“Oh, please. Mads and I figured shit out way before our dear brothers did. We won’t say anything to anyone, but we couldn’t be happier. You seem great and if you have Ma and Pa’s backing, then I know you’re a good one. My brothers better be good or I’m happy to kick their asses for you. Mads here will just bug them to death and I’m not sure which they hate more.”
Looking at both girls and realizing they could become really good friends, I admit, “I have agreed to see where things go. I had told them we should wait till Rory got home and for me to be done working for your dad. I’m glad they were willing to wait. It just didn’t feel right to start something without all of them here.”
Mads speaks up for the first time today.
“I’m just going to say this and move on. We couldn’t be happier that you’re seeing our brothers and we hope you guys work out. You’re someone we could really be friends with. However, if you hurt my brothers, they might never find your body.”
Seeing she is completely serious, I feel I need to say something.
“I wouldn’t ever intentionally hurt them. I’m along for this ride as long as they want. I have a feeling at the end of it, I’m going to be the broken one, but I can’t seem to tell them no.”
“Aww, see, Mads, she’s totally into them. I might throw up a bit that she thinks they’re hot, but otherwise, I think she’s got good taste. Now, the really important question since we found out we read the same books… are you a Kale, Bird, or Clem kind of woman? What about Terror, Agony or Bull? We need those settled before we discuss who you love in Bailee James’s series. I’m a Kale and Agony woman, though Terror will always have a special spot too. Mads is—”
“Mads is right here and can speak for herself, you wench. My men would be Bird, Fain, and Bull. Shit, that makes me look like a sucker for the presidents. I might have to rethink that shit.”
Laughing at her disgust, I share my choices.
“See, I love those characters, but for me, the ones who call to me are often the overlooked guys. I love Bear, and Tucker too. I would have to say I was drawn to Undertaker and Dare. Bear just always makes me think of those big, strong silent types who would do anything for their friends and family. Same reason I read the bear shifters. Shit, that probably comes from my dad too. Well, fuck.”
Kierstie bursts out laughing at both of our expressions. Suddenly, she gets this look on her face and turns her head back to me.
“You realize you’re living out your book boyfriends in real life with one of them, don’t you?”
Mads must get what she means instantly ’cause her eyes get big, and she starts laughing again.
“Holy shit, you’re right. You said you like reading the bear shifters ’cause they’re big, strong, have wide shoulders, and would do anything for those they love, right?”
I nod, before replying, “Uh, yeah. Why?”
She doesn’t say anything and just points to the right of us. Turning in my chair to look at what she’s pointing at, I see Rory. Thinking about what she just said, it all clicks.
“Well, shit. I’m dating my very own bear shifter.” Hearing both of them giggling behind me, I get up and flip them off as I go to get a drink. Apparently, this just sets them off even more and their laughing gets even louder with Mads shouting out, “You’re going to be stuck with us forever!”
I can only hope she’s right.
Walking over to the line of coolers along the wall, I stop at the first one to see what they might have to drink. As I start to bend over, I hear, “Jane!” Looking over my shoulder, I see Cain, the prospect from the shop, heading toward me with a can of soda pop.
“Here you go. We got some of your favorite soda at the store so you’d have something to drink. We can’t let our angel go thirsty now, can we?”
“Angel?”
Grinning at me, he elaborates, “Our angel of desserts. If you were to die of thirst, we wouldn’t get any more samples of your baking. I for sure would mourn forever. Just let me know when you need another drink and I’ll grab one for ya.”
Smiling back and touching his arm in thanks, I take the unopened Coke Zero.
“That’s a very sweet thing to say, Cain. Thank you for the soda pop. It’s very kind of you.”
“Anything you need, Jane, just let me know. We’ve got a case of that in the cooler behind the bar.”
I nod my head at him as I hear someone call out, “Prospect!” and he scurries off to whoever needs him.
Getting my first real look at the outside area of the club, I see just how many people are here. Everyone looks to be enjoying themselves. There are even a few kids running around and I can see a play structure not too far off. There looks to be a good size firepit on one side. I would bet many stories have been shared around that.
Just then Pa calls out, “Jane! Come on over here. I want you to meet some people.”
I walk over to the table that both Ma and Pa are sitting at, enjoying the nice day. Giving Pa’s shoulder a squeeze, I greet him and Ma.
“How are two of my favorite people doing this afternoon? Pa, before you ask, I already made sure to put a box of some of today’s treats aside for you to take home.”
