“Is that what you do for work?” he wanted to know.
I nodded. “I work at a salon in town.”
“You like it?”
“I like the job,” I replied, not wanting to get into my drama with Valerie or her creepy son.
His eyes narrowed, and I got the sense he didn’t miss much. “Not the people?” he guessed intuitively.
“Something like that,” I agreed. “So, what’s the first thing you want to do when you get out of here?” I changed the subject.
“Get you on the back of my bike.”
My eyes popped wide. As a daughter of the club prez, I knew full well the significance of his statement.
As though confirming my thoughts, he continued. “Never had a woman on the back of my bike, baby. Was waiting on you.”
At my stunned silence, he added, “You asked, I’m telling you. The thought of you behind me, your gorgeous thighs wrapped around my waist, that strawberry-red mane blowing behind you, is my goddamn motivation to get out of this place.”
“Glad to be of service,” I murmured, needing to lighten the intensity that had me shifting restlessly as need curled tight in my belly.
As though reading my thoughts, he grinned. “So, what are we eating on our first date?”
“Steak,” I replied, deciding to go with it. “Or maybe pasta.” I mulled the options over as his lids drooped and he leaned back into his pillow. “There’s a great Italian place just outside of town,” I continued quietly, watching his eyes grow heavy as I talked, sensing that it soothed him.
Only when he was fully asleep did I stop, gently pulling my hand out from under his, immediately missing his warmth. I was reluctant to leave him, but I was going to be late for work if I didn’t leave now.
“Please tell him I’ll be back tonight after work!” I called to Betty as I hustled down the hallway.
“Will do, honey,” she replied with a wave.
As I made a beeline for my car, feeling as though I was walking on air, I didn’t think anything could ruin my day. Not even Valerie.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
When I returned to the hospital that night after a long shift where Valerie had been blissfully absent, I made my way to Ruston’s room with anticipation thrumming through my veins.
Anticipation that turned to lead in my belly as soon as I stepped into his room. A beautiful woman sat by his bedside, staring at him adoringly while he slept.
Her gaze shot to me and immediately narrowed. “Who are you?”
“Grace. Who are you?” I replied warily.
“Elise, his girlfriend,” she replied, and she might as well have punched me in the stomach for the effect her words had.
“His girlfriend,” I repeated through numb lips. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and yet here she sat.
She nodded. “I would have been here sooner. I was in Morocco for a photo shoot and only recently heard,” she explained breathlessly. “I was on the first plane back.”
Ruston began to stir, his eyes landing on me before making their way over to the blonde peering at him.
“Elise?” he asked in confusion. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I came as soon as I heard,” she cooed, stroking a hand over his forehead.
My stomach pitched, and I worried my dinner might come back up. “Well, I’ll just leave you two to it,” I blathered hastily.
“Grace, wait,” Ruston demanded.
