“Hi,” she mumbled before reaching for her drink.
“You’re the tattoo guy,” Claudia said.
He nodded. “How’re you ladies doing?”
“Just great!” Rory replied. “These margaritas are damn good. Are you a Night Rebel? You got the bike, the body, and the leather vest. If you’re not, you’re impersonating them and they’re going to kick your ass.” A peal of laughter burst from her mouth.
“She’s liking the margaritas a little too much,” Hailey said softly.
“That’s cool. And I am a member of the Night Rebels.” He pulled a chair over and sat down next to her. Claudia and Rory lowered their heads. “I guess that was a conversation killer.” Grasping her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. “It looks like you survived your day.”
All of a sudden, Hailey’s mouth went as dry as the summer heat and all she could do was nod.
“Did you get the contract for the couple’s wedding? The ones from Tula.”
Wow… he was actually listening to me last night. A huge plus.“Yeah, I did. How was your day?”
“Busy.”
“Goldie! What the fuck do you wanna eat? This sweet babe wants to take our order,” a man with long red hair yelled out.
“Is that your friend?” Hailey asked as she turned to look at the table of bikers.
“Yeah. That’s Sangre. I better get over there.” He rose to his feet, then reached out and stroked her cheek as he locked his gaze on hers. For several heartbeats, he stood transfixed, and she thought he was going to kiss her. Her body tingled and pulsed in anticipation of it, but a half smile curled on his face and he sauntered away.
“Oh my God. What the fuck was that about?” Claudia said.
Rory grimaced. “Don’t tell us you’ve got a thing for the biker tattoo guy. Not when you had a chance with Brent.”
Hailey took a big gulp of water. “The tattoo guy is Goldie, who used to be Garth. I found that out when I bumped into him in Mrs. Humphries’s room at the rehab center. She’s at Cherry Vale just like my aunt. Isn’t it a small world?” She smiled weakly.
Claudia looked over at the biker table. “Holy fuck. That gorgeous guy used to be Garth Saner?”
“And you still have a crush on him, don’t you, Hay?” Rory held up her hand before Hailey could answer. “Don’t say it. I know you do. I could tell by the way you were looking at him. And he’s into you too. Don’t let this happen, Hay. Brent really likes you, and he’s a nice guy. A sure bet. Garth will be a disaster.”
Grinding her teeth, Hailey raised her chin. “For who? Anyway, we’re not dating, but if we were, it would be my decision. And since you’re so hot for Brent, why don’t you go out with him?”
“Because he likes you. I wish he liked me that way. Anyway, it’s just a matter of time before you start up something with Garth. Remember, he’s a player. Ryan’s best friends with him, and he told you that. He was such a jerk in high school too. He went out with all the easy girls. Do you really want a guy who’s been with most of Alina?”
“Fuck, Rory. Lighten up. If Hay wants to screw Garth-turned-biker-turned-Goldie’s nuts off, it’s her business. I’m still reeling about what a hunk he is. And you had a crush on him too back in high school.” Claudia brought her wineglass to her lips.
“You did?” Hailey said to Rory.
“I don’t want to talk about him anymore. Let’s just forget about him being here, have some more drinks, and let me tell you about the vacation I have planned for me and Troy next month.”
While Rory went over every detail of her travel itinerary, Hailey was acutely aware of Goldie’s presence in the room. She felt his eyes on her, and the connection they had pulled hard at her. Pretending to look for their waiter, she turned around, catching his piercing gaze that held a mixture of emotions: lust, irritation, tenderness, and impatience.
“Are you listening, Hay?” Rory’s thin voice broke through her heated haze.
“Uh… yeah. I’m trying to find our waiter. I could use another drink.” She glanced back in Goldie’s direction, and even though he was talking to the guys at his table, the pull was still there. Lingering on his rugged face, she chided her foolishness, but just when she was about to focus back on Rory’s travelogue, his heated look grounded her.Oh, Garth. I still have a massive crush on you.But this time around she was a woman and he was a man, and her body ached for him in the worst way.
After sharing dessert, Rory placed her elbow on the table, rested her chin on her hand, and drooped her head. “I’m so sleepy,” she mumbled.
“Then we better go. It looks like she’ll be crashing with me,” Claudia said as she stood.
“Do you need me to follow you home to help you with her?” Hailey picked up her purse.
“She’s not that smashed. I’ve seen her worse. I’ll be good.” Claudia helped Rory up from the chair.
