“I’m gonna call him now.” Shotgun went into the small office and closed the door.
“Bike’s ready,” Cal said as he walked into the store. “Did you want me to pull around in front, or do you want to pick it up in the back?”
“Was it in the valve train?” Diablo asked.
“Yep, but it wasn’t anything major.”
“I’ll get it out back,” Goldie said to Cal. Bumping fists with Diablo and Eagle, he left the shop and retrieved his bike. He had a few appointments at the ink shop, and then he’d pick Hailey up for dinner.I can’t wait to see her. I’m so damn into her. I don’t like that she’s going to Albuquerque by herself.He’d talk to her about it that night at dinner.
As he rode to Get Inked, he checked out all the ornaments he saw on all vehicles. Most new cars didn’t have hood ornaments, so he figured it couldn’t be too hard to track down the fucker. He’d find him, and when he did, he’d rip him from limb to limb.
***
“I don’t likeyou driving to Albuquerque by yourself,” Goldie said as he cut his porterhouse steak.
“I’m a big girl. I’ve driven that route hundreds of times. The drive is a little more than three hours. It’s no big deal.”
“Yeah, well, we weren’t hanging when you were doing all that damn driving. I’ll pay for an airline ticket for you.”
She laughed. “By the time I wait through the long lines at security, transfer in Denver, and land in Albuquerque, it’ll be six hours if I’m lucky. I’ll be fine. Don’t obsess over this.” She brought the glass of white wine to her lips.
“You need to call or text me while you’re on the road and when you get to your parents’.”
Hailey saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
Goldie scowled. “I’m not fuckin’ around here. Shit happens when you think it won’t.”
Taking his hand, she kissed it, tenderness shimmering in her gaze. “I know, and I think it’s sweet that you’re concerned for me. I know the biker lifestyle isn’t all roses and puppy dogs so I do understand your apprehension. I guess I don’t think that there’s danger lurking around every corner like you do. We just have different mindsets.”
Leaning over the table, he drew her to meet him halfway, then kissed her. With his forehead pressed against hers, he whispered, “I don’t want anything to happen to you. A person’s obliviousness to danger is what sick fuckers use to hurt them. I’m always aware that danger is just under the surface and may strike at any time. I’m always on guard. I’m just asking you to be super careful and keep in touch with me.” He brushed his lips across hers.
“I promise,” she whispered back.
“How long are you going to be gone?” He pulled away and resumed cutting his steak.
“Only four nights. I’ll be back Monday morning.”
“Are there gonna be guys at this birthday party?”
“I don’t think so. It’s more of a girls’ night out thing, and we’re going to have a cake and presents.”
I hate all her fuckin’ girls’ night out shit. Just thinking of a guy hitting on her makes my blood boil.“Is it at your friend’s house?” Hailey shook her head, then glanced out the window.She doesn’t want to tell me. I don’t want her to be afraid to tell me shit.“I’m not gonna freak out, babe. Just tell me where it’s at.”
“A club.”
“Why didn’t you want me to know that?”
She shrugged. “I just thought you’d be mad, although we never discussed not dancing with other people.”
The vein in his temple twitched as he tensed. “What the fuck does that mean?”
Blinking rapidly, she took a big gulp of water. “Nothing, really.”
“Then why the fuck did you say it? Do you wanna dance with other guys?”
“No. It’s just that I’m not sure if you’d be mad if I did.”
“I’d be fuckin’ pissed if you danced with a guy and he had his hands all over your body. Do I really have to tell you that? I haven’t looked at another woman since we’ve been hanging out.”
