AllFreeNovel
Share Us
From my vantage point, the view was sort of the same as being in a car, but I was experiencing extra elements. The rumble of the motor and vibration between my thighs stimulated me in naughty ways. The smells in the country made me happy to be home. I hadn’t gone outside very much in the past few weeks. Cade was worried Jake might have one of his goons watching his place. But after Storm’s crew returned home, Cade relaxed.
It certainly felt freeing to be out on the open road with the wind blowing in my face and holding on to Cade. Honestly, riding a motorcycle felt similar to riding a horse, and I loved it.
But after twenty minutes, I was chilled to the bone and thrilled we’d arrived at Hotshots. Forget about beer. I needed whiskey to warm my inside.
Cade turned off his bike and twisted around to see me. “Knew I should’ve just taken you around my property. Your cheeks are chapped. Let’s get you inside.” He helped me move my leg back until I was standing, then got off.
“I’m fine. We used to play in subzero temperatures. Remember?”
“Yeah, but you were hearty back then. California took the Midwest country girl out of you.”
“No, it didn’t. She’s still there and climbing her way back up.”
He kissed me firmly. “I love you just the way you are.”
“You’re gonna laugh your ass off when I’m winded after cleaning one stall.”
“Probably. But you’ll get reconditioned in no time flat.” He tucked me against his side and led me into the bar.
“You better believe it.” I hadn’t forgotten how to tend to horses or living out in the country. When born into the life with generations of family that’d gone before me, there was no taking the country out of me. It was in my blood and etched on my soul, just like it was for Cade.
“There’s the birthday girl!” Travis pulled out a party horn and blew it.
“Yes, I’ve arrived!” I smiled brightly as we went toward the bar, but then Cade nudged me to the left and we passed it. “What are you doing?”
Suddenly, party horns blared, and people shouted,Happy birthday, Shelby!
I froze and clung to Cade. “Are you joking right now?” I scanned the space. My parents were with Cade’s on the side. Olivia, Holden, and Martina were with them. Local merchants I’d known my whole life were also present. The banquet room was filled with people I’d known my whole life, except a few rough men at a table of their own.
“Who are they?” I asked Cade in a low voice.
“I’ll introduce you after you make your way around the room. What do you want to drink?”
“Whiskey, please.”
“Coming right up.” He left me and I went over to my family.
“Happy birthday, baby girl.” My dad stood and hugged me. “It’s so good to have you home.”
“Yes, it is. Let me hug the birthday girl.” My mom tugged me away from my dad. “Happy birthday, Shelby.”
“Thank you, Mama. How are you feeling?”
“Magnificent. My doctor said I’m healing faster than expected. I told him it’s because my daughter is home.”
Tears burned behind my eyes. My family had missed me more than I had realized.
“One whiskey for the birthday girl.” Cade put the drink in my hand. Perfect timing, as always.
“Thank you.” I took a sip as I made my way over to Holden.
“Happy birthday, little sister. How was your first ride?” He hugged me.
“A lot like riding a horse. I can see why Cade likes it so much.”
Holden snorted. “He couldn’t be a biker on a horse. But I hear it’s addictive once you start.”
“It is.” Cade sidled up behind me and snaked his arms around my waist.
