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“Just the confirmation that the tow truck dropped it off at the dealership. I’ll call them when my students are at recess this morning.”
“Can I give you a ride into work?”
“It’s okay. I called a friend. She’s going to pick me up.”
Good. At least, she had friends she could count on. Although, where the fuck were they last night when she was stranded on the side of the road?
“Listen, Jaymi—”
“Brett, I don’t think—”
We spoke at the same time. I slid off my stool and came around the counter. I encroached into her space. “Baby, no expectations. I’m offering as a friend.”
She swallowed hard. “We can’t be friends. Last night didn’t happen.”
I stared into her eyes, rested one hand on her hip and the other collared her throat. Her pulse fluttered beneath my thumb. “Nah, fuck that.” She sucked in a little gasp just before I lowered my head and slanted my lips over hers.
Her lips softened, and her mouth opened. I teased her tongue then smiled against her lips.
“Brett—” She rested her hands against my chest. “I…I’m sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” I stepped away from her. “Last night happened, but that doesn’t mean anyone ever has to know about it.” I grabbed my cut off the back of the chair and shrugged it on.
“It’s just,” she sighed, “if the school district were to find out, it could be an issue. It’s complicated, but as a teacher, my conduct is scrutinized outside of work as much as it is inside the classroom. My personal life isn’t their business, but getting involved with my student’s father could be.”
Especially problematic because my divorce wasn’t final. I closed the space between us and curled my hand around the back of her neck again, just to feel her hair against my skin one more time. “It’s okay. If you need anything, you have my number.”
Her fingers lingered for a moment on my forearm then slipped away. “Thank you.” She mouthed the words more than spoke them.
I grabbed my keys out of my pocket. “I mean it, Jaymi. Call me, and I’ll be here.”
She smiled and walked with me to the mudroom. “I’ll email you Lili’s progress reports and the school calendar.”
I stomped on my boots. “I appreciate it.”
“I appreciate the ride home last night.” She leaned against the wall and tilted her head to the side. “Thanks for staying.”
I approached her. “Anytime, teacher.”
I didn’t kiss her again because this felt like more than a goodbye. We were one and done.
Outside, I threw my leg over my bike, nodded toward her as she watched from the doorway, rolled down the driveway, and out of her life.
On my way back to the MC, I picked up a half-dozen egg sandwiches from the drive-thru. Kodiak usually worked the nightshift. He’d appreciate a bite to eat, if not, I’d eat the leftovers for dinner tonight.
I stopped at the box at the gate of the MC, entered the code, and waited for the security fencing to roll open. There were only a couple bikes in the lot. Kodiak’s was one of them. Romeo was here early.
The chapel was quiet. Kodiak and I both rented rooms in the back of the MC. I was temporary, but the MC was good for Kodiak. My best friend was a great guy, but he had a penchant for finding trouble. If there was a fight, he wanted in on it. And if there wasn’t one, he was looking to start one.
The light was on at the end of the hall. Romeo’s office. I knocked lightly on Kodiak’s door.
“It’s not a good time.” His clipped voice sounded from inside the room.
I knocked again.
“Fuck off and come back later.”
“Fuck you, too,” I said through the door.
