Page 39 of Finish Line
I’ve also had the chance to meet Lia and Gemma. Lia is Ranger’s Ol’ Lady and Gunner’s sister. Gemma is Thor’s widow. He and Trigger passed away the week before Bull and I met. Those ladies have known Bull since they were in high school and were Cami’s best friends. They’ve kept their distance from me for the most part, but I don’t take it personally.
Today is the Fourth of July and I’m helping the ladies prepare food for our big Independence Day BBQ. The guys went out and bought an insane amount of fireworks to shoot off tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many fireworks in one place.
“The Fourth is a favorite club holiday,” Sienna tells me.
“A group of guys blowing shit up. Why wouldn’t it be?” I laugh.
“They put on an amazing firework display, so it’s a win-win,” she replies.
“That is a plus,” I say.
We’ve had a busy morning already. We’ve prepped hamburger patties, chicken, steaks, pasta salad, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. That’s not to mention the many bags of chips or the desserts we still need to prep. I haven’t taken any kind of break all morning.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell Sienna. She nods her head and I walk out of the kitchen.
“Oh shit!” Lia says as I almost collide with her.
“I amsosorry! I should have been paying more attention,” I tell her.
She chuckles. “No worries, it’s all good.”
I move to walk around her, but she stops me.
“Hey, Athena,” she says. I turn to face her. “I’m sorry if it seems like Gemma and I have been cold toward you. It really has nothin’ to do with you.”
“I understand, really,” I assure her. “I can only imagine how strange this must be for you.”
“It is. You have to be somethin’ pretty damn special if Bull has you stayin’ here,” she admits to me. “I’m not an idiot, I know he’s been with women since Cami’s death, but he’s never dated someone.”
“He’s a great guy. I’m honored to be in his life,” I tell her.
She nods her head. “I would really like to get to know you. I think it’ll just take some time.”
“I’m okay with that.” I give her a small smile. “You let me know when and we can get a coffee or something.”
“That sounds good. Thank you.” She walks away after that.
I turn to walk to my room and damn near run into Carmine.
“You’restillhere?” she hisses out. “I thought for sure they would have taken you out with the trash by now.”
“Keep it up, Carmine,” I say her name like it’s a bad taste in my mouth. “One word to Bull and I could have you put out on your ass.”
A spark of fear flashes in her eyes, but as quick as it came, it’s gone again. “The brothers wouldn’t let that happen.”
“You want to test that theory?” I challenge her.
Her strong stance falters and she takes a step back.
“If you look in Bull’s directiononemore time, I will make sure you leave andnevercome back.” I get mere inches from her face. “Do you understand me?”
“Yes . . . Yes, I understand,” she stutters.
“Good, now get out of my sight.” She scurries away from me. Who knew threatening to get her kicked out of the clubhouse would freak her out so much? It makes me wonder what she’s hiding from being here. I go into my room, closing the door behind me so I can use the restroom without worrying about anyone coming into my room looking for me. Mostly, Bull. That man is always searching me out. Not that I mind it, because every time he does, I get to kiss him. And man, are his kisses addicting.
Once I’m done, I check my reflection to make sure my make-up hasn’t melted off from being in the kitchen all morning. I pull my hair back in a half ponytail and turn it into a messy bun to keep it out of my face. I walk out of my room, locking the door and head back to the kitchen. I find Sienna and walk over to her.
“What are we prepping now?” I ask her.
