“You a promised woman, Trixie?” She shrugs and looks at the ring like it’s from a vending machine.
“It’s nothing serious, really.” Not fucking happening.
“I don’t fuck other men’s women.” She laughs in my face.
“Since when! Come on, Red. Just one more ride.” My vision takes over the color that everyone so fondly calls me.
“LEAVE.” Her shocked face is the last thing I see before my front door slams, and the tires of her car squeal as she takes off.
I sit on the corner of my bed and hang my head.
“I’m batting a thousand tonight,” I say to the empty house.
I throw on a pair of sweats and walk into my kitchen to grab a beer and call Clayton.
“Yeah?” He answers on the third ring.
“Danders cause any trouble after I left?” The bar still sounds crazy even though it’s almost closing time for the locals.
“Nah, he’s gone.” I want to ask but can’t find the words, and thank fuck Clay puts me out of my misery.
“She’s still here.” I frown.
“Is the club there yet?” The Courthouse is a friendly town bar and grill that is open until eight p.m.
Then, it’s a notorious biker joint that is neutral territory for four local clubs. Not even the police will answer calls in the area until the sun is back up.
And my brother Clay, he’s the fucking Ambassador. He keeps the peace and resolves any and all problems.
“Nah, we got time. I’ll get trouble out beforehand.” I trust Clay, but something is telling me to go back and get her.
“No, wait, she just paid.” I sigh in relief.
“Thanks, see ya later.” I hang up and flop back on the bed.
I have a ton of paperwork to finish tomorrow and a meeting with the fucking mayor the next day. I groan when the suit hanging on the hook mocks me. Then I smile as I think of his pretty little daughter.
Tonight might have been an epic failure, but after my meeting, I know someone who can make it all better.
I pick up my phone and dial her number as I walk back into my bedroom.
“Mr. Justice, to what do I owe the honor?” I grin at her professional tone.
“Ms. Grant, I do believe I have a meeting with our Mayor on Thursday, and I find myself without a lunch date for after. Would you like to join me?” She moans, dropping her little act, and I grin alone in my bedroom.
“Red, I’d skip my own funeral to have you for lunch.” Now that answer does my broken ego a world of good.
“Well, I do aim to please, Darlin’. See you then.” I hang up and get ready for bed, knowing I’ll get the relief I’m looking for, even if it’s not from the woman I want.
It takes me hours to fall asleep, though. My subconscious fucks with me every time I manage to start dreaming. A pair of amber eyes haunt me all night.
When the clock on my dresser mocks me with big red numbers and, I can just see the light creeping into my bedroom from behind the blinds so I throw the sheets off, and go in search of coffee.
I guess I’m getting an early start today.
“You’re up before the cocks.” I grunt at my Pa’s voice behind me.
“Having trouble sleeping, son?” I glare at the fancy machine he got Ma a few years ago.