“If it’s important to you, I’ll agree you’re the boss since you’re the landlord.” She sat down and crossed her legs, her cat curling up in her lap.
“I’m the boss. Period.” He jutted out his chin. He’d never met such an intriguing and exasperating woman before.
“If you want to be. Does that make you feel better?” She smiled sweetly as she stroked the cat’s fur.
He grunted as he looked around. “You fuckin’ painted all the walls in here.”
“Do you like it?”
“It’s okay, I guess.” He took another gulp. He’d be damned if he admitted she’d done a great job in her color selection and made the place look more inviting.She’s full of herself enough without me telling her the place looks way better than before.“So, are you an artist? I mean other than the jewelry making. Do you paint pictures?”
She nodded. “My medium is acrylics. My first love is painting, but the jewelry makes the money. I make jewelry out of other people’s junk, and enjoy repurposing things into art creations. I’m thrilled I can make a living at it.”
“That’s cool. Are you sure you don’t have a man?” She choked on her water and started coughing. “Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded as she wiped her eyes. “Sorry. Your question took me by surprise. I mean, we were talking about jewelry, and then you asked me if I’m with anyone.”
“I was just curious because you acted kinda funny last night.”
“Funny? What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. You didn’t act like women I’m used to.”
She guffawed and it grated on his nerves. “Because I didn’t ask you to come in and fuck my brains out?”
“Forget it.”
“No. Is that what you meant? I bet you’re used to women throwing themselves at you.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Actually, I am.”
“Well, meet one who doesn’t do that. I told you last night that I broke up with a guy I’d been living with about six months ago. Do you have a girl?”
“Nah. I don’t go in for the girlfriend thing.” He placed the empty beer can on the coffee table. “I got plenty of chicks—that’s never been a problem.”Until you. But I’m gonna get you, sweetheart, and when you’re good and hooked, I’ll move on to the next one. I can’t wait to break you.
“I’m sure it hasn’t. Sounds like you’re having a good time and you’ve got it all figured out.” Pointing at the can, she said, “Do you want another one?”
“I’m good. I gotta get going.”Your indifference doesn’t fool me.He stood and she pushed up from the couch. “You ever sell your stuff at rallies?”
“Rallies? What do you mean?”
“We put on a couple of biker rallies every year. We got a big one coming up in October. It attracts bikers from all over the region, and even from Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Anyway, we raise money for a charity dealing with child abuse. Breanna, our president’s old lady, is trying to get more vendors to rent spaces at the upcoming one in a couple months. I thought you might want to get a booth. I think you’d do real well.”
“I’d love to do that. I guess I’d have to buy some skull and dagger charms for the biker crowd.”
“You betcha.” He winked. “I’ll text you Breanna’s number and you can connect with her.”
“Sounds great. Thanks.” Her fingers skimmed over his forearm, scorching his skin.
Placing his hand on the doorknob, he looked at her. “You wanna go out for a drink sometime?”
“I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. I mean, I’m not looking to get involved with anyone right now.”
“I’m asking you out for a drink, not a lifelong commitment. But if you don’t want to, that’s cool. I’m outta here. Call if you have any other problems with the rental.” He stepped on the porch and went to his Harley. He felt her watching him, and he wanted to turn around and look at her in the sunlight again, but he didn’t. Instead, he jumped on his bike and pulled away from the curb without a backward glance.
As he rode to the Climax Lounge, he still couldn’t believe that she’d turned him down again. He’d thought they were connecting and that she’d jump at the idea of going out for a drink. That shit stopped. Now. He’d given her a few chances to be with him and she’d thrown them back in his face, so she was out of his mind. Gone. Like she never existed.
That suits me just fine, sweetheart.
