Page 83 of Greedy Grizzly
“That’s exactly what I want, too,” I replied. “What do you want, Grizz?”
“Honestly, I’m open to anything. I never thought I’d get to be with you, so I’m just grateful to have you when I can. I mean, the time we’ve had has been more than I could’ve ever asked for. You freed me from the shackles I’d placed on myself.”
Damn, there he was willing to take what he was given instead of demanding more from me. On the one hand, I felt bad like I was stealing his dreams. On the other hand, I knew I couldn’t promise I’d be faithful. My job kept me gone for months at a time. I’d eventually break and betray Grizzly’s and Libby’s trust, which was why I wanted us to go into this relationship with our eyes wide open.
“Aww,” Libby said.
“Then you’re okay with me coming and going?”
“Yeah, but just be prepared for lots of sex.” Grizzly wiggled his eyebrows.
“I can do that.” This conversation was going better than I imagined. So much better, I felt myself falling harder for Grizzly and Libby. I’d feared they might try to trap me and talk me into putting roots down in Bastion Township. If they’d gone that route, I would have had to break their hearts.
I could give them my heart and soul, but I couldn’t commit to a life in one place. As deeply as I cared and loved them, I’d be miserable.
“And if I’m being totally truthful, I’m ready for a little traditional living.” Libby glanced up at me, then over at Grizzly. “I may not ever have a baby of my own, but I want a home to call my own and a husband to share my life with.”
“Hold that thought.” Grizzly jumped off the bed and went into his bathroom. When he came out he’d put on underwear andhad a little black box in his hand. “I know this isn’t romantic. I’m not good at romance, but now seems like the best time to ask you.”
“Oh my gosh!” Libby sat up and covered her mouth with her hand.
“No better time than the present.” I rolled onto my side to watch the two people I cared about most get engaged.
Grizzly lowered to one knee. “Libby Larson, will you marry me?” No fluff or romantic sentiments with that man. Just straight to the point. He opened the box and revealed a simple, not huge by any means, diamond ring.
“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” Libby burst into tears as he placed the ring on her finger.
“Why are you crying?” he asked her.
“Because I’m so happy, silly!” She looped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
I smiled up at Grizzly and took his hand, lacing our fingers together. “I’m happy for both of you. Truly happy.”
26
GRIZZLY
Several days and nights had come and gone since Toby and I revealed our feelings to each other. Nearly three weeks to be exact. It had been a week since I proposed to Libby and nobody in the club knew about it.
My fiancée and I had agreed to keep the happy news to ourselves until after the funeral. We felt it would be selfish to steal the attention away from David’s daughter and the others who lost their lives that fateful day.
So, we’d make a formal announcement after we returned to Minnesota. I predicted Libby would take the lead and share her happy news during karaoke night this weekend.
I exhaled a heavy breath and tried not to move. The sun blared high in the sky above the crowd of mourners. Wearing our black cuts didn’t help, acting like an electric blanket on my back. I was sure my brothers felt the same. We were drenched, but not one of us dared to wipe the sweat dripping down the sides of our faces.
Nobody would dare to disrupt or disrespect the president of Knight’s Legion MC, David Knight. Seated beside him in the front row was his wife, Jane and their daughter, Hannah. Both women were sobbing, and I had to admit, hearing them made me want to cry.
Libby held my hand, sniffling. Most of the Minnesota club members were present, along with the North Dakota crew, headed up by Cobra.
Ciro Remotti and his brothers were in attendance, along with Wolf, showing their respect. With their group were a few members of the Kings of Anarchy MC from Northern California. Toby would be working with them as well. The Kings had become allies of Ciro’s in the past year, around the time he had reunited with Isla, his wife.
I discreetly studied, El Jefe, the president of KOAMC. He was attractive, tatted, and Hispanic. Mid to late 30s. And from what Toby told me,straight. I had to admit that I was relieved he wasn’t into men because I was confident Toby would wiggle his way into his bed… Hell, I would, too.
Shaking those inappropriate thoughts away, I tore my gaze off of El Jefe and his crew. This wasn’t the time or the place for dirty fantasies.
Shit, it is hot.
More beads of sweat rolled down the sides of my face and down my spine. But again, I acted unaffected even though I was going out of my mind.
