Page 81 of Bronco

I swallow hard. “Won’t they be obliged to tell Cash?”

“If it’s on club time, then yes, but they can be discreet as long as the club isn't implicated. At the moment, Erica is missing, but this isn’t a club related issue.”

“I should probably tell Cash myself.” I look down at my hands. “I didn’t want to involve the club because this isn’t their problem to fix.”

“You know you’re considered club property now you’re dating Bronco,” Halo chuckles. “So he’ll want to jump in and involve everyone.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” I admit. I don’t tell them about our secret pact. They don’t need to know any of that.

“I can’t say I didn’t see it coming,” Star says, surprising me. “I think it’s pretty obvious he’s nuts about you.”

“Really?” I try not to sound too confused. Is it really obvious? Or is Bronco just really good at charming women? He admitted he was trying to ward off Cupcake.

Star and Halo both nod in agreement. “He’s not been seen with any chicks for ages at the clubhouse,” Halo goes on, clasping her hands together excitedly. “That’s a dead giveaway. It’s sweet, if you ask me. Bronco saving all his cookies for his best friend, who was right under his nose all along. Aww!”

“It’s early days yet,” I add quickly “We’re just seeing where things go. Now that Olive is in my care with some degree of permanency, that changes things a little.”

“Well, Bronco is very reliable,” Star says, shuffling the papers on her desk. “I never thought I’d say this, but in the last six months or so, he’s really stepped up. Not only at the club, but with his own business, taking charge of the shop and running it all smoothly. He’s put a lot of work in.”

Everyone knows how hard Bronco works, and a big part of that success is his ability to adapt and put his mind to anything. I’m proud of him. I don’t like lying to my friends about ourrelationship, but this little white lie about us dating isn’t going to hurt them, right?

“I think I’ll have to get some more ink now that the baby’s born,” Halo agrees. “Some of his work is freaking amazing.”

I think about the tattoo on my wrist; the same one I covered up with makeup and my cuff this morning. The same one that Bronco wants to cover up with a new tattoo. My heart bleeds and melts at the same time. He was so distressed when I’d confessed what it was. I’d never seen his face change with the different emotions before. Confusion. Horror. Disbelief. Then anger.

I swallow down the guilt that threatens to rise. “It is. He really is talented.”

“So, I’ll do some digging, and I’ll let you know what I come up with.” Star gives me a small smile. “Don’t worry, I’ve been doing this a while, and I’m confident we can find something. I’ll probably start with bank records, and a phone trace.”

“But her phone isn’t in service,” I say. “I’ve tried calling multiple times.”

“We can still get a trace with GPS tracking, even if the phone is switched off.”

I don’t ask if any of this is legal or not. Instead, I nod. “Thank you. I really appreciate it. I just hope she’s not gotten too in over her head. I just wished she’d have told me.”

Star nods, tucking her hair behind her ears. “I’ll call as soon as I know anything. In the meantime, if you think of anything else, even if you believe it’s not relevant, let me know. The smallest details can often help more than you think.”

“Okay, I will.” I hug them both, then head out.

My heart is heavy, the dread in the pit of my stomach threatens to take over. I know Erica. She wouldn’t do something like this. Then I realize; yes, she would. If Olive were in danger, she’d do everything to protect her. It just hurts that she can’t tell me who or why, or how I can help.

This isn’t nearly the same thing, but I catch a glimpse at how Bronco felt when he found out my secrets. I don’t know why I did that to him. I saw the hurt on his face, and it’s killing me. I never want him to think I’m being sneaky or secretive, but that’s exactly how it must have come across. I’ll make it up to him, I’ll try and be a better friend. Or a friend with many benefits. I think I like the sound of that better.

17

BRONCO

I feellike I’m walking on cloud nine. I’ve been on my own personal high all day.

I’m usually a happy-go-lucky kinda guy, taking everything in my stride, but today I feel as light as a feather. I know Amber has everything to do with that, and I’m not sorry about it.

Even though I showered this morning, I can still smell her on my skin. That might have something to do with the vanilla body wash I used this morning with a hint of honey and almond. Not my usual scent, but it casts my mind back to our hot night in Amber’s bed. Man, she’s something else. I never knew sex could be even more intense when you actually like the person.Reallylike them. Everything felt different, and even though we made a pact we wouldn’t get emotionally involved, I know I’m lying to myself.

I get jealous when I think about her with another guy, or if a dude even dares to check her out; that never used to happen until recently. I was elated when fuckface Ben had to cancel, and I got to take his place, even though we’ve been to watch the Pelican’s heaps of times. Something is happening to me. Lastnight felt different; I’ve never been nervous before, but that’s exactly how I felt. Like the first date jitters.

Fuck.

Maybe this situation can actually work? We’re perfect for each other — even if Amber may not see it that way yet.What am I even saying? Am I really falling in love with my best friend?

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