Page 11 of Shine: Sins of the Father
The pale gray of early morning light seeps in through the blinds of the window. My phone is on the nightstand, and I silently tap the screen to read the time. It’s just after six a.m. I need to call Janey and call off the party before she heads up here. There is no way in hell I’m telling her the real reason. She’d flip out, and I’d have a lot of explaining to do. I know how I got into this predicament, but I haven’t even figured out why I went along with it. Now I’ve lied to this man, this club brother, and that is not good in the MC world. Even I know that.
But really, what harm will it do? No one ever has to find out about this little tryst, and I can’t say I haven’t loved every minute. It seems like it's just what I needed—a good fuck from a sexy-ass stranger. Too bad he had to be part of the MC. There is no way I’d want to hook up with a club member permanently. Nope. There’s too much heartache. I need a man who’ll be there for me, not one who’s gone at the drop of a hat anytime the club calls.
Still, last night was amazing, and waking in Shine’s arms is icing on the cake. I can’t keep the smile off my face. But I can’t waste this chance to grab a bit of privacy and warn Janey. Inching my way off the bed, I slide out from under his hold, thengrab my shirt and cutoff shorts and pad across the room and out the door.
Sliding my feet into my sandals, and easing open the cabin door, I slip outside into the cool early morning air. The soft call of birdsong fills the quiet air. On the sparkling water, a fisherman far out in the middle of the lake casts a line. Walking to the water’s edge to get distance from the house, I dig out my phone and call Janey.
She picks up on the third ring.
“What are you doing calling so early?” I hear her yawn.
“I wanted to catch you before you left. Don’t come up here.”
The sound of covers rustling carries through the phone, and I imagine she just sat straight up in bed. “What? Why not?”
There’s concern in her voice, and I’ve obviously freaked her out.
“It’s okay. Nothing’s wrong. Something’s just come up, and we can’t have the party here, so there’s no need for you to drive up today. I’m going to spend the weekend alone and get my head together.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
“Why can’t we have the party? Did the club find out?”
“Something like that. I’ll explain it all later. How’s your mother?”
“They put a splint on and gave her some painkillers. She’s still sleeping. I guess it's for the best we cancel the party, so I can stay and take care of her. My brother is practically useless in that department. I can come get you late Sunday night. That work?”
“Sure. That’s fine.”
“I wish you weren’t being so sketchy about this.”
“Everything’s good, Janey. Don’t worry.”
“I always worry. This whole thing was a dumb idea.”
“No, it wasn’t. I’ll text you later, okay? I’m giving the cabin a deep clean. It’s really helping me clear my mind. Ya know?”
“I suppose. Are you sure you’ll be okay up there by yourself? I could get my aunt to stay with my mom, and I could drive back up this afternoon.”
“No,” I snap too quickly. “I mean, I really want some time alone.”
“Okay. Fine, then. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, hon.”
I turn to the cabin and stop short. Shine is standing in the doorway, bare-chested, a pair of sweatpants hanging low on his hips, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his gaze on me.
“Hey,” I say softly as I approach. “Good morning.”
“What are you doing?”
“Watching the sunrise.” Even now, it's cresting the tree line.
“Who were you talkin’ to?” There’s suspicion in his voice, and I wonder if he has trust issues. I feel bad about lying to him, but it can’t be helped.
“Oh, um, just a friend who’s covering my shift.”
