3. West
3
WEST
I’m an idiot. That’s my mantra for the rest of the weekend. When I lost my words when she flirted with me, I stumbled like a prepubescent teenager and couldn’t string a sentence together. Audrina flirting with me is on another level. She’s a fuckin’ peach, and I’m not gonna lie and say I didn’t whack off after that conversation. But all I could come up with was... Are you okay to work on Monday?
What the fuckin’ fuck is wrong with me? I don’t have women troubles. I know how to talk to a woman, albeit, texting isn’t my forte. I know how to seduce one too, fuck knows I’ve had enough goes at it. But this? This is a new level of Oh, fuck.
This is how she makes me feel—like I’m a boy again who can’t put two words together and form a simple sentence. The hold she has over me isn’t just something that happened over night. It’s been a slow build this last year, and frankly, I’m not sure how much more I can take.
All I see and breathe is Audrina, yet the words just won’t come. I’m a sputtering mess, and I don’t like it.
I hovered my thumbs over the phone when she flirted with me. What I wanted to say was completely obscene, yet my response?
Actually, I was going to ask... if you were okay to work on Monday?
I slap my forehead repeatedly. What in the actual fuck is wrong with me? Do I need professional help? Jesus H. Christ. I’m fifty-four years old, a simple flirty message, and my brain is like spaghetti.
Like my daughter-in-law would say in her calm voice, ‘Time to regroup, West. Time to take a breath.’ I don’t think I need a breath; I need a goddamn exorcism.
I could’ve started with: If you’d like to join me for dinner. Or, there’s an art exhibition next weekend I’ve got tickets for... I don’t give a fuck about art, but she likes it. And I could get tickets, but that’s not the point. The point is, this woman is going to drive me back to the bottle if I don’t man up. I push all thoughts of rejection from my mind. Keeping her at arms length is no longer an option, especially when I’m now also rostering myself on to work Monday, too.
I’m a pathetic piece of work, and my balls are a disgrace to my manhood.
Then I fantasize about the dirty talk I’d love to shock her with, especially when she mentioned I’d have her blushing if I kept up the compliments.
I’d like to have those pretty little ass cheeks blushing when I throw you over my knee and spank them.
I growl, my hand fisting once more over my dick. My balls are not done, and I’m not quite sure they’d ever be empty with her on my mind. I slowly work my palm over my dick, grinding into it, imagining it’s her soft, wet, slick pussy.
How does that feel, my little peach? Do you like the feel of my dick inside this tight little wet cunt?
I close my eyes, imagining how shocked she’d be at my words. I’ve never, in the last year that I’ve known her, heard her swear. She’s a fuckin’ angel.
That’s it, baby. Ride your man’s cock, let me see you come all over my big dick.
I imagine suckling on her perfect nipples, tasting each one with slow, precise licks and nips. Biting gently until she’s grinding on top of me, pushing those perfect breasts in my face, trying to catch her release as I bounce her up and down. She’s panting, riding me hard as I fill her tight little hole.
Harder, West, please! That’s it, right there… I come unceremoniously all over my palm and stomach, my release choking a moan that sounds ragged and pained. That’s because it is.
My body is wired. The release is welcome, but it could never satisfy my quench for Audrina, far from it. Fisting my cock twice in one evening isn’t how I usually spend my Saturday night, but this is what she does to me.
I just hope by Monday morning I’ve found my balls and I’ll dig myself out of the hole I’ve created. Let’s just hope Audrina is still talking to me by then.
Turns out, Monday is a shitshow.
I arrive late, something I never do, and two of my cooks are down with the flu. I needed Audrina to work as I knew two of the servers were out, but now I’ve had to step in and ask Manny if he’ll cover while I went to sort out the deliveries. I’m half expecting he’ll change the menu or tisk at my small, but palatable menu. People in this neck of the woods like fancy sandwiches and expensive steak burgers, and that’s what we give them. The French Quarter is an eclectic mix of characters. Tourists flock here for the art, great food, and entertainment, and because we’re right near Jackson Square, we get all of the traffic.
When I first ran the idea past Cash, he was on board. The club already has the Whiskey Grill on Bourbon Street, two strip clubs downtown, and a bakery, so adding another catering business into the mix in a busy area was appealing to the committee. While the club partly owns my cafe, I have the majority say, and I inject into the club coffers that we all share at the end of every quarter — so everyone wins. This is how the family of the MC works. When one of us wins, we all win.
The club also has two mechanic shops; one primarily works on motorcycles, the other cars and engines, as well as Deanna’s decorating business, a workshop Bella runs for the underprivileged, Faux Paws; the shelter that Tag’s ol’ lady, Luna, is involved with; and more recently, the Soup Kitchen. Priest and Bella are heavily involved in feeding the homeless and giving back. It’s where Bella got her second chance. That’s another thing I’m proud of my son for; he’s always trying to help other people and be a better man. I wish I could say I had some part in that, but the years he grew up without knowing I’d have been there in a heartbeat haunt me. I regret so much about that time, but if I had known about him, I would’ve dropped everything to be the father he needed. I’d never ignore my responsibilities, regardless of how I felt about his mother.
“West?” Audrina’s voice echoes slowly as I blink and snap out of my reverie. “Woah, you were lost for a second there, Boss.”
I swallow hard when she calls me ‘Boss’ and give her a lopsided grin. “Too much goin’ on in my head, need to write shit down.”
“You need a pocket diary,” she tells me, amused.
“Nope. I need a personal assistant and a right-hand man.”
“There’s plenty of those at the clubhouse.” She gazes over my messy desk. “West? Who does your paperwork?”
I glance down at her tailored, fitted black pants and peach-colored polo, the Muso uniform. It suits her and brings out the freckles on her pretty skin. The little apron she wears is tied snugly around her tiny waist. She’s always prim and proper without a hair out of place, speaking of which; she has her locks tied back in a small ponytail. She cut it a few months ago into a shorter bob, and it was cute, but I like her hair longer... More to hold onto...
And I realize I’m staring. “Uh, Jas.” She’s Hawk’s ol’ lady and the club’s pint-sized, bossy accountant.
“Yes, but before it gets to Jas? Like a bookkeeper who sorts through the daily grind.”
“Um.” I palm the back of my head. “Me.”
She shakes her head. “Don’t tell me you’ve been trying to handle all of this yourself?”
I give her a sheepish look. “I’ve been meanin’ to hire someone. Jas hasn’t got time to do tedious bookwork, though I’m sure she would if I asked.”
“Luna could help out maybe... but she has been busy at Rock’s.” She plants a finger on her chin as she thinks.
Rock and Jett are the twins of the club who also operate all the security and surveillance. Rock has an established Truck n’ Haulage business, which is now the busiest shop in Louisiana.
I tick off the list in my head: Luna is tied up full-time doing all of Rock’s bookwork, so that probably won’t work. Aspyn, Rock’s ol’ lady, is heavily involved in charity work and assisting Bella with her workshop projects while she concentrates on little Jack. Deanna is raising Caprice, and working a few days a week in her own business. Summer, Jett’s ol’ lady, is a nurse. Indigo runs NOLA Sweet Treats Bakery and her old man, Harlem, the club’s Enforcer, is always talking about trying to knock her up, so I’m sure it won’t be long before that happens. Star is a successful private investigator whose best friend, Halo, works as her assistant, and Lace, who’s with both Manny and Bandit, also part of the MC, just started a new job at an executive accounting firm, specializing in debt consolidation. Nobody has time for more.
I twitch at the idea of Audrina sitting at my desk and for the love of God, I hope I don’t have to stand up anytime soon...
“I’m bad at delegatin’.” I shrug.
She sighs, giving me a sympathetic look. “I know how hard it must be, running your own business and organizing everything yourself, but I’m also happy to help. I know I’ve not had a lot of experience in the field, but I managed my household as a stay-at-home mom. I can do basic accounting; it’s more the software and bookkeeping I’d struggle with. And I’ve filled in for Halo when she’s had bad morning sickness; with the baby due soon, she’s looking to job share down the track and I’m sure I could catch on pretty quick...”
I love it when she rambles. “I can’t ask you to take on more.”
She leans against the doorframe and it takes all my might not to stand, drag her over to the desk, strip her out of her uniform and fuck her on it. “Why not? Isn’t that up to me?” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Am I too valuable as a barista?”
A smile creeps across my face. This woman never held a job before she came and worked for me, but she’s perfectly capable of anything she sets her mind to. People scoff at being a server, but it takes grace and poise to deal with the general public. It also takes skill to make the perfect coffee, and she mastered it very fast. The customers love her, but that’s too bad for them. Having her in my office is like a gift from Heaven.
“You’re my only reliable staff member now that I’ve lost Lace,” I sigh. “And I know you do it to help me out, which is appreciated. I was hoping to cut back a little since Jack was born, but that may be a little ambitious.”
“So I’m sure you can teach me.”
Every single fucking word. An image of her over my lap while I feed her pussy with my fingers springs to mind, and I feel like I need a cold shower.
I clear my throat. “I don’t know…”
“You don’t want me to?”
“It’s not that…”
She moves over to the desk and I’m stuck in my seat, gazing up at her. She’s a tiny thing but from this angle, it’s like she’s six foot tall. She’s no nonsense, something I’ve always admired about her. “You really are bad at asking for help,” she chuckles softly. “It really would be helping me out, too. I want to be able to expand my resume and get some more experience.”
My jaw ticks just a little at the thought of her getting ‘more experience elsewhere’ or leaving me. Let’s not get crazy now. The only experience I want her to have is with me.
“If you think you can tackle your way out of this mess.” I gesture to the shoe box of overstuffed receipts on my desk. “Then it’s all yours. I will insist on a pay raise, though.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “You don’t have to do that, honestly.”
“Nonsense. It’s the least I can do, though I’m not sure by the end of it if you’ll be cursing my name.” What I’d give to hear a curse word spill from her lips...
“I’m sure that’s not true.” She smiles. “When do you want me to start? I know we’re short-staffed today, but the new staff member, Stacey, seems to be fine on the floor. I’m free tomorrow if you’d like?”
Oh, I’d like that a whole lot.
Would this be an awkward time to ask her?
“Only if you can spare the time, Audrina, I know how busy you are.”
She snorts. “Now you’re teasing me.”
“You do a lot for the community; Bella’s always telling me how you lend a hand here, there, and everywhere.”
“I like to keep busy.” For the first time since she entered my office, she looks down at her feet. Have I said the wrong thing? “I like being able to help other people.”
Rumor has it her ex wouldn’t let her work and she resented him for it. Nevada kinda let that slip one day and it made me see her in a whole new light. I don’t want to step on her toes now that she’s finding her feet.
“As long as they appreciate it.”
“Speaking of which, I’ve spread myself a little thin this week, actually. I’ve got a couple of babysitting duties at the last minute.”
It’s no secret the mamas of the club enlist her help when they get stuck for a babysitter — not that there aren’t plenty to help when it comes to the crunch, but everyone is busy and Audrina loves kids. “That’ll keep you on your toes.”
Her smile widens. “Oh, it will. I have Caprice tomorrow morning for a few hours, and Ade in the afternoon after preschool, Crystal has an appointment, and Ryder is away for work.”
Ryder, the club’s VP, and Crystal have been married for a while and have a four year old son who they both adore. He can be a handful, but having a cute face and those puppy dog eyes, most of us are toast when he’s bossing us around.
“Well, if there’s anything you need, just let me know. Advil. Coffee. A stiff drink.”
She laughs. It’s a pleasant, cock stirring sound. “This is going to be fun.” Then she laughs harder when she sees my face as I grimace. “Don’t look so scared; I promise I won't bite.”
And.I.Am.Dead.
The rumble that leaves somewhere deep in my chest has me rising out of my chair. What the fuck for, I don’t know. My wood is pushing against the zipper of my jeans. “Sometimes I like it better when you do.”
There’s a moment of silence before I realize what I’ve said.
“West.” Her cheeks flush as she whispers. “Are you flirting with me?”
I plant my hands on the desk, and she stares down at them. “I shouldn’t be,” I say. “I am your boss after all; that would be inappropriate.”
“We’re both adults, West.” Her fingers brush my bicep. “I’m sure I can handle it; I’m a big girl.”
My mouth opens to ask her what she’s doing tonight, but then Bella appears at the door, interrupting us. We both look up, and Bella’s mouth opens, then closes, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Hey, West,” Bella says. “Hi, Audrina.”
“Oh, hi!” Audrina turns and fuck me if my eyes don’t remain glued to her ass. “How are you and your precious bundle doing?”
Bella immediately holds Jack out to her, and I try not to get slack-jawed at the sight of my grandson in her arms. Immediately my mind wanders. It makes me want to put a baby inside her… even if I know I’m too old for that shit, the idea stirs something in me. A long, deep need to raise a child and give him or her all the love I couldn’t give my own son because I missed out on so much. I love taking care of Jack, and I’m lucky I get the opportunity; I’m happy with being a grandpa, but to imagine Audrina pregnant with my kid sends me into a whole new panic. I sit back down, shocked at my thoughts.
“Hi!” The two women hug. “I just dropped by to see how everything was going. Priest said you were down a couple of staff today?”
I wave a hand at her as her eyes flick across to me. “I’m about to get back out there. Manny’s coverin’ for now, and I’ve got a new server until my full crew is back on board.”
“And I’m West’s new bookkeeper!” Audrina beams like she’s just won the lottery.
My eyes are glued to her rocking Jack like she’s an expert, cooing at him as he gurgles up at her. Could this woman get any more perfect?
Bella’s eyebrows rise in surprise. “Are you sure you want that job?”
“Hey!” I laugh. “I’ve had a lot on my plate.”
“Of course, I just told West I’m happy to help, and judging by the state of his desk, I think he needs someone to come in and take the reins.”
Why does everything she says sound dirty? I’d certainly not object to Audrina taking the reins and tying me to my bed if that’s what she wanted. If I ever want to make it out of this office alive, I’ve got to stop thinking things like that.
“I’m sure he does.” Bella winks at me as Audrina wipes some spit from Jack’s mouth.
She pats Bella’s arm. “I’ll go make you a coffee, hon.”
“Thanks, do you want me to take Jack?”
“No.” She waves a hand, stepping back out of my office. “I’m fine with him!”
I put my head into my hands. Bella’s not stupid; she’s one of the women encouraging me to grow a set. No secret is safe with the women of this club.
“And when did this happen?” she quips, as soon as Audrina is out of earshot.
“What?” I mumble from behind my hands.
“You looking at Audrina with big puppy dog eyes while she holds Jack?”
“Did you have nothin’ else to do today except ride my ass?”
She giggles. “Oh, poor West, he’s got it bad,” she sing-songs.
“Why don’t you say that a little louder?” I shake my head.
“Okay, I’ll be just out here if you need me when you’ve finished licking your wounds.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I do not need another new fantasy of Audrina licking anything, or with a big, round belly; it was shocking enough the first time. What the fuck is wrong with me?
Bella leaves, and I adjust my cock, not that it’s going to go down anytime soon because my thoughts are haywire and I don’t know what to make of it. I’ve never had feelings like this before, rushing at me all at once. Nostalgia, that’s what it is, or old age creeping up on me. One of the two.
What I need is to keep my thoughts on work, not on the pretty redhead I can’t stop thinking about.