“Hope this is okay. I’m starving.” I gestured to the sandwich, my mouth full.
“Of course. What’s mine is yours,” he replied easily. “But consider that an appetizer. I haven’t had a chance to get to the store. Want to order in? What sounds good?”
“Chinese? Some hot and sour soup sounds amazing.” I practically salivated at the thought.
He chuckled, pulling out a menu from a nearby drawer. “Done. I’ll order it, and then if you feel like it, you can come with me to pick it up.”
“That sounds good,” I agreed, eager to get another glimpse of Bishop, if only from the truck. I waited for him to place the order. “What were you guys meeting about? Seemed serious.”
His back stiffened for a second before he relaxed. “Just your standard.” He shrugged. “We’re looking to buy another property in town, and we’ve added some more security to the club since the incident a few months back. Just reviewing the details.”
I had the distinct sense he was holding back but allowed him to take my hand and pull me closer. “Get your jacket, baby. Let’s hit it.”
I nodded, hunger eradicating my inclination to press.
“When are we going to go to the club?” I asked curiously as I took in the downtown square, lights strung on the trees, making it a welcoming sight familiar to home.
“When you’re feeling up to it,” he replied.
“I think I’ll be almost back to normal by tomorrow,” I shared. “One more night of solid sleep, and I’ll be good to go.”
He grinned over at me before his eyes returned to the road. “That’s good to hear, but there’s no rush. I’d rather you take it easy for at least another day.”
“But I want to meet everyone,” I protested.
He reached over and squeezed my hand. “And I can’t wait to show you off.” He winked before pulling into a parking space in front of a Chinese restaurant. “Be right back.”
I watched him stride toward the restaurant, salivating over the way his black jeans cupped his backside, how his white tee stretched over his broad back, the colorful tattoos that spanned his skin drawing attention to his muscular arms.
My libido had been nonexistent while I’d been essentially half dead, but now I felt it start to simmer in my belly as I admired him.
As we headed home, the mouthwatering smell of our dinner filling the cab, Ruston’s dash lit up with a call from Cason.
Ruston declined the call, his hand flexing on the steering wheel.
“Do you need to get that?” I asked hesitantly. All of a sudden, it felt like Ruston was holding a lot back.
“I’ll call him back,” he muttered as we headed back to his place, soon after pulling up to his security gate and driving through.
Once we were inside, bags of food on the counter, he kissed my temple briefly before pulling his phone from his back pocket. “Be just a second, baby.”
“Mm-hmm,” I agreed, watching him stride down the hall.
When he returned moments later, his expression was tight. “I’m sorry, ladybug. I have to get to the club for a bit.”
“I’ll come with you,” I replied without delay.
He was shaking his head before I even finished my sentence. “You’re still not one hundred percent, and the last thing I want is for one night to set you back.” His explanation was reasonable, smart even. But I couldn’t help but feel there was more to it. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”
He stepped in close, cupping my face in his palms. “I need you well so you can show me all those grand gestures,” he rumbled, pulling me in for a soft kiss. “Make sure you eat,” he murmured against my lips. “I’ll set the alarm, dogs are here, and I’ll have one of the brothers park out front.”
I pulled back, looking up into his eyes. “Why all the security?”
He shrugged. “Just being cautious. I’m not used to having such precious cargo.”
“Right,” I agreed skeptically as he grabbed his cut and prepared to leave.
By the time he came home, I was finally asleep after hours spent tossing and turning, wondering why the man who’d seemed so determined to share his life with me had become so tight-lipped.
