Page 1 of Joyride
Prologue
Wren
March 2020
Buster and Cali’swedding was the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to. The more I’m around the club, the more I crave the family connection they all have. Being associated with a motorcycle club is something I never envisioned for myself. Before meeting the Savage Menaces MC, I imagined bikers as awful criminals. Don’t get me wrong, the Menaces are very intimidating guys and are into some illegal things, but they are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Unless you mess with someone close to them, then all Hell breaks loose.
I don’t spend much time at the clubhouse, but when I do, they welcome me with open arms. I blame it on being Shade’s sister. He doesn’t ride a motorcycle, though. Shade is part of the Savage Riders, an extension of the MC. Honestly, I have kind of resented the club to some extent. They’re what brought my brother to Texas, not me.
I’m sitting at one of the reception tables alone, watching everyone laughing and dancing. I’ve always been quite a bit of an observer. Movement in my peripheral catches my attention. I turn and watch as Shade walks away from the reception area and up to the clubhouse where some of his friends from Arizona are. Along with resenting the MC, I resent those guys, too. They’ve been Shade’s family since he left my mom and me six years ago. I’ve never told him what happened after he left. I try to talk to him as little as possible. It’s not right, but I’ve always blamed him a little. We needed him and, he up and left us.
I come around the clubhouse more for Minx and the girls. Cali is a good friend of mine, but also my boss at A Novel Bunch Bakery. I work there between going to class during the week. It’s such a fun place to work.
It’s getting late and with Cali being four months pregnant, I’m sure she and Buster will be heading home soon. They’re sitting at a table with no one else around for the moment. I take the chance to go talk to them.
“Hey, Wren!” Cali starts to stand and I stop her.
“Don’t get up, it’s okay,” I tell her. “I wanted to come give y’all my congratulations while I had the chance.”
“Thank you,” Buster replies.
“Cali, you look absolutely beautiful. I’m so happy for the both of you,” I say.
“Thanks, and thank you so much for being here and helping get everything set up,” Cali replies.
“You’re welcome. I’m going to head up to the house. I’ll see y’all later.” I lean down to give each of them a hug before I leave. As I start to leave the reception, I’m stopped by Sketch calling out my name.
“Where are you headed?” He reeks of alcohol, which isn’t normal for him. Even drunk, he’s still a gorgeous, God-like creature. That plus his personality, it’s hard not to be attracted to him. We met in October when Cali and Buster were reunited. We’ve been friends ever since. He’s easy to talk to and never pushes me to talk if I don’t want to. Nothing like my brother.
When the clubhouse was on lockdown in November, Sketch and I spent a lot of time talking. Zack, my boyfriend, would rather us not be friends, but he leaves it alone. He’s not much of a fan of the club. Sketch is extremely respectful of me having a boyfriend and has never tried anything with me.
“I’m headed to the house to go to bed,” I explain to Sketch.
“Want some company?” He gives me a small smile.
“Sure,” I reply. He stumbles a couple steps ahead of me. He must have had quite a bit to drink tonight. I’ve never seen him drunk like this. I link my arm in his to help keep him steady. The scent of tequila mixed with his smoky vanilla and musk cologne invades my nose. I take a deep breath, breathing it in.
“Did you have a good time tonight?” he half slurs out.
“I did.” I try to focus on not letting him fall over.
“I didn’t see you dance at all. We should have danced,” he says.
I huff out a laugh. “I don’t think you’ll be doing much of anything for the rest of the night.”
“You might be right,” he admits.
“Why don’t you crash on the couch,” I offer. We walk up the front steps and into the house.
“That sounds like a good idea.” He turns to face me. His eyes flick between mine and my mouth before his lips are covering mine. The kiss sends a zing throughout my body. I’m a beat away from kissing him back before I realize what’s happening and quickly pull away, shaking my head.
“Sketch, what the hell?” So much for respecting me having a boyfriend. I run upstairs before he has a chance to say anything. Once I’m in my room, I lock the door and lean against it. I bring my fingers to my lips— I can still feel his on mine.
That kiss made me realize two things. The first being, I truly do have feelings for Sketch. And the second, I need to stay as far away from him as possible.
1
Wren
