Page 12 of Clear Your Mind

That’s the first I realize he’s astride a different motorcycle than he’d been on last night.

I sigh, realizing I will have to at least see him in passing to return the helmet.

Next time?

The snake. His smile tells me he knows exactly what game he’s playing. It isn’t an accident we’re not on a bagger.

“I said thanks for a great night, but you don’t owe me anything. You asked me out to soften the blow of what Cowboy said or to mark your territory. Not sure which, but it doesn’t matter. We both got what we wanted out of the encounter. Four times if my memory serves. I’ll be sure you get the helmet back.” I chuckle nervously because I’m rambling. If I don’t shut up and head inside, I’m sure to embarrass myself further.

With no other thought of what to say to extricate myself with some dignity intact, I grab his slightly scruffy cheeks and kiss the shit out of him. I hear some whoops, hollers, and feminine wolf whistles from behind. I don’t bother looking.

Fucking romance authors.

Before I can pull away, Buddy feels me up, and I’m melting into him when he pulls away with my phone in his talented hand. I slap my back pocket, and sure enough, it’s not there.

He touches the screen and then turns it to my face before I even realize what he’s doing.

He taps on the screen a bit and the phone in his cut rings. He hands mine back and answers his like it’s any other call and speaks into the phone while looking at me, so I lift the phone to my ear too.

“There, now you have my number. Think about me while you sell your sexy books. I’ll call you tonight to make plans for next weekend.” He ends the call, drops his phone back into his inside breast pocket, dons his helmet and pulls away, and I’m still standing there with my phone to my ear.

I breathe a small sigh of relief but also one of frustration. Buddy and men like him are not good for me, and I know it. Been there, done that, and got the restraining order to prove it. They’re fun to play with but not so much to have and to hold.

That’s why when he said one and done, I was thrilled. Exactly my level of commitment. But now, he’s changed the terms of service. At least he’s not beating his chest and grunting, “mine.” When I get into a relationship, it will be because I’m treasured as a partner, not a possession.

My inner voice asks,What about the connection? You’ve never had that.

“Stuff it,” I tell myself.

Pocketing my phone, I head straight to the event room. No time for crappy coffee. I look down at my outfit from last night. Now grateful it’s clean since I’ll be wearing it all day.

When I enter, the room is already buzzing with authors and assistants putting the finishing touches on their tables. I make my way to mine and realize a few things have been changed. Faith is no longer right next to me, but I can still see her table. Close enough to throw things at least.

There are always changes with large events. It’s the nature of hosting a big event, changes are inevitable. I just go with the flow.

It’s a whirlwind event. General admission is in full swing. Just an hour left and it’s still bumping. A tornado could’ve touched down outside, and my ass wouldn’t have known. I’m in the zone. I spare a glance at Faith and she’s the same. I can barely see her through the crowd at her table.

Thank God for Fireball.

There’s a slight break in traffic and I look to see a crowd forming by the door. Thankful for the break but also curious, I go around to the front of my table, straightening swag and whatnot.

The crowd parts just enough for me to spot a mussy blond head scanning the room with icy-hot blue eyes.

“Fuck me sideways.”

A reader within earshot quips, “I’d let that man break my back.”

Buddy spots me as I try to hide behind my banner. I can tell by that panty-melting grin I’m not sure I can resist that he’s spotted me.

I chance a glance over toward Faith and she’s surely noticed the other biker causing a stir because she’s sporting a shit-eating grin.

Buddy makes his way to my table with readers following him and asking for pictures.

Once he’s in front of my table, my breath hitches. In the handful of hours since he dropped me off, I forgot how potent his very presence is.

Dear goddess, the man could get half the population pregnant with that smile and the wink accompanying it.

“What book are you on?” a reader asks Buddy as she searches my table.

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