Page 73 of Truck Stop Titan

Brow quirked, she smiled. “I’ve known him since we were kids. His cousin, Addy, and I were besties all through high school.” She seemed to lose focus, her gaze drifting over my shoulder. “Under that tough shell, he’s a big softie. Too bad I’m the only one who’s ever seen that side of him.”

I’d seen it, too. Still, I asked, “How do you mean?”

She studied the table, then grabbed a napkin and started to twist. “He saved my life once.”

“Is that why there’s so much tension between him and Tango?”

“You picked up on that, huh?”

“Hard to miss.”

Slade gnawed on the corner of her thumb, a contemplative gaze aimed over my shoulder. “Tango and Dane will never be buddies.” A loud exhale and her bright blue eyes met mine. “Dane’s had a hard life. But he’s one of the best guys I know. Mim recognizes the good in him. God, the way she took to him. Blows me away, really. But don’t tell him I said that. He likes making people believe he’s indestructible.”

Slade’s words came breathy and light, and I was shamefully jealous of the connection she shared with Dane. With a bitter taste in my mouth, I asked, “Were you two ever a couple?”

“Oh. No. No.” She laughed. “Tango and I have been joined at the hip since we were kids. There was never anyone else for me.”

“I’m sorry.” Not sorry. Not sorry at all. “I just assumed, you know, because I’ve seen the way he looks at you. His eyes go soft.”

“We have history. Not romantic, but epic, nonetheless. But that’s a story only Dane can tell.”

“Why?”

“Dane is…well… His life is… um…” She huffed. “Listen. It’s not my place to say. What I do know, though, is that when he brought Mim here, he had no intention of staying in Whisper Springs. But thenyoucame to town, and boom, he decides to stay. Which, honestly, makes me happy. He needs roots. He needs to settle. He deserves some normal.”

“Normal?”

A rosy glow spread across her cheeks. “Oh, God. I’ve said too much. I’m sorry. Anyway. I should go check on the kids.” She scooted out of her seat, leaned my way, and squeezed my shoulder. “Good luck today. You look gorgeous by the way.”

I looked down at my chest, brushed a crumb away, then smoothed the skirt on my cobalt sheath dress. “Thanks again, Slade.”

I watched her bounce toward the kitchen with that ever-present spring in her step, took one last bite of my hash browns, then made my way out the door. The cowbell rattled a cheery tune, setting the mood for my first day at my new job.

I made it to my rental car when a loud rumble shook the ground. A large, loud, black and chrome motorcycle pulled up to the diner, driven by a man wearing a black leather vest, mean muscles, and a lethal dose of badass vibes.

He shut down his motor, removed his helmet, revealing a bald head, then dismounted his bike. A quick glance around, and he headed inside.

I couldn’t make out the words on his vest, but the skull and snake design was clear enough. I’d heard of motorcycle clubs. I’d never paid them much mind, aside from my two months of binge-watchingSons of Anarchy, and the sight of that biker, the dangerous vibe he wore, sent a shiver of excitement across my skin.

Oh, God. What was wrong with me?

I shimmied into the car, careful not to dirty my dress or scuff my shoes, and headed off toward yet another new adventure.

# # #

The night sky sparkled, tiny dots of brilliant light beaming down at us. Mim lay with her feet dangling over my stomach, her hands tucked behind her head, lips pursed while she studied the tapestry of onyx and gold hanging overhead. Our new deck was the perfect spot for stargazing, and since I had no outdoor furniture, we’d made a comfy bed of blankets and pillows to stretch our legs and enjoy the summer breeze.

My day had been an exhausting whirlwind of introductions, paperwork, and shadowing Carlos Rossi’s assistant, Lisa. Tango had checked in every so often, giving me small tasks, and helping me get acquainted with the company software.

Tempted as I had been to come clean about my surprise pregnancy, I wasn’t ready to share my personal news with those outside the immediate need to know.

Terrified as I was of pending motherhood, I couldn’t deny being over the moon, bursting with joy, knowing there was a life growing inside me.

“Mim.” I reached over the pillow and brushed a chunk of hair off her face. “I have to tell you something.”

She shifted, her heel digging into my ribs, her bright eyes meeting mine.

I smiled. She smiled.

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