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“Truck?”
“Yeah, we keep it at the garage, but today, it’s here to get you to your new home,” Hammer adds.
I serve up the first batch of pancakes and watch as three hungry men devour them. “Oh my God, these are so good,” Noah says. “Just like Mom used to make.” He beams a bright smile my way. That’s a compliment of the highest order.
“Always keeping a piece of her with us,” I tell him.
The guys don’t show any signs of slowing down, so I add scrambled eggs and bacon to the menu and nab a couple of blueberry pancakes for myself. It feels good to see them enjoying my cooking.
After breakfast, Hammer, Thunder, and Noah start filling the truck. The small apartment empties quickly. A pang of sadness washes over me. Millie’s place was the first place I’d felt safe for a long time. Walking down to the diner and seeing Millie gives me comfort. I know that I’ll still be working here, but I’ll miss our early morning chats before the place was buzzing with patrons.
I sigh heavily, glancing around the room one last time before closing the door, and going down to see Millie to give her back the key to the apartment.
After taking one look at my face, Millie speaks up before I can say a word. “This isn’t goodbye, my sweet. I’ll see you almost every day. And I just heard you make the best pancakes in the world, so don’t you dare think I’m not going to have a taste of those. I’ll be by next Sunday for breakfast.”
I swallow hard to stop the tears from rising to the surface. She reaches out to wrap her arms around me, hugging me close. “You always have a home here. I’m not going anywhere, and if you need me, I’ll come running. However, I see that boy’s face when he looks at you. He’s a smitten kitten.” She giggles. She pulls back, cupping my cheek. “Wildcard is a good man. The demons he carries only make him appreciate a good woman more. You’re in good hands.”
“We’re still new—”
“That may be so, but it doesn’t make it any less real.” She grins. “I can see he’s ready to tear in here.” Millie jerks her head to the window. I follow her gaze and see Wildcard waiting by the truck with the others. He’s leaning against his bike with his ass on the seat, feet crossed at the ankles and arms over his chest.
Damn, he’s so handsome. His hair is blowing in the breeze, his short tee shows off his muscular arms, and even with his shades covering his eyes, I know he’s staring right at me. Actually, at my bare legs and moving up to my worn, faded, cut-off, light-blue jean shorts, then higher to my oversized soft lilac shirt that drapes off one shoulder. His lips curve into a smile, and like a bee drawn to honey, I murmur my goodbyes and walk straight for him.
As soon as I get close, his arm encircles my waist, and his mouth finds mine. Firm, sensual lips move over mine, lightly at first, then applying more pressure, seeking entry as I open for him. Our tongues duel in a tantalizing dance before I slowly pull away.
“Dude, that’s my sister!” Noah says, with a horrified expression. Wildcard bursts out laughing, while I drop my head onto his chest, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I remember that along with Noah, Hammer and Thunder are right there with him.
Wildcard doesn’t bother to react to Noah’s outburst and moves right along by saying, “I’m taking Charli on the back of my bike.”
“Got it. Meet you there. By the way, you’re going to have company,” Thunder announces.
Wildcard furrows his brow, and I turn my head in Thunder’s direction. “What now?” Wildcard asks in exasperation.
“The Lady Pride,” Hammer says with a snicker.
“Jesus,” Wildcard declares, shaking his head.
“Get used to it, man. They’re bound and determined to have a housewarming party for your girl,” Thunder says.
My heart swells at the thought that Ava and the others are going to all this trouble for me. I sag against Wildcard’s lean, muscular frame and place my hand over his heart. He kisses the top of my head and in a low, rumbling voice says, “Buckle up, babe. It’s going to be a busy fucking day.”
Then he proceeds to strap a helmet on my head before donning his own. He swings a leg over the bike, then takes my hand and guides me into position. “Arms around my waist.” I do as he says. “Tighter.” He tugs me closer, so that my front is glued to his back and my thighs are welded to his. The motorcycle hums to life. “We’ll take it slow,” he says quietly.
Our ride is fantastic. Wildcard starts off taking it easy and ramps it up when I giggle and lean in closer, pressing my breasts to his back. We lead the way, with the truck following us the entire way. I don’t want the ride to end. It must show on my face, because once we park, he kisses my nose and murmurs, “We’ll do that again real soon.”
* * *
Wildcard
I’ve always thoughtI’d never experience anything as perfect as riding the open road on my Harley, until today. This time is the best it’s ever been, with Charli at my back. When this whole mess with her father is over and done with, we’re going on a long road trip.
Our moment of peace is short-lived because a trail of Lady Pride files out of the cottage and comes at us at a frenzied pace, taking Charli right out of my arms and leading her into her new place.
“Yo, big man,” Vi calls to me.
“Hey, Vi. Couldn’t hold them back a day, huh?” I tease. She laughs so hard that I can’t help but join in, slinging an arm around her shoulders. “I’m gonna help the guys unload,” I tell her.
“Have you told her that you own this place yet?” she asks.
