8
Ember
Sister Chic Boutique looked like a crime scene with all the trucks surrounding it, and the lights flashing on the sheriff’s car out front.
What in the hell happened?
I rushed inside, thankful I had been driving by and saw the mayhem.
Storm looked as if he’d blow any second like an angry volcano as he spoke to a deputy.
Birdie on the other hand was calm as a cucumber, the polar opposite of her dad.
Dante and Raymond hovered over my bestie like protective bodyguards. Not one of the biker princesses in the club had received as much attention as Birdie. If I didn’t love her so much and respect her, I’d hate her. She was the girl who was always extra. And envied by all for her beauty, big heart, and musical talents. She went above and beyond for people. Poured her heart and soul into her music. Gave more than she got. Extra, that was Birdie.
“What happened?” I dropped to my knees in front of my bestie and inspected her. Her right boot was off, and her ankle had a compression wrap around it.
“She slipped on ice and sprained her ankle,” Dante replied, but I ignored him.
“Bird, tell me what happened.”
“Fuck,” he muttered.
“Like Dante said, I slipped on some ice and twisted my ankle. I’ll be fine, but my baby has a horrible slash across the top of the hood.” Her baby was the blue Mustang her dad bought her on her twenty-first birthday. The custom color matched her eyes.
“Oh, my God! Who did it? Do they think it was a threat? An enemy MC?”
“I’m sure it’s not.” Birdie rolled her eyes. “Probably some rebellious teens. They scarred my baby.”
“Doubt it was teenagers,” Raymond grumbled. “But we’ll find the fucker who did this to you.”
“Yes, we will.” Dante nodded sharply, but again, I wouldn’t look him in the eyes. If I did, he might notice the guilt I was trying to hide.
Guilt over not being straight with him about my feelings and the IVF. Eventually I would, but I was still processing all the potential outcomes of me being pregnant by an anonymous sperm donor’s baby. Jeez, just thinking about it made me feel worse.
If I’d known I might have a chance with him, I might have put off the procedure. Why didn’t he call or text? The anger and frustration I harbored bubbled in my belly. Now wasn’t the time or place to unload onto him. Ignoring him was best.
“Whatever. I just want to go get that beer and relax.” Birdie’s baby-blues drilled into mine. She wanted me to go with them, and I didn’t want to. “Come with us.”
“Sorry, can’t. I was just passing through town on my way home and saw chaos. Wanted to see if you were okay. I should go…” I bit my bottom lip as I focused on Birdie.
“I understand.” She gave me a genuine smile. When God created her, they had broken the mold. Birdie was the sweetest, kindest, and most caring person I knew. She was a lot like her mom, Angel, which was a nickname Storm gave her. It fit perfectly. Maddy was an angel and so was Birdie.
“I think you should go home,” Raymond told Birdie.
“Your thoughts are noted, but I’m confident Dante will protect me.” Birdie turned toward Storm. “Dad, can I leave now?”
Yikes. She totally blew off Raymond and he didn’t appear all too happy about it.
Thick tension rolled in like a blanket of fog. I almost cut my gaze at Dante, then stopped myself.
You’re ignoring him, remember? Yup, I remember.
“I won’t let anything happen to Birdie, cuz. Plus, The Bullet is safe,” Dante replied. Again, Raymond didn’t seem all too happy about it.
“Perfect. I’m so over this. Can we take your Jeep?” Birdie asked.
“Where are you going?” Storm appeared with his jaw tight, and a dark eyebrow hiked.
“The Bullet with Dante.”
I faded back to let them discuss it. Whenever they didn’t agree, things got uncomfortable for me. It was impossible for two strong personalities like them to have a calm discussion.
“I was hoping we could talk today.” Dante stood in front of me and blocked my view of Birdie and her dad.
“I’ve been busy.”
“Can I call you since you won’t talk to me in person?”
“You just got home yesterday. Take a few days or a few months to adjust before making any decisions.”
“Why do you keep pushing me away? I mean, at least give me a chance to explain why I didn’t keep in touch.”
“It really doesn’t matter, Dante. I was going through shit of my own, so it’s all good. You do you and I’ll do me.” Knew I should’ve just left. Why was he being so persistent?
“What kind of shit did you go through?” Concern marred his handsome face. He was very pretty to look at. I loved how he furrowed his brown. It hit me just right too. Thank goodness I charged my toy this morning. The more I studied him, he sort of reminded me of the Hollywood icon, James Dean. Swoon!
“Honestly, it’s none of your business. Too much time has passed and we’re not friends anymore.” I went around him toward Birdie. “I’m going home. Call me tomorrow.”
“Will do.” Birdie winked, then continued talking to her dad.
Chase and my brother arrived. I waved to them as I opened my car door.
“Ember!” Dante hollered as he trotted my way.
“What?”
“You can’t avoid me forever. And just so you know, I’m not giving up on you.”
I laughed at him. “Fine.” I shut my door and started my car, then left. In my sideview mirror, I could see him watching me.
Placing my hand on my stomach, I sent up a prayer. Please God, let your will be done. Whatever it is, I will be okay with it.
What exactly was I saying?
I wouldn’t be okay if I wasn’t pregnant. I desperately wanted a baby of my own before Dr. W gave me a hysterectomy.
What if Dante got me pregnant?
Hello? What? Have you lost your ever-loving mind?
Sure, we didn’t really know each other anymore. He’d grown up and so had I. But I couldn’t deny the attraction between us was stronger than ever, and he seemed determined to talk. And then that kiss last night…
Phew! I fanned myself, remembering the pleasure I’d had getting myself off with my rabbit vibrator. God, I’d slept so good after releasing years of pent-up tension. I guess that was why so many of the old ladies were always a fucking ray of sunshine day and night. Their husbands had taken care of their needs.
So, what was Birdie’s excuse? She didn’t have a man, just her handy-dandy vibrator and dildo. She’d gotten me started a few years back after I’d told her sex was painful with guys.
Would intercourse hurt with Dante?
Hmm, I needed to rethink my false dislike and anger toward the Army Ranger.
Friday night was his welcome home party. I hadn’t planned on attending it, but I might reconsider…