Page 34 of Sever
“I cannot believe that.” She reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. It’s a small gesture, but she knows me well enough to know that anything more will just open a can of worms. “So I’m guessing biker boy will be a permanent figure around here then?” She cocks an eyebrow.
Ah, humor.
That I can deal with.
“I think I might keep him around for a while.” I shoot her a wink and grab my purse and keys. “I’ll see you later. I have a ton of work to do today.”
“Oh, I'm sure you'll be workin' it.”
I give her a wave, ignoring the shimmy she chases me down the hall with, and head out to my car with a definite spring in my step. Even the journey to work feels better today. Traffic is light, the radio plays some of my favorite songs, and I manage to avoid every single red light.
The office is fairly quiet. I head to my desk and gather up everything I brought back from the garage. I don’t know why I thought I could do everything I needed to here. I got some stuff done, but nothing close to what I could do when I was there, and that’s even with Ryder to distract me.
On my way out I stop at the reception desk, letting Andrea know I’ll be out for the rest of the day, and possibly the remainder of the week.
“Megan, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I turn to see Connor sauntering up the hallway, his shirtsleeves pushed up to his elbows, his hair sticking up like he’s just run his hands through it. I give him a smile but he doesn’t return it.
“I had to pick up some papers before I went back to the clubhouse.” He nods once but then his eyes drop to the floor and weird silence ensues. “I’ll see you later?”
I say it like a question but I know I won’t see him. Things are so awkward, and that’s all my fault. I don’t blame him for being a little “off” with me.
The drive to the clubhouse is quick and as soon as I’m through the door, I get to work. I still want to impress Mr. Duncan. I’d really like a promotion when this whole thing is over.
The door opens and Jaz walks in. “Thought maybe you could use some help again.”
“I’d love some.” I smile as she sits down.
I expect her to get right to work, so when she doesn’t I turn my head. She’s studying me. “How are things? I know you were shocked when you found out Tracker claimed you. Have you spoken to him about it?”
I’d actually forgotten all about that. We were so focused on working through our other issues, that one kind of slipped right through the cracks.
“Things are actually really good. We worked through a bunch of history we had last night.” I can't control the huge smile on my face.
She smiles back, then reaches over to grab a file from the mountain I brought back from the office. “That’s great, at least you guys worked it out. How do you feel about being an old lady?” She glances up at me.
Wait, what?
“An old lady?”
“Oh yeah.” She laughs. “That's what you're called once a brother claims you. We all secretly hate it, but it’s a sign of respect from the guys.”
I blink twice, and then shake my head and shrug. “That is definitely something I’m going to need to get used to. I honestly have no idea what I’m doing. The boy I knew is nothing like the man he is today.”
Warm fingers slip over mine and I look up. “How about you have lunch with me and the girls today? We can give you a crash course on the dos and don’ts.”
“I’d like that.” It makes me feel good that the girls have been so accepting of me, from lunch the other day, to Jaz helping me out here, and then offering to take me under their wing. I feel like a fish out of water, but Jaz is making it easier. I appreciate that more than I can tell her.
Ryder walks in, nodding at Jaz before his eyes come to me. “Hey, you wanna go grab a bite to eat?”
“Sorry, she’s already taken.” Jaz looks up from her phone, where she’s been furiously tapping away, and stands up. She loops her arm through mine and we walk out of the garage.
Jaz walks with me to the clubhouse. I see Lucy, Nikki, Izzy, and a girl I’ve never met before. She lifts her chin in greeting and I smile. “Megan, this is Tracie.” Jaz pulls out a chair for me, taking the one next to it.
The girls have some sandwiches, sodas, and chips on the table. It’s nothing fancy, but the way my stomach is feeling, I doubt I’ll eat much anyway.
“Hey, guys, thanks for having lunch with me.”
