Chapter Four
Rose
My biggest fear is living my whole life without ever having really lived. -Rose
I’ve managed to shock the bad boy biker. It may be my proudest moment to date. Lucky rears back in his seat.
“You know what, honey? I think I’m going to need a drink for this talk. Let me go get a beer. You need one?”
I shake my head. When he gets up from the booth, I can’t help but watch him saunter over to the bar. He’s got a mighty fine ass.
He returns only a moment later. I watch his strong hand wrap around his beer and take a long sip as he sits down across from me.
“Now, what did you just say? Because my hearin’ ain’t always right.
I was in the military for a while.” He sends me another devilish grin, but there’s something behind those blue eyes of his when he mentions his time in the military.
“I was wrong. I think I do need some alcohol for this. Can I have a sip of yours?” I ask in my sauciest voice. Might as well practice this part if I’m going to play it. I need to squash these nerves of mine down.
“Sure, darlin’.”
He pushes his bottle towards me, and I lift it immediately, taking a long swig. I lay it down with a plop and then start coughing. Hell, I forgot how much I hate the taste of beer.
Lucky chuckles. “I can’t believe you’re asking me to fuck you, but you can’t take a gulp of beer without sputtering.
” He gives me a long look. “You sure you’re okay?
You do know what you’re askin’ here? And can I ask, why me?
Not that I’m not fuckin’ stoked to be asked, because I am.
” He leans forward and takes the bottle back.
“Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more honored. ”
I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand in a very unladylike movement.
“Really? You’re honored?” my voice squeaks out.
At least he’s not disgusted. That’s a good thing.
Not that I thought he would be. I mean, he’s a bit of a playboy so I thought he would be up for it.
Well, yeah up for it, if you know what I mean. But I also thought…
“Princess, I would love to know what’s going on in that head of yours. Your face is so expressive, especially those dark eyes of yours. It’s truly a sight to behold to watch you think so deeply.”
“You’re so smooth, Lucky Chapman. That’s exactly why I chose you,” I say, tucking my hand under my chin. “That and your reputation.”
His blue eyes darken, and I regret my words almost immediately. “My reputation?” he asks in a gruff voice. “What exactly is my reputation?”
I think of the most diplomatic way to say my next words. “Just that you’re skilled at…certain things. And that you’re a generous partner.” And hung like a horse. And kind of slutty.
“You girls sure talk, don’t ya?” He shakes his head. “And here I thought gossiping was a sin?”
“Ha. They don’t care about that kind of sin at the church. In fact, that’s the most frequent activity going on there. Now, propositioning you? That would get me some backlash, but I honestly don’t care. It’s about time I took a chance and stepped out of the box a little.”
He twists the bottle in his hands. “Why? Have you always been a good girl?” His voice is husky and that spark between us is back again, heavy in the air with promise.
“Always. I’m known around town for it. The goody two-shoes. Ms. Can-Never-Do-Wrong Rose.” I say the words bitterly. I’m tired of it. I’ve been through hell and back over the last few years and being good has never gotten me what I want.
“Looking to take a walk on the wild side, uh? I can be very good for that. Very good.”
Damn, the want in his voice makes my panties wet. I shift in the booth again.
“Does that mean you’ll say yes?” I ask in what I hope is a seductive voice. “Because I think we could have fun together.”
“Oh, honey, the kind of fun we would have might blow the roof off this place.” He takes another long drink of his beer and I watch the muscles in his throat work. Hell’s bells, he’s sexy.
Suddenly, I can picture us together. His hard body on top of mine. His hands roaming, my body writhing underneath his while I feel pleasure like I’ve never felt before…
“What I wouldn’t give to read your mind again, honey. Those dirty thoughts of yours show right on your face.” He takes a deep breath. “As much as I want to say yes, I’ll have to think about it. I have rules. And one of them has always been not to sleep with a virgin.”
My heart sinks. I blink back sudden tears. Hell, I knew this wouldn’t work.
I push my way out of the booth. “Okay, well then, this has been nice. I’ll ju…just be going.” I practically run toward the front doors.
Lucky catches me by the arm. “Now, wait right there. I said that was one of my rules.” He flashes me a grin. “I’ve been known to break my own rules.”
Relief floods me and I find myself smiling like an idiot at him again. I faintly hear someone clear their throat across the room. I look up. The bartender is watching us closely.
“Let’s talk outside. I’ll walk you back to the gate.”
I try not to gasp as Lucky takes my hand in his. Electricity flows through me from just that simple touch.
It feels good. It feels damn good to hold his hand. Holding hands. Check that one off the list.
I ask him questions as we walk. Not about the proposal. Not about the strong chemistry between us. But about life in an MC.
I watch him closely as he talks excitedly about his “brothers” as he puts it. About the recent wedding between Blaze the bartender and his wife. About the way they have each other’s backs. About how he has found his place here.
And I envy him. Oh, how I envy him. Because have I ever felt like a real part of anything before? Sure doesn’t seem like it.
Scar is still standing at the gate and opens it for us with just a nod as Lucky walks me to my car. My old beat-up Honda barely made it up the mountain roads to get here. Lucky gives it a wary look.
“Sure that thing will get you home?” he asks in a worried voice.
I pat the car’s hood. “Don’t insult my baby. She’ll make it just fine.”
We stand there silently for a moment as if unsure what the next words should be.
Finally, he reaches out to push a strand of my wild hair behind my ear.
“I’ll let you know what I decide.” He softly strokes my cheek with his thumb.
“I really don’t think I have much of a choice in this.
I’m bound to say yes. I don’t think I could say no to you. ”
My heart beats faster as he leans forward.
His lips touch mine, but just barely. Then I’m wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close.
I want more. I have a feeling I’ll always want more.
He deepens the kiss, and his tongue seeks out mine.
Sensations flood my body as he explores my mouth with his own.
He tastes just as I imagined. All masculinity and pleasure.
He takes and takes and all I want to do is give more.
His mouth is a sinful delight. I make a pact with the devil at that exact moment. I could kiss this man forever.
That thought finally has me pulling away. “I should go,” I say breathlessly. “I’ll see you around, I guess. I mean, how will you let me know? I mean, I could…”
He traces my tender bottom lip with his finger. “I’ll find you. Don’t worry.”
I give him a smile and climb into my little compact.
I watch the rearview mirror for longer than I should, looking back at his figure in the dust. Please say yes, Lucky. Please.