“Do you have any more questions before you go?”
“No. I think you’ve covered everything.”
“Good.”
I call for the nurse, and she walks in seconds later. After handing Miss Claire’s file to her, I stand and shake the patient’s hand.
“Go with Ginny and she’ll take care of you. Once the results are in, we’ll give you a call.”
“Thanks, Doctor Emerson.”
“You’re welcome.”
As the ladies walk out, I prepare for the next patient.
***
Bone tired, I walk through my door and head straight for the bathroom, dropping my keys, wallet, and phone on the bed as I pass. After a therapeutic hot shower, I pull on a pair of boxers, grab my phone, and climb into bed. I haven’t checked the thing almost all day. There’s a message from Gage, saying they arrived at their hotel. I reply to that first, then to a few from some brothers about club business. The last one is from the new prospect. It’s a picture of a woman in a skintight red dress.
Tyler: Would this be out of the ordinary?
Taking a closer look, I realize the woman is Ellen.Holy shit.That dress is clinging to every curve on her body. Every single luscious curve.Fuck. Fuck! What am I thinking? It’s Ellen, for Christ’s sake.This reminds me of the time I sent that picture of Raven to Gage. Is this my payback for taunting him?
Einstein: Where is she?
Tyler: Bar outside of town. Blackletter. She’s with Rambo’s old lady.
Einstein: Is Rambo there?
Tyler: No. He just dropped ’em off.
Einstein: Stay with them. Make sure they get home safely.
Tyler: Got it, boss.
I’d intended to catch a few hours of sleep, but before I realize what I’m doing, I’m dressed and climbing in my car. Fifteen minutes later, I pull into a parking spot at Blackletter. When I walk inside, I spot Janet sitting on a stool at the bar. Quickly scanning the room, I don’t see Ellen anywhere. I do see the prospect at a table in the back, though. I make my way over, grabbing a chair and sitting next to him so I have a view of the bar.
“Boss.” He nods.
I notice he’s not wearing his cut. The kid might be pretty good at this surveillance stuff; the girls would have spotted him in a heartbeat if he’d worn it. He’s only been around for a few weeks, but Razor is his sponsor. If Razor vetted the kid, then I know he’s trustworthy.
“Where is she?”
“Bathroom.”
“What have they been up to?”
“More talking than drinking.”
Makes sense. Ellen still holds a huge grudge against the other woman.
Sitting back in the chair, I lean my head against the wall and take in the room. It’s not busy, but the few people here seem to be having a good time.God, I need to get out more. Other than parties at the clubhouse, I don’t think I’ve beenoutin forever.
I’m still contemplating my lack of a social life when Ellen enters the room. As I watch her walk to the bar, everything around me fades away. All of a sudden, we’re the only two people in the room. Maybe it’s the dress, or maybe it’s knowing she’s attracted to me. Whatever it is, I’m seeing her in a whole new light. Right now, she’s not Gage’s sister, or Chopper’s daughter, or the girl I grew up with. She’s just a woman—a beautiful woman who’s taking my breath away. My feet move of their own volition, taking me to her. The closer I get, the more the vision of her sears itself into my brain. That fucking red dress. I wouldn’t mind ripping it from her body, seeing just what it’s covering up. My gaze travels down her bare thighs and legs as she hops up on a bar stool.
Those red and gold heels? Those she can keep on. Just those.
“Hey, beautiful,” I whisper in her ear.