Page 38 of Loch
“Bet Diesel would come if you asked,” I said. I bumped my shoulder into his. His cheeks heated a little and I giggled.
“It’s not like that.” He rolled his eyes trying to cover his excitement. “It’s just passing time or changing it up or whatever.”
“Dude, I’m not saying you guys are head over heels in love, but there is something there. I’ve seen the way he looks at you sometimes. That is some serious lusting there.”
“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “It is what it is.”
“And what is it?” I asked.
“Good. Real fuckin’ good is what it is.” He let out a short laugh. “But anyway, what’s up with you and boss man. You don’t think I see that shit the last couple times I was here with you two?” It didn’t escape me that he was changing the subject. I let it slide.
“I don’t know… the whole thing is weird and I have no idea what’s up. I try not to think about it too much.” I paused for a beat. “He gets my head space all fucked up.” I threw my hands up in frustration.
“Men suck.”
“You do realize you are a man, right?” I laughed hard.
“So we don’t want to talk about shit. Get your damn phone out and get to textin’, woman.” His tone was joking and I shook my head at him but gave into his demand.
I hovered over Nate’s name, almost tapping it three times before deciding against it. I send Brand and Bocca separate texts. I went with the sweet and pleading route with Brand. Then decided that a little flirty and playful would work best for Bocca. I knew I could get at least one of them to come and wished on my lucky stars that they would bring backup. I had grown to love the bar when it was crowded. With the place full the smell of testosterone and leather wrapped around me and made me feel at home. It was weird and I knew it. But I couldn’t help how it made me feel.
Not even five minutes later the rumbling sound of bikes let me know our plan had worked. Chris and I hopped up the stool with an excited bounce like damn kids in a candy store.
Bocca walking in first. His charming personality showing bright as he held out his arms announcing he was there. He was looking better than he did when I saw him right after he was shot. He was walking better, too. I wondered if it was still too early to make fun of the fact that he got shot in the ass. Knowing these guys, I would’ve guessed that there was no grace period for the joking, though. Diesel walked in next, shooting me a chin lift before he glanced at Chris behind the bar. I hugged Bocca before he followed Diesel over to the pool tables. Seven more of them filtered in, some pausing to give me a side hug before heading off. I didn’t see Brand and part of me sagged. We had become close and he always brightened my day. I went around the bar and started grabbing beers to hand out. A few of them ordered shots of whiskey and I made quick work of getting them set up.
Bocca threw his arm around my shoulders once my hands were empty and everyone was happy. He watched Crow line up his next shot with a sharp eye. It felt like an intense game of pool and it had only gotten started. The smell of sex wafted into my nose and I knew it wasn’t me. I shifted oddly and shook my head.
“You could have taken a shower, ya know?” I tried to shrug off his arm but he wasn’t having it.
“Don’t give me that, doll face. I finished real quick so I could come to your rescue.” He winked down at me and I grimaced. I won’t lie though, it made me feel good to be at the top of his list. “Let’s just say, I left a very unhappy bitch lying naked in my bed.” I laughed, wondering which one it was. I secretly hoped it was the head bitch herself. Yeah, I may have still been a bit bitter.
“You’re an ass,” I said smiling. He shrugged like I wasn’t saying anything he didn’t already know. I patted his chest and walked away.
The place was loud and rowdy. The music was cranked up and the hard rock was welcomed to my ears. I walked around and chatted with everyone. Nothing super important, but it was nice to be brought into conversations. I wasn’t lost on me how I felt at ease around such gruff men. Truly, they were all good guys on the inside. I wasn’t fooled though. I knew you didn’t fuck with them. They would fuck you twice as hard. Sometimes the world just worked differently than people thought it should, it’s not to say that it was wrong. There was something amazing about a bunch of people that came together like they did. I admired the way they looked out for one another with no questions asked.
“God dammit, woman!” Bocca yelled and I knew he was talking to me. I snapped my head in his direction as he held up his phone. “Find your fuckin’ phone, won’t you. I love you, but I’m not your damn secretary.” He winked to let me know he was joking.
I scooted off and ran to the bar to check my phone. I had a text message from Nate telling me he needed my help with something in the stockroom. I shoved my phone in my pocket wondering what the hell he could need me for. I looked at Chris and pointed in the direction of the hall. He gave me a nod of understanding before I rushed to the back.
“Nate?” I called pushing open the door. Before I could even step in, hands circled my waist. He pulled me into him, then his hard body pushed me up against the back of the door. “Hi,” I breathed out. He gave me a rare smile and I couldn’t help but give him one back.
My heart raced wondering what he was up to.
His fingers ran down my jaw and over my lips. The light touch of his calloused tips sent shivers down my spine. He bent down and kissed me with a softness that made my heart flutter. I melted into him, my arms going around his neck and my fingers threading through his short hair. I moaned into his mouth and he pushed closer into me as he deepened the kiss. My mouth parted, desperate for him and his tongue darted in to find mine. My head was swimming and my knees threatened to give out on me. As if he sensed it, he pulled his arms tighter around me, holding me up. I felt him hardening and pushing against my hip. I didn’t know how long we stayed there, the world outside of us was lost to me. I could feel his hesitation as he broke away and placing a few light kisses on my bottom lip. His forehead rested against mine. Even in the low light of the room I could see the desire and need swirling in his eyes. I swallowed hard and tried to regain control of my breath and body.
“Hi,” he whispered, smiling again. His breath tickled my still wet lips.
I longed to taste him again but refrained from pulling him back into me. A short, nervous laugh escaped me. I wasn’t used to this Nate and I had no fucking idea what to do with it. That was not to say that I didn’t welcome it. I couldn’t help but wonder how long it was going to last, though. Right now he was on fire and I was waiting for the ice storm.
“What was that for?” My throat was dry and my words came out in a scratchy whisper. I cleared my throat and searched his eyes for some kind of clue.
“I just wanted to,” he answered. “I’ve been thinkin’ about it all day.” My cheeks grew red and I bit my lip to try and control my excitement. The things his words did to my insides. Butterflies. Fireworks. Hell, damn cannons were going off in my stomach.
“Well, it was nice,” I said trying to play it cool. But I was pretty sure I didn’t pull it off.
“Hmmm…” he said like he knew better. He smirked and planted a short, sweet kiss on my lips. “I’ve got to get back to the club.” Disappointment filled me but I tried not to let it show.
“Thanks for stopping by, then.” I untangled myself from him and stood up straight. He grabbed me again and pulled me flush with his body again. Kisses peppered up my neck from my shoulder. I tilted my head allowing him better access, wanting more. So much more.
