Page 12 of The Biker's Second Chance
He gives me an odd look. “Aside from the fact that you broke her heart?”
I get the feeling not all of the guys have forgiven me for how I left Gina. Even if they understand why.
“Did something else happen, something I don’t know about?”
If she hooked up with someone, I’ll lose my mind.
He shakes his head slowly. “Nah, but she gave you the best years of her life.” He says that like it should mean something, but I still don’t understand.
He’s always been smart, Gage. I’m not surprised to hear he write books. Although I am mildly surprised to hear that he writes romance, or romantic suspense as he takes great pains to clarify.
“Ever since we were kids, Gina wanted babies. She’s watched everyone around her start a family. She hides it well, but I image that’s a hard thing to see.”
The baby turns toward the sound of Gage’s voice and reaches her tiny fingers out for him. I hand her back to her proud daddy, and suddenly I see how vulnerable that child is, how the scrunched up face is kind of cute.
Maybe that’s what I took from Gina. The chance to have a family.
Well, if that’s all it is, I can still give her babies. I can give her a whole house full of babies. We can start straight away.
“Thanks, man.” I slap Gage on the back, but he's already looking lovestruck into the face of his baby girl.
I head to the bar, and there’s a big lad with sandy blonde hair pouring himself a drink.
“You got any Irish whiskey?”
Lyle grins at me. He’s one of the newer guys, ex-military, and seems like a solid sort.
“Bruno brought it in especially for you.”
He pours out a glass and I knock it back, the fiery heat settling in my belly. Then I grab another glass and head upstairs.
I don't know if I'm smothering Gina. But I've waited too long for her, and I'm not going to give up easily.
I knock on the door, and after a few moments she opens up.
She sighs when she sees me, but the tension from earlier has left her.
“You don't give up do you, Sean?”
“I brought you a drink.” I hold up the bottle and two glasses, giving her my best cocky grin.
She's got her hands on her hips and she eyes me wearily, but then she crooks her head, indicating me to follow her inside the room.
These are the basic rooms of the clubhouse. There's just a bed and a little table with two chairs. I take a seat, and I pour out two glasses.
She knocks hers back quickly and almost chokes.
“Christ, I haven’t had a whiskey in years.”
“You want another?”
She hesitates before answering. “Go on then. The burn is nice.”
I know what she means. There’s nothing like whiskey to warm you up.
As she sips her second drink slowly, I watch her closely. There’re lines around her eyes that weren't there before. The years have been kind to Gina, but they've also taken a toll. I detect a sadness about her.
I wait until she finishes her drink, and I pour the next one before I say what I came to ask. I figure if she’s a little tipsy she might open up to me.
