Page 18 of Under the Influence

Stopping myself from asking unhelpful questions, I slide in next to her and shut the door. The evening is a bit chilly. But once Edith straddles me and presses her body against mine, we get overheated real fucking quick.

EDITH, AKA MARKED BY A STUD’S LIPS

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Duke and I spend an hour in my back seat. We mostly make out. Occasionally, I climb off his lap and try to cool down. We talk about sports at one point and cooking during another break. Each time, once I’m in control of myself again, I climb on his lap and return my lips to his.

Eventually, the night gets too cold, and I start worrying about his ride home. I hate when my pa or brothers ride during misty weather. Now, I fear something will happen to Duke.

We plan to meet tomorrow for a movie and a meal in Dunphey. We also exchange numbers. I ask if I can text him freely or if he’s monitored. He responds by kissing me. I think he likes knowing I’m worried about his situation with his family and club.

Driving home, I consider how Duke originally offered to give up his club by having the Blood-Red Suns patched over by Rawkfist Motorcycle Club. I haven’t heard if that’s still happening. I don’t know if Uncle Court wants to take on the extra responsibility. My uncle hopes to slow down as he prepares for his retirement. Now, everything is up in the air.

If Court is stressed by this new situation, I’m sure Duke must be, too. I make a mental note to ask him on our date how he’s feeling. Though Duke’s close to his mom and daughters, I don’t sense he has any friends he can unload on emotionally.I could become his sounding board!

Arriving home to a quiet house, I strip down and crawl into bed. I don’t dare wash away Duke’s peppery cologne from my body. I want to feel close to him for a little longer.

During a trip to the bathroom at four a.m., I sleepily text Tuesday to request guidance after we’re both up. Then, I return to bed and my thoughts of Duke.

Hours later, Tuesday wakes me up by climbing into bed next to me. I yank the blanket over my head and let my dreams linger. Tuesday doesn’t rush me. Finally, I turn over and sigh.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, cuddled up next to me.

“I’m falling for Duke McGraw,” I whisper. “Falling hard and without a parachute. Help me.”

Tuesday’s expression doesn’t bode well for any incoming help. She takes my hands and smiles like a loon.

“I knew you had someone good out in the world. None of that settling for toilet floaters. Edith Mooney deserves a real man.”

“But he’s in a different stage of his life. Duke feels like a dead end.”

“If things aren’t going well, what’s your hickey about?” she asks and runs her fingers over my throat. “Did you give that to yourself with a vacuum cleaner?”

Clenching my eyes, I shudder at the thought of walking around with a hickey. No way will that go unnoticed.

I open my eyes and admit, “We made out in my car.”

“I knew you had a floozy side. You just needed the right man to awaken your inner swamp whore.”

“Duke is making me dream big.”

“Aw.”

“What do I do?”

Tuesday hugs me and murmurs, “Roll with what’s happening and see how it turns out.”

“He’s already had his kids, and they’re not that much younger than me.”

“True, but he’s still hot and fertile. I bet you’d make beautiful kids.”

“I don’t think he wants any.”

“Well, if he wants you, he’ll change his mind.”

“That’s not how people work.”

“Bullet never wanted to be a pa, but you see how he dotes on Roxie. Plus, he’s planning to blast a baby into my target when we’re ready. For me, Bullet’s willing to ride into stormy waters and see what happens.”

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