Page 7 of Blade

“Yeah, and I love it. Just thought I’d take a walk. Get some air,” I reply in all sincerity. I don’t want the guys to think their efforts aren’t appreciated.

“Want company?”

“Sure.” I shrug. As we walk along the sidewalk, I look over to the side street where Emryn lives. Demon doesn’t even pretend he doesn’t know where I’m headed and turns onto her street.

He grins slyly, raising his brows. “What? Really? Like we don’t know you have it bad for a cute brunette.” He shoves his shoulder into mine.

“Don’t know her enough to say.”

“Pleeeaassssse!” he drawls. “You have a club full of pussy, well, not as many as we once had, but still plenty of single women who love bikers, and you leave to get a glimpse of the girl.” I open my mouth to deny it, but he cuts me off. “Hey, brother, I’m happy for you. Sofia is the greatest gift, besides my boy and the club, that God’s ever given me. I thought I had everything, then Sofia came into my world, and I learned what it feels like to be loved and to love her back.”

“I’m happy for you. Truly.” We’re standing across from Emryn’s house, staring at the dimly lit porch. There’s a single light on in her living room. With the curtains drawn, I don’t see her, but I feel good being this close.

“Are we going to stand here all night?” Demon teases.

I’m about to tell him to fuck off when Emryn comes out onto the porch with a camera in hand, aims it at the huge tree in her front yard, and begins to snap photos. It’s then that we hear the faint sound of an owl. She takes more photos, the shutter clicking rapidly. Emryn then lies down on the grass, and my little shutterbug takes pictures of the stars in the sky.

I look up and note that it’s a perfect night for watching the night sky. Clear and bright, the sky shows a majesty of infinite stars shining brightly. Demon and I remain silent until she goes back inside her home.

“Emryn’s a woman who sees possibilities,” Demon comments. “A sky so vast, and she wants to take it all in.”

“She’s unique, and funny, and shy…and everything,” I murmur. I want to see the world through her eyes, through her photos. Yes, I have to get to know this little shutterbug.

Five

Shopping Mania

Emryn

After confirming my photo shoots for the week, consisting of an engagement, baby’s first birthday, and another wedding this Saturday, I’m content to go looking for a suitable outfit for my date with Blade tonight. I’ve got some money saved, but that’s my emergency fund, so knowing that I have these jobs happening this week makes me feel better about splurging on a new dress.

The store has a trendy vibe with some very cool pieces in the window. A shirt dress caught my attention when I walked past the window the other day, and I’m hoping it’s still there. The shop is buzzing with eager shoppers. The saleswomen are bustling about to help out their patrons, and since I’m in no hurry, I browse through the racks.

A gorgeous, vibrant redhead catches my attention when she walks by, heading straight for the woman at the register.

“Vi, darling, tell me you brought me more accessories,” the woman behind the register pleads.

The woman named Vi laughs before answering. “In my trunk. Orion is bringing them in for me.” As soon as the words come out of her mouth, the man from the restaurant, the big bearlike man, comes waltzing in with three boxes stacked high in his arms and drops them on the counter by Vi.

It seems that Orion recognizes me, and when Vi grabs his arm, he dips his lips to her ear and whispers something to her. Not two seconds later, Vi heads straight for me.

“Hi, I’m Vi, and this is my man, Orion. I believe you’ve met.” She holds out her hand for me to take.

“Uh, hi. I’m Emryn.” I look up at the big man, straining my neck all the way back to peer up at him. “Hi,” I repeat, giving him a slight wave.

“Yo,” Orion replies with a grin.

“We hear you’re new in town. Consider me part of the welcoming committee,” Vi says with a giggle. She glances at my hand holding the dress I had been searching for in my size. “That’s cute. I saw it in the window. You definitely have to try it on.” Before I can answer her, she has me by the hand and is leading me over to the changing room area. “You go on in and get changed. I’m going to find some fabulous jewelry to go with it.” And poof! She disappears.

I step into the changing room and try the dress on. I love that it’s effortless and flowy. This classic, soft, gray, silk shirtdress feels good against my skin. It skims my knees for a flowing A-line fit, and it’s cinched at the waist with a belt. As I’m admiring the dress in the mirror, Vi knocks on the door.

“Come on out. I want to see,” she says in a cheery tone.

I feel a little self-conscious but step out, only to have Vi drag me over to another mirror. As I’m staring at my reflection, Vi guides my arms out to the sides, then proceeds to remove the belt. When I open my mouth to ask what gives, she catches my eyes in the mirror and says, “Trust me.”

Not wanting to offend her, I remain quiet, although internally, I’m thinking, what the heck? And, I don’t even know you. Vi slips on a very wide black leather belt with a shiny nickel-plated buckle. Next, she fastens a chunky chain-link choker around my neck that I have to admit looks fabulous with the dress. Then she hands me a charm bracelet and tells me to put it on, followed by drop earrings.

“I can’t wear those. If I try them on, I’ll have to buy them,” I protest. I also can’t afford anything more than the dress. And maybe the belt, but only because it’s fabulous and creates a magnificent hourglass shape with my body.

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