Page 24 of Chasing Lyric
“You guys aren’t what I expected,” I admit after about an hour of easy conversation.
“What did you expect?” Ellie asks with amusement.
“Honestly? Leather-clad women with questionable life choices,” I say, then immediately flush with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, that was—”
“Accurate for some motorcycle clubs,” Haven finishes with a laugh. “But we’re not most clubs. The men here… they’re good men. They protect what matters to them, and they take care of their own.”
“Like family,” Sadie adds.
“Speaking of family,” Rhyan says. “How did Chase know exactly where to find Rip? That seemed… convenient.”
I shake my head. “I honestly don’t know. He said they were old surfing buddies, but…” I trail off, thinking about all the little inconsistencies I’ve noticed.
“But?” Haven prompts gently.
“There’s something he’s not telling me. I can feel it.” I take a sip of coffee, gathering my thoughts. “He knew who I was the second I introduced myself. He had this look, like recognition, but he’d never seen me before in his life.”
The women exchange glances, and I catch it.
“What?” I ask. “Do you know something?”
“Honey…” Sadie says carefully. “Sometimes people have good reasons for keeping things to themselves, especially early in a…” she waves her hands around, “… whatever this is between you two.”
“But if he’s lying—”
“Omitting, maybe,” Haven interrupts firmly. “But I’d bet money Chase has never told you a single lie. There’s a difference.”
Her certainty surprises me. “You can tell all that from meeting him for five minutes?”
Haven smiles mysteriously. “I’m good at reading people. It’s a survival skill.”
Before I can ask what that means, we hear voices from the main room. Some of the guys are back, and I hear Chase’s voice among them, though I can’t make out the words.
“Sounds like some of the guys got let out early,” Rhyan says, standing. “You want to go find your man?”
My man.
The phrase sends a flutter through my chest that I try to ignore.
When we enter the main room, I spot Chase immediately. He’s standing with Rip, but his posture is tense, and there’s something in his expression that makes my heart race.
Our eyes meet across the room, and he comes over immediately.
“How was your meeting?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“Fine,” he says, but there’s hesitation in his voice. “Just… old friends catching up.”
There it is again.
The omission Haven mentioned.
“Chase,” I start, but Rip bounds over with his infectious energy.
“Yo, Betty! Did you meet everyone? Aren’t they totally rad?”
“Betty?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s what I call all the ladies,” Rip explains with a grin. “Like, gnarly vibes, you know? C’mon, let’s go hang out with Doughnut.”
