Page 28 of Skid
She shook her head and explained, “I can drive myself to work. I’m sure you have better things to do than sit at the bar all night.”
Handing her the helmet, I waited for her to get seated on the back before I explained, “What’s better than getting to spend the evening with my woman?”
She hesitated as she asked, “Is that what I am? Your woman?”
I leaned over her and brought my lips to hers, whispering against them, “Hell, yes. Unless you want me to be your man. Either is fine with me.”
She smiled, and I winked before climbing in front of her and cranking the motor. She secured her helmet and wrapped her arms around me, squeezing my middle as I pulled away from her house. Skidding away from the stop sign at the end of her road, she hooted into the air as I shot down the road, gaining speed as we traversed the miles to Eddie’s bar. I slowed down to pull into the parking lot and parked next to the fence securing the employees’ area on the side of the building.
Helping Grace from the bike, I linked my hand with hers and watched her face illuminate with happiness as we entered the bar. It was still early, and the band was setting up on the small stage as Eddie and the barback filled the coolers. The waitress that kept hitting on me was wiping down the tables and placing the chairs onto the floor when we walked in, turning her head toward the light shining into the darkened bar.
“I’m glad you finally came to your senses, Grace,” she joked and offered me a wink as I led Grace to the bar.
Eddie smirked at Grace as she walked behind the bar and pulled on her apron. He caught my eye and lifted one eyebrow in question as I sat on a stool at the opposite end of the bar. Not a man to kiss and tell, even to her best friend, I shrugged and settled in. He cracked a smile at me as he pulled a bottle from the top shelf and poured me two fingers of whiskey.
For the next five days, it was a repeat cycle. I’d meet Grace for breakfast and spend all our time talking, getting to know each other. I would take her to and from work, spending some time with her in my arms before I left for the night, and return the next morning to start over again. We hadn’t had sex again since that first time, and I was dying to be buried balls deep inside her but felt her reluctance. When she was ready for me, I’d take her to paradise, but until then, my blue balls and I would have to deal with my hand and her beautiful face on my computer monitor.
Saturday night was swinging at the bar. The college in the next town won their football game and everyone was celebrating. There wasn’t a seat to be found, and dozens of people stood around, enjoying the live music as Grace and Eddie filled order after order. He told me to keep my table in the corner and no one bothered me during the evening.
Maybe it was my ‘drop-dead asshole’ stare, or my Death Hounds cut, but everyone gave me space. I watched everything, ready to jump in when needed and when Grace caught my eye, she would offer me a sly smile as she made another drink. I wanted to ravage her, and she seemed more relaxed tonight. I know her nightmare freaked her out, and she was embarrassed, so I needed to show her that the darkness she lived in didn’t scare me, and I would patiently wait for her to break her silence.
Devlin and James were diving deep into Kevin Ringman’s life, and we were all growing frustrated at the lack of direction we were finding. There was no indication that there were real dangers still existing for Grace, but they vowed to turn over every rock until they found something. My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out, seeing Sadie’s face on the screen.
Placing the reserved placard Eddie gave me as a joke onto the table, I waved at Grace and wiggled my phone before nodding to the outside. She acknowledged me and waved before turning back to a group in front of the bar. Eddie lifted his chin, and I stepped outside, the loud music and noise filtering to muffles as I answered the phone.
“Hey. How’s things going back home?” I asked her as I stepped away from the building to get some quiet.
“Hey, yourself. I thought you were going to call me at least once a week while you’re gone.”
Sadie still wanted to mother Jacob and me, and it was tough not to remind her I wasn’t a child anymore. Not only would it upset her, thinking she wasn’t needed or wanted, which she was, but Gunner would kick my ass for upsetting his old lady. I used to joke with Sadie about his possessiveness, but after having Grace in my arms, I realized I would beat anyone who made her cry.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been busy,” I replied and ran my hands through my growing hair.
“What’s her name? Or do you even know her name?” she joked, and I snapped at her without thinking.
“Don’t talk about her like that.” My tone was harsh, and I immediately felt like shit for being defensive.
Sadie chuckled and asked again, “Who is she, Dalton?”
Sighing, I moved to the edge of the lot and leaned against Eddie’s fence as I explained. “Her name is Grace, and you’re going to love her. She makes the best pie I’ve ever tasted.”
“Better than mine?” She scoffed, and I laughed.
“Yes, dear sister. This one is better than yours, and if I can get her to agree to come home with me, I’ll let her prove it.”
“You seem happy, little brother.” Her voice softened, and I smiled at her words.
“I am happy. Sadie, she’s perfect. Smart, funny, kind, giving, and sexy as hell.” There was a pause, and I looked to make sure the call was still connected before I asked, “Are you still there?”
“Can I ask you something without you getting mad?” I could hear the worry in her voice.
“You can ask me anything, but I may not answer.” There was club business and Callahan business that Sadie wasn’t privy to, so I needed to be cautious. “Go ahead,” I instructed and waited for her to speak.
“Is this the girl you told Kade about?”
My vision grew red and I clenched my fists, angry that my President, my brother, my friend had betrayed his promise to not discuss Grace’s situation with Sadie. “That motherfucker,” I grumbled, and she quickly interjected.
“I don’t know what kind of business you’re dealing with, and he only told me that you wanted to make sure a girl was safe. After what happened with Elise a few years ago, I was worried. I promise, he didn’t tell me anything more than that. Only that she was lost, and you were trying to find her.” Her voice grew worried, and she asked, “Is she okay?”
