Page 19 of Baja
“Go get your woman, man,” Sage exclaims, and I can hear her smile in the tone.
I ignore the banter. My mind is already on Alice and the conversation that is about to happen. I don’t know how it will go down, but I’m not letting another night go by with her thinking I’m fucking with someone else.
It’s her I want.
I step outside.
My boots crunch against the gravel as I close the distance to my bike. I swing my leg over the leather seat, fire her up, and tear away from the clubhouse. The tires spit gravel as I leave the clubhouse behind. Once I hit the open road, I twist the throttle hard, pushing the bike to its limit and chasing the fire in my chest.
I don’t slow down.
No more games.
No more hesitation.
No holding back.
It’s time Alice knows where I stand and exactly what I want.
And what I want isher.
9
ALICE
When I arrive home, I feel no less bitter about the situation.
Stepping inside the house, I disarm the security system and toss my purse and keys onto the kitchen counter before going down the hall to my bedroom to change. After changing into an old T-shirt and leggings, I tie my hair into a bun at the top. Deciding I need a drink, I grab a bottle of beer from the refrigerator and head outside to the greenhouse. The moment I walk inside, the earthy smell of dirt assaults my senses. Most people would turn their noses at the pungent scent, but I find it comforting.
Popping the top off the bottle, I bring it to my lips while my phone dings with a text. I pull the phone from the waistband of my leggings and stare down at a text from Sukie on the screen. I was expecting her to reach out after I left the salon.
Sukie:Are you okay? I’m worried about you.
Me:I’m good. Promise.
Her reply is instant.
Sukie:Why don’t I come over so we can talk?
Me:You don’t have to do that. I’m working in the greenhouse. Plus, I need time to think. Please stop worrying about me. I’ll be fine. Spend the day with your friends.
The chat bubble pops up and then disappears. A minute later, it reappears.
Sukie:You win. I’ll give you the day, but I’m still coming over for breakfast in the morning, and we are going to talk.
Me:I thought I was the mom here. Now look who’s being bossy.
Sukie: You’re stubborn, and I have no choice.
I shake my head and chuckle.
Me:I love you and will see you in the morning.
Sukie:I love you too. And I expect chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. I miss your pancakes.
My girl knows how to bring a smile to my face.
Tossing my phone on the workbench, I take another pull of my beer before I put on my work gloves and get busy. Over the next several hours, I clear my head and try to banish all thoughts of Baja. I ignore how much time has passed, but by the time the sun has set, I have potted a dozen batches of Lavender, seven batches of Calendula, and a dozen batches of Lemon Balm and prepared the soil for some Peppermint. The holiday season will be upon us soon, and anything peppermint sells like wildfire. Especially hand soap and candles.
