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“That’s very generous,” I reply, a lump in my throat. This is the kind of town I’ve always wanted to settle in. A community where people come first and we’re all working together. Respect and caring are the core values I grew up with, and through the years, I’ve discovered that these values aren’t as common as it should be.
“I have an even better idea,” Abby says. “I need to make a call and let you know if it all works out.” She takes out her phone. Whoever is on the other end picks up quicky. “Hi, honey.” A pause. “No, no, everything is great. I’m calling to see if you have a prospect or someone available to run some deliveries tonight. Rose has these gorgeous flowers she’s put together, and she’s working all day and plans on delivering the rest to the hospital or senior place. She’ll be at it all night and, well, I was wondering if you or Guard could spare some time for a few hours.” There’s another short pause, then she turns to me. “He’s checking to see who’s available.”
Sofia smiles and says, “Ghost will find a guy or do it himself. He would slay a dragon for his girl.”
“Thanks, honey.” Abby looks at me. “Wildcard and Roscoe have volunteered. They could be here in an hour. Does that work?”
“Wow, that’s amazing. I don’t know how to thank you,” I gush.
“Are you kidding? You’re the one doing all the work and spreading sunshine. It’ll make a big difference to those places,” Sofia says.
“Let’s celebrate tonight. I think we should have ladies’ night, and you must come, Rose,” Willow says.
I’ve always had friends. I wasn’t popular, though I was liked well enough, but there was never a real connection. Maybe because I was so focused on school, then on finding my own purpose, I never made those long-lasting friendships others talk about. But this feels right.
“I’d love that,” I reply.
For the next hour, we sip coffee and eat our treats while I work. They all help where they can, and when Wildcard and Roscoe turn up, we all work together to load the truck. Before they leave, they tell me we’ll meet at the compound to enjoy the evening, and to dress casual.
Five minutes after they leave, Thunder calls. “Hey, babe, I hear you’ve had a busy day.”
“It’s been an awesome day!”
He chuckles, and I can imagine the laugh lines around his eyes and the way his lips curl into a smile. Even over the phone, he makes me feel too much. “That’s good. I hear you’re joining us for our Saturday night shindig. I’ll pick you up around seven. That cool with you?”
“You’re coming to get me?”
“Yeah, babe.”
“Um, yeah. That’s cool.” Is it cool, though? The more I see Thunder, the harder it is for me to handle what I feel for him.
* * *
Thunder
Rosie fills out a pair of jeans perfectly. She’s ready and waiting for me. She always looks great, but with her hair fluffier than normal and wearing more makeup than usual, she’s a knockout. I want to reach out and pull her into my arms and kiss her rosy red lips.
“You look great, but you better grab a jacket,” I say.
“It’s warm out.”
“Yeah, but I’m putting you on the back of my bike.”
Her eyes light up. “I’m getting a ride on your motorcycle? You’ve never let me ride with you. You said it wasn’t safe.”
“Now it is. Go grab a jacket.” I watch her disappear down the hall, my eyes glued to her ass. She used to beg me for a ride. I wanted to take her, but the first time she asked, Clarissa pulled a face, and that was the start of our first argument. It was stupid, and that should have been a clue as to how much Clarissa resented her younger sister. Each time Rosie asked, I’d make up a new excuse. Then one day, she stopped asking.
Rosie comes back with a dark brown leather jacket, her brown ankle boots clicking across the floor.
“Is this okay? I mean for the club.” She waves her hand over her clothes.
“Rosie, stop fretting. These people already love you,” I tell her. I take her by the hand and lead her out the door. I slip the keys from her hand and lock up before walking her to my bike. The extra helmet I brought fits her well. I get on and hold out my hand for her. “Get on, babe.”
I guide her on and let her settle in behind me. She wraps her arms around my waist without asking. She’s in tight with her front to my back. I can feel her thighs pressed against mine. I close my eyes, reveling in the moment.
“Ready?” I ask.
“Absolutely!” she cries with enthusiasm, bringing a grin to my face. I pull out of the small driveway and head onto the road. The compound is close, but I decide that for her first ride, we’re going to detour and take the long way over.
