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“Already done that, sweetheart. I guess I better head out and go find my next lay.” He steps back. “Because presumably, I’ve just been riding and fucking this whole time. Right? That’s what you think?”
“I didn’t mean it offensively.”
“I thought you were different, Bex.” The disappointment in his tone breaks a part of me. “But you’re just like everyone else. You don’t look under the surface.”
“Johnny—”
“Onetime thing. I got it.” He starts to walk away, waving. “See you Friday. If I’m still in town.” He turns back and points both hands at me. He doesn’t hide the hurt in his eyes. “Because leaving is what I do best. Leaving, riding, fucking.”
“Johnny—”
He’s gone, and I’m left with a sour taste in my mouth. Am I just like everyone else in town who just see motorcycles and leather and assume all the worst of the Creeds? Am I just like my brother?
When Friday rolls around, I can’t wait until five, when I’m supposed to be at Otto’s shop. I’ve had this guilt nagging me since Saturday night. Guilt I can’t get rid of or chalk up as Johnny deserving to feel like an ass after he left. Guilt I would’ve been grateful for ten years ago. Ten years ago, he hurt me. Broke me. But I’m not that same girl.
After lunch, I walk to Otto’s shop and climb the back stairs to the apartment above. My fist stops beside the door. He might not even be here. He might’ve left town, just like he threatened. God, I hope not. Rock might be home. How would I explain banging on Rock’s door, looking for his brother? What would I say? Maybe this isn’t a good idea, but neither is walking away.
“You gonna knock or stand there all day?” Johnny stands at the base of the thin wooden staircase. Grease lines stain the front of his white T-shirt. His hair is slicked back. He doesn’t wear the same angry snarl he parted with.
“You’re still here.” The words rush out of my mouth, and I regret them the second his relaxed jaw tightens. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m thankful that our conversation didn’t chase you away.”
He skips the stairs two at a time. In a flash, he towers above me on the small landing that barely fits us both. So close I can feel his heat. Not close enough to feel his touch. I hate how I wish he were pressed against me, his lips touching mine, his arms around my waist.
“Things don’t justchase me away, Bex.”
Chapter Six
JOHNNY
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IWANT TO kiss her.
Devour her luscious lips.
After days of being mad at her, just seeing her reminds me how much I want her. How much I’ve wanted her for the past ten years and that she’s the exact reason I’m back. But she’s made it clear she doesn’t see me the same way. I’m a fun time for her. A bad boy who will fuck her against a tree and promise nothing more. Because how could a man who spent his life running away ever stick around, settle down, get married and give her the life she deserves?
