maybe we could just ask him.”

I roll my eyes and bite back laughter as I go back to the box I’m sorting. Some people can’t stand Rosie’s straight forward vibe, but I appreciate it. No matter what, you always know exactly what she’s thinking. That, and she’d literally cut her arm off if it meant helping a friend, which is kind of what she’s doing giving me an extra month at the shop. “You think you’re hilarious, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I kinda do. In a real, down to Earth, sarcastic sort of way that’s based in truth and observation.” A wide grin lifts her cheeks. “I’m gonna go grab us coffee.”

I glare toward her. “Donotget a pregnancy test.”

She shrugs and offers me a wry smile. “Now what would make you think I’m going to do that?”

Chapter Nine

Rhett

“I got a call from Holden saying he wants to meet here at six.” I stare at Maverick as he leans against the back of his pickup truck. His head is a mess right now, and I don’t blame him for being pissed as all hell.

“You really think last night was necessary?”

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