Page 23 of Hounds Ascend
“It’s ‘bout damn time y’all showed up.” Clayton stands up to greet us, pulling me into a hug first then Cass.
I’m almost taken aback by his friendly demeanor, only because I’m not sure what to expect from him.
“Hey, old man.” Cass pats him on the back, mid-hug.
“Easy, son. I ain’t old. I’m seasoned.”
Cass pulls a chair out for me next to Clayton then takes a seat between me and the other Oklahoma Hound. He has dark black hair and looks to be of Native American descent. His chocolate brown eyes are full of life and humor.
“Lilly, this is Brock. He was like an uncle to me when I was growing up. The cool uncle that lets you get away with literally anything.”
“Nice to meet you, Lilly.”
“You too.”
The only thing that makes me believe he’s in a motorcycle club is the fact that he wears a cut. Other than that, everything about this man says loving grandfather that takes his grandkids fishing every weekend and has never been in trouble a day in his life. I’m slowly learning that looks can be deceiving, though. That, and I’m a terrible judge of people. I make a mental note to question my judgement way more often from here on out.
Linc is grinning like a pig eating shit, listening to the stories that Clayton and Brock are telling. Clayton was talking about when he was prospecting and how different shit was back then than it is now, gaining an eye roll from Cass.
“Can I get y’all something?”
I turn my head to find a short, thick brunette with a nametag labeling her as Sandy standing next to the table.
“I’ll take a sweet tea, no lemon and…” I trail off. I haven’t even looked at the menu.
“Can we have the pulled pork platter? The family sized one with four sides for the table.” Clayton to the rescue with his order.
“And another sweet tea…no lemon,” Cass chimes in before the waitress waltzes off toward what I can only assume is the kitchen. It’s the only part of this place that has walls and a door.
“We were waiting on y’all to get here before we ordered.”
“Thank you. So, what brings y’all into town?” Cass asks, directing his question more at Clayton than Brock.
“Same as you, I suppose. Heard the Highway Sinners were having a big shindig and since they are a brother club of ours, then it’s only right for us to show our faces.”
“Fair enough.”
The waitress returns to our table with our teas, and a refill of whatever Clayton was drinking. She sets them down then rushes off to the kitchen again.
“So, Lilly. What made a pretty girl like you get hooked up with an outlaw like Cass?” Clayton asks, eyeing me curiously.
I almost choked on the sip of tea in my mouth. I cough and put my hand to my mouth. “Sorry, excuse me.” I clear my throat then proceed.
“I guess I just like to live on the wilder side of things in life,” I say smugly, setting my glass down.
Clayton’s serious façade falls away and is replaced by a deep chuckle. “Yeah, you’d have to in order to fit in around here.”
“What about you? What drew you to be an outlaw?” I retort.
“Oh, you know. Prep school was too boring, so I decided to be everything they taught me not to be.”
His light demeanor makes me laugh.
“Alright, Clayton. Quit flirting with my girl,” Cass chimes in.
“What? I ain’t flirting. We just having a friendlyconversation.”
“Mm-hmm. I know howfriendlyyou are.”
