I was suddenly all too aware that I was dressed in yoga pants and a tank, with my long dark hair thrown up in a haphazard bun, and winced at my dowdy appearance.
“How’d you know I was here?” I asked curiously.
Cal leaned casually against my car once more, his muscular arms folded across his chest, his gaze blazing against my skin as he assessed me. His eyes drifted over the plane of my face before landing a beat longer on my lips as he smiled. “I asked Axel when you were getting your cast off.”
The fact that he’d gone to the trouble sent a ripple of pleasure down my spine.
We stared at each other, that familiar chemistry lighting between us. I looked away, purposely breaking the spell. When I had the nerve to look at him again, a slow grin had spread across his handsome face.
“What?” I demanded, frustrated by the blush betraying my emotions.
He chuckled, shaking his head as he turned his attention to my arm. He reached out and ever so gently took my wrist in his large hand. His warmth encircled the bone as his thumb swept over my skin.
“Does it feel okay?” His voice was a deep rasp as he eyed my arm with concern.
I had to clear my throat before I was able to answer him. “Yeah, it’s fine.”
He looked up at me, his eyes blazing with a heat I was afraid to process. “Where’s Mason?”
My heart softened at the mention of my boy. He always asked about Mason and when given the chance seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with him.
“At day care.”
“You need help with him while your arm heals up?”
I shook my head. “I’m fine.”
“If I had a fucking nickel for every time you said that, I’d be a rich man.” He chuckled without humor. He stooped low to meet my gaze. “I’m a patient man, darlin’.” His voice was low and throaty as he peered into my eyes. “But every man has his limit.”
I let my gaze slip from his, overwhelmed by his intensity. It wasn’t the first proclamation of the sort he’d made.
The silence stretched between us and he growled in frustration. “He sign the papers?” he asked bizarrely.
I stared at him in confusion.
“Jill, your bastard ex, he sign the papers?” he demanded.
I shook my head, wishing I had a different answer to give him. “Not yet.”
“Fuck,” he clipped, looking to the side, appearing to fight for some sort of control. When his gaze returned to mine I saw a determination there I’d never seen in him before. “Done waiting, babe. I’ll see you soon.”
I watched in shock as he stalked to his motorcycle and threw a muscular thigh over it, revving the motor to life.
What in the hell?
****
“Look who’s free and clear of plaster!” Piper called when I walked into Dixie’s half an hour later, holding Mason with my good arm.
I grinned.
Piper owned Dixie’s, the cutest boutique in town, which had become a hangout of sorts for my friends and me. She was also engaged to a Knight member, Ryker. Dixie’s was often a better option than hanging out at the club, which had been the previous go-to spot—as far as I’d been told, anyway. I’d avoided the club for more reasons than one.
Connie, who was married to Wes, another member, reached up to take Mason out of my arms. “Come here, Bubs, let Mama rest.”
I sank gratefully into one of the comfortable couches Piper had in the store, for once accepting help without resistance.
“Have you heard from him?” Connie asked quietly.
