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Caden snickered. He moved closer and wrapped his arm over her shoulder, tugging her into side. He kissed her head and then whispered. “Don’t worry, I got a full tank of gas. We’ll get outta here alive.” He nuzzled his nose against her ear and growled. “Maybe.”
She rolled her eyes at his teasing. They walked a few feet down the road, taking in everything and all its nothingness. Where were the people? It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, a perfect day to be outside. Where is everybody?
“Are Kase and the club the only residents?”
“No. I think the population is around forty.”
She jerked her head and widened her eyes. “Forty people?”
He smiled, obviously amused with her shock.
“It used to be more a long time ago. Back when my dad was president, the whole club lived out here.” He squinted form the sun. “A mile down that road was the original clubhouse.” He pointed over her shoulder. “Kase moved everyone up to Blacksburg when he took the gavel, about thirteen years ago.”
“So, this is where Colleen’s story began, huh?”
Caden burst out laughing. “Getting reminiscent on me, Coll?”
She slapped his wrist and giggled. “I just can’t see a biker gang hanging out here.”
His lips skimmed her ear. “Club, not gang. I thought Kase lost his fucking mind when he told me about his plan a few years back. But now it all makes sense. It’s a good move for the club. Gotta give him credit. Kase may be an asshole, but he’s a smart motherfucker.” He glanced over his shoulder, and she turned to follow his gaze. Two trucks were pulling into town. Drake, Dylan, and Trevor. At the same time, a group of men emerged from a storefront across the street.
“You go. I’m gonna check out Main Street, if that’s okay?” She didn’t feel comfortable around Kase, who was leading the group and heading their way.
“All right.” He quirked his brow. “Don’t get lost.”
Marissa chuckled. He leaned closer, giving her a quick kiss.
She watched as he met up at the trucks with all the men. She received a few acknowledgements. None of them surprised her more than Kase. His usual scowl was locked in place but lacked the usual accompanying glare. The corner of his mouth curled, and he dipped his chin. It was probably the closest thing to a greeting she’d ever get from him. At least it’s something.
Marissa started down the street. There were only three blocks, which meant her exploring wouldn’t last long unless she took her time. She had just reached the edge of the corner when a tiny redhead with her head down slammed into her. The force sent both women stumbling backward. Marissa threw out her arms for balance. She was able to catch herself. The other woman wasn’t as lucky. Marissa reached forward, but the woman tripped over her feet and landed on her butt with a yelp. Shit.
Marissa rushed over and extended her hand. “I’m so sorry.”
The small woman started to laugh and shook her head. “No, no, I’m sure I should be apologizing. I’m always doing stuff like this.” She grinned, and her face lit up. “Are you okay?”
Marissa laughed. She wasn’t the one sprawled out on the pavement. “I’m fine. Here, let me help you up.” The woman grasped her hand, and she got up to a standing position.
The woman tilted her head. “Thanks. I’m Bailey Preston.”
“Marissa Nichols.”
“Nice to meet you.” She glanced over Marissa’s shoulder and waved with a grin. “Hey, Cade.”
Marissa turned to Caden heading toward them. Once he reached Marissa, his arm hooked around her waist. “How’s it going, Bailey?”
Marissa caught Bailey’s eyes scan over her, and she smiled. “It was going great until we had a fender bender on the sidewalk.” Bailey giggled and winked at her. She held out her hands. “Totally my fault.”
Marissa laughed and watched as Bailey shuffled with her bag, which was almost as big as her. She heaved it over her shoulder and then drifted to the left in a swaying motion.
“You helping with the move?” she asked Caden.
“Yeah.” He turned to Marissa. “Rourke said Macy and Chey ran into the city, but they’ll be at the club later.” Caden was obviously stressed with sharing that piece of information. His whole basis for getting her at ease with coming would be having the girls to hang out with. She grabbed his hand and smiled, hoping to relieve some of his stress.
“We’re gonna unload, then head back for another pick up. Ya wanna come or stay in town?”
Marissa sighed. She knew they were there to help, but she couldn’t see how much help she’d be. He should have let her stay back in Turnersville. She eyed the street, preferring to stay.
“Um, I was gonna go grab lunch at the diner,” Bailey said and then glanced over at Marissa. “Do you wanna come with me? And I can show you around. I know it’s not much, but there are a few cool little places around town.”
