I glanced around the crowded room again. Mase wasn’t here tonight, which was a good thing because I was having enough trouble concentrating as it was.
Lila tried to yell something over the music.
I leaned in.
She frowned, took my hand, and pulled me to the side and away from the speakers. “Hey, you okay?”
I nodded, forcing another smile. “Yeah, of course.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Something’s bothering you. I’ve given you your space, hoping you’d come to me, but since you haven’t, I’m going to have to flat-out ask. Tell me what’s going on. You haven’t been yourself for weeks.”
I couldn’t tell her the truth and I hated that. I hated lying to my friends. But sharing with Lila would only put her in a difficult position, and that wouldn’t be fair. Yet if I kept up with the “I’m fine” shtick, she’d bring in the others, and my friends working together were a force to be reckoned with. They’d squeeze the truth out of me.
Blowing out a breath, I gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m lonely,” I said, giving her the truth, some of it anyway. “I miss Gran and I’m sick of being on my own.”
Lila’s eyes softened and she winced. “God, Trix, I’ve been such a shitty friend. Of course you’re missing your gran. I’m so sorry. I haven’t been there enough for you lately.”
“No, you guys have been amazing.” I tried to shrug it off. “I know how the whole grief thing works, I went through it with my mom. It’s just…sitting in my trailer alone every night, going to bed alone, it isn’t helping. I wouldn’t mind some company.” I didn’t add that I knew who I wanted to share my nights with.
My friend pulled me in for a hug, then gripped my shoulders and leaned back. “That sucks. Missing someone, being lonely, I get it and want to help you. Will you let me help?” A wicked smile curved her lips.
Oh hell.
“Wipe that smile off your face, woman. Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”
“Come on, Trix, you haven’t been dating…”
“Because these country boys don’t get me, you know that.” They’d never known what to make of me. They saw the ink and the piercings, the way I dressed, and either thought I was a freak or a plaything.
“Maybe it’s time to forget the cowboys and go out with a biker. Some of Riff’s club brothers are hot and totally awesome.”
Shit. Okay, yeah, she wasn’t wrong, but I wasn’t there yet. Nowhere near. “I don’t know about that…”
“It isn’t the first time I’ve thought about it. I already have someone in mind, actually.”
My little friend had been a shy, soft-spoken librarian when I met her. Now she was the old lady of the Ramblers’ sergeant at arms, wearing a leather vest with Grifter’s property patch on the back with pride. She was still a librarian, but she’d more than mastered her shyness. And the determined look currently on her face was scary as hell.
“I’m not sure, Ly. I’m not looking for anything serious.” There was only one man I wanted, but I couldn’t have him. It was crazy, but letting go of Mase, both of us deciding that nothing could ever happen between us, was more painful than any breakup I’d ever experienced, including Adam. “I’ve met most of Riff’s club brothers and…”
“You just told me you’re lonely. And you haven’t met Brick. Maybe meet him before you write him off. He moved here a few months ago. He’s a great guy, handsome, funny, a straight talker…like you. He’s the same age as Riff, and most importantly, he’s single.”
“If he’s so great, why is he single?”
“Now you’re just being difficult.” She grinned. “Come on.” She grabbed my hand and towed me across the bar.
“Wait. What are you doing?”
“He’s here with Riff. Come and meet him at least. No pressure.”
How could I say no without her getting suspicious? Old Trixie would have been all over this idea. Lila would know I was still keeping something from her if I fought her and didn’t at least meet the guy.
Lila strode up to Riff. He was standing with Manic, Dane, and another guy who could only be Brick. She was right about the handsome part. He was tall, tanned, and tattooed. His hair was black and reached his shoulders, stubble darkened his strong jaw, and when he grinned at something Riff said, flashing white teeth, every woman within eyeshot more than likely swooned.
I should be swooning. Honestly, Brick was gorgeous. But my pulse didn’t even pick up speed.
Riff smiled as soon as he spotted Lila, then tugged her into his side and kissed her. “Hey, Bambi.”
Lila grinned up at him. “Trix and I are thirsty from all the dancing, we thought we’d come and hang with you guys for a bit.”
Riff filled a couple of glasses with beer from a pitcher on the bar and handed them to us.
“Hey, Trix,” Manic said, then glanced at Brick. “Brother, this is Trix. The one I told you about. She did my new ink.”
Brick held out his hand. “Hey, Trix.”
“Hey.”
“That’s some nice work you did, babe.”
“Thanks.”
“Been looking to get something like you did for Manic. You think I could come in for a consult?”
His eyes were deep brown and intense. Like most of the bikers I’d met since I moved here, he was confident. These guys never shied away from a little eye contact, or a lot in this case. “Sure thing. Just call the shop and we can set up a time.”
“Awesome.”
“So what kind of pet do you have?”
He pulled out his phone and moved closer. The guy towered over me, and he smelled really good. He clicked open his photos. “Not a pet. My baby girl, May.” He held out the phone.
A sweet, smiling baby with dark hair like Brick’s filled the
