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“You’ve been staring through the glass. Why don’t you take her out to lunch or something?”
“You think I’m distracted?”
“Yeah. This car has been on the ramp for two hours, and so far, you haven’t gotten to check on it.”
Bull glared at Pat, who immediately held up his hands.
“I’m not judging. I’m jealous, man. You got a girl that makes you think about her more than the cars. That’s a gift, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes for you to keep her.”
“She’s a distraction,” Bull said.
“A good distraction, Prez, and you need it. You don’t have to keep sacrificing your life for us. Believe me.”
“Since when have you gotten so philosophical?”
“Been doing some reading. Finally getting shit together in my head. I know what went down over there wasn’t my fault, and I can’t keep blaming myself for not bringing every single guy back. I’ve got to live my life. It’s what I’d want every other guy to do, and I know deep down, it’s what they would have wanted.”
Bull put his hand on Pat’s shoulder. “You’re a good man.”
“Oh, please, I’m the fucking sergeant at arms of the Chaos and Carnage MC. I’m not a good guy.”
He looked at Pat, and for the first time since knowing him for nearly thirty years, he had to wonder if this was the life he wanted.
“You want out of the club?”
Pat frowned. “No. I don’t. This club is my home. I guess I should put it another way. Out there, with my men, I was a good guy. I was serving my country. Back here, I’m the guy serving my club, doing whatever is possible for my men. This is my home, and I’m not the kind of guy to get a nine-to-five job and be stationed outside of a desk, Prez. I’m right where I need to be. Now, do us both a favor, and go take that sweet piece out to dinner. She looks so fucking miserable and happy at the same time.”
Bull laughed as he stripped out of his overalls and headed back toward the office.
He changed it for his leather cut, then headed back into the main reception desk. There was no one inside, and he went to Maddie.
“Come on, it’s time for us to head out.”
“Bull, it’s not even eleven yet.”
“Still, I’ve got plans and I’ve been keeping you all to myself. I think it’s only fair that I share you.”
It was the last thing he wanted to do, but Beatrice and Carl had been driving him crazy with the endless supplies of soup and lasagna to help Maddie on her recovery. With her staying with him and going to the clubhouse for her therapy sessions, he hadn’t been accepting visitors for her.
Taking her to the diner would hopefully make up for that, and he was so tired of eating the same food. The boys were grateful for it because they didn’t want any of the club girls to cook for them, but he needed a break, a long one.
Now was a good time for Maddie to see them as well. All of the bruising on her face was gone. She was only down to one cast, which would be welcome to them all. Her mobility was much better, and she was able to handle the crutches like a pro. He knew Maddie wouldn’t be happy with people worrying about her, which was why he waited.
“Do you want to walk or go by car?” he asked.
“Where are we going?”
“To the diner?”
“I can walk.”
He chuckled, moving in to step beside her.
“Thank you,” Maddie said.
“For what?”
“For letting me come back to work. Staying at your place was driving me crazy. Not that there’s anything wrong with your place.” She groaned. “You know what I mean.”
“I do know what you mean, and you don’t have to worry. It’s your place as well.”
“When I can, I will find somewhere else to live. I won’t be a bother.”
He didn’t like that, not one bit. “Did I say you needed to leave?”
“No, but I don’t want to impose.”
“Maddie, you’re not imposing when I’m the one who arranged it in the first place.” He moved in front of her. “My house is your house.”
“Okay, thank you.” There was a smile on her lips, and Bull had decided to make it his mission to always make her smile.
They headed through town. Everyone had heard what happened, and so they were stopped multiple times with people asking Maddie how she was. They also said if she needed anything then not to hesitate to reach out.
Maddie didn’t like any of the attention.
When they arrived at the diner, he heard her take a sigh of relief.
“You okay?” Bull asked.
“I’m fine. I think that’s the most anyone has ever talked to me.”
There was a sudden gasp, and he looked toward Beatrice who put the coffee pot she’d been holding on the table she was serving and rushed over.
