Page 44 of The Price of Love

I walk beside Storm to the buffet line, suddenly conscious of Dimples, who’s on her other side. While I’m normally not bold with my questions, something compels me to ask, “How long have you two been together?”

Storm’s eyes widen. “What? Who?”

Dimples must have overheard the exchange because she leans over and peeks around Storm. “Together? Us?” She lets out a laugh. “She couldn’t handle me.”

Storm grins. “True. Very true.” She puts her arm around Dimples as they walk. Because Storm’s presence is so large, I hadn’t realized how much taller Dimples is. “She’s my right hand. The best thing that came out of prospecting.”

As we wait in the buffet line, they tell a story of their prospecting days together. The affection between the pair is unmistakable, and I envy their friendship. I’d once had friends like that, but one by one, Margot chased them from my life.

No, that wasn’t true. I’d let them drift away because it was easier than challenging Margot. Once I’d joined the club, I’d made new friends, but still I miss the long-term connections I once had.

“You’re gonna sit with us, aren’t you?” Storm asks.

“Um…well…uh…” I’d not considered it or even thought about eating lunch since I’ve not been hungry all morning. But my mouth is watering standing in front of the pulled pork.

“It’s okay,” Storm says. Is that disappointment in her eyes? It couldn’t be. “I mean, I know you probably don’t want to soil your reputation being seen with the likes of us.”

Although her voice holds a teasing note, I don’t believe it. My entire interaction with Storm has been surprising. I would almost swear that her eyes showed hurt. Impulsively, I say, “Of course I’ll have lunch with you.”

I catch Wiz’s eye as I follow Storm to her table, and she gives me an approving nod. I return her smile and keep walking.

CHAPTER 20

STORM

When we get back to the table with our food, I shed my jacket, put it on the back of my chair, and slip into my cut.

I shouldn’t, but I pull out the chair next to me for Shadow. She gives me a surprised look before she takes her seat as I push it in. Several of the girls at our table watch wide-eyed, but when I glare, they look away.

The fuck am I doing? I have enough problems with Frost, who’s watching with interest. Still, I can’t shake the pull Shadow has on me. Like most bikers, Shadow has an edge, but there’s softness, too. Something that makes me want to be near her—to shield her.

Dimples takes the seat next to Shadow, leaving me with an empty chair beside me. Nobody will sit there without an invitation, except maybe Frost, but she’s already sitting.

Once seated, Shadow pushes her sunglasses to the top of her head. I do a double take, not expecting her expressive dark brown eyes and thick lashes.

“Is there something wrong?” Shadow asks.

I want to tell her that she has beautiful eyes. Instead, I say, “You look different without your glasses.”

She grins and pulls her aviator glasses off her head. “Should I put them back on?”

What a loaded question. I’m not sure I’ll be able to focus on anything but her gorgeous eyes. “No! I mean, you look good. Nice.”

“Your eyes are beautiful,” Dimples says. “Aren’t they?” she says, looking at me.

I nod. “Uh, yeah.” I dip my fork into my baked beans, so I don’t have to say more.

During the first part of lunch, we make small talk—food, the weather, and motorcycles—until Dimples asks Shadow, “Are you married?”

“Divorced.”

“In a relationship?” Dimples asks.

The fuck. Could she be more obvious? It’s probably why she didn’t sit next to me, so I can’t kick her under the table.

“Single,” Shadow responds.

Her one-word answers and discomfort aren’t lost on me.