7. West
7
WEST
I do nothing for the next twenty-four hours except keep busy. When I’m not at the cafe, I’m fixing motorcycles for fun. Priest usually helps, but as he’s had his hands full with the new baby, I’ve been doing it alone. Sometimes Logan will come over because he loves motorcycles as much as any club member, and sometimes it might be at the workshop.
Then there’s Stella in my ear about prospecting for the club and how to broach it with her dad, Harlem. Stella is a good kid, from what I’ve heard. She’s just turned twenty and has a good head on her shoulders. I know from what Priest has told me that she’s been bugging her dad and Cash for eons about joining the MC, but for obvious reasons they’re a little dubious about the idea. She’d technically be the first female MC patched into the NOLA Rebels, and while the club isn't backwards in women's liberation, I know there are some members that may not be keen on the idea.
I also heard Cash was considering it once she turned twenty-one, but that was only because he didn’t think she’d stick it out and that way she’d get off his and her old man's backs. She can be a spitfire. When she talked to me about it, I told her to talk to them around the table and treat it like a job interview...
“They’re gonna come at you with excuses why a woman won’t be a good prospect,” I tell her. “And you’ve gotta be armed and ready for a comeback when they do.”
“Ugh! Men are so backward in the way they think!” she complains.
“You may be right about that, but convincin’ them to let you prospect is gonna take more than gettin’ mad and name-callin’.”
She rolls her eyes. “I know that.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Really? So what’s your plan of attack?”
“I, uh...”
I pique a brow. “Firstly, you’ve gotta be useful to the club.”
“I am useful! I’ve been working at Indi’s Sweet Treats for over a year now, and I’ve been helping Tag in the workshop.”
I grunt at that idea. “I gotta ask, how is that?”
“What, Tag?”
“Uh, huh. He’s a little... chilly, to say the least.
She shrugs. “He’s okay; once you get over the giant stick he has up his ass.”
“So you can use that to your advantage. You’ve been puttin’ hours in helpin’ out at the shop, and you put up with Tag’s array of shit. What skills has he taught you?”
“I can do heaps of stuff.”
“Like?”
She begins to count on her fingers. “I can do oil changes, change brake pads, perform diagnostics, battery testing, replacing worn parts; they won’t let me do much, which is annoying.”
“So you step up. It’s long hours in itself, along with working at the bakery, but that’s what they want to see; hard work. I’m not sayin’ they want you to give up, but we both know your dad’s not a fan of the idea, so they’ll be lookin’ for any excuse to say you can’t do the job.”
“I can do the job.” She stands taller, adamant.
“Then prove it.”
Her eyes drift, like she’s contemplating what it means. “I get what you’re saying.”
“Do you?” I tip my head. “Because if you can’t give them any reason to ride your ass, Stell, then they can’t deny you a shot.”
“I see what you mean, Hustler, thanks.”
“Don’t thank me yet, remember, the entire idea behind prospectin’ is to work for the club and get good at a skill. Then you use that skill to bring money into the club; that’s when everybody wins. The coffers get shared, and we all help one another.”
“Dad will find fault with me because he doesn’t want me to be a mechanic, much less join the club.”
“Well, prove him wrong. Girls can do it, too. You can be a mechanic if you really want it, but you’ve gotta have the drive for it.”
“Indigo knows I may have to leave,” she says. “And she’s okay with it. She knew I wouldn’t be there forever.”
“So, I’d say your big chance is now, baby girl. Gotta start thinkin’ about your future and what you want, but don’t think the club will go easy on you because you’re Harlem’s daughter; if anything, they’ll make it twice as hard.”
“I’ve been waiting for this my whole life,” she says dramatically. I wouldn’t expect anything less, truth be told. “I know I can do it.”
I tap the side of my head. “Remember, hard work. Show up early. Do the jobs nobody wants to do, but make sure they see you do it. Stand up for yourself with the other prospects, too. You’ve just as much right to be there as anyone else.”
“Thanks, Hustler, I really needed to hear that.”
I smile. “Just keepin’ it real.”
I think she’d make a great prospect, and while some clubs may look down on an MC with female members, I’m reminded the Hell’s Angels have members within their ranks, rightly so. Not that our club is a 1% club or anywhere near it, but Stella is bright and she’s got the drive. If she really wants it, then there’s nothing stopping her.
It felt good giving Stella advice, not that Harlem would be very happy about it. I admit, if she were my daughter, I’d have my reservations, too, but she’s got a good head on her shoulders. This club is a brotherhood and a sisterhood. The women of the club are the glue, and that’s how it’s always been. There’s no reason why Stella can’t prospect and achieve all the things she wants to. If they ask me for my vote, I’ll be saying yes.
I didn’t work today, and neither did Audrina, so I’ve had plenty of time to grab some food ready to make dinner for her tonight. I’m gunning to have her eat at my place and be alone with her. Okay, I admit I was a little flirty. I said some things that may have shocked her, but I’m tired of playing it safe. She wanted honesty, so that’s what she got. I also sent two dozen roses to her house this morning, knowing Nevada would be out, with a note that read: Looking forward to our date.
What I don’t expect is to see her earlier than planned. I stop off at Priest and Bella’s place to see the baby and also fix a flyscreen door and notice Audrina’s car in the driveway. My entire body is alight when I let myself inside and I hear her soft laughter. Nobody has any idea we’ve got a date tonight, and I want to keep it that way. I want to keep her all to myself for a little bit longer.
When I round the corner into the kitchen, Audrina is holding little Jack in her arms. She looks up at me as I smirk, my eyes drifting to Bella.
“Hello, ladies.” I smile.
“Hey!” Bella gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Priest said you were coming over.”
I wave my tool belt at her. “Apparently my son can’t fix stuff for shit.”
Bella rolls her eyes. “He’s only good at two things; fixing dinner, and making babies.”
I chuckle, my eyes flicking back to Audrina. “Hello, Audrina.”
I notice her cheeks are a little more flushed than usual. “Hi, West, how was your day off?”
“Good,” I say. “I worked on my motorcycle for a bit, then went to the grocery store.” I begin to tie the tool belt around my waist, Audrina’s eyes dipping to my movements.
I move closer, holding my arms out as she passes me the baby. I kiss his head. “And how is my favorite grandson?”
Bella giggles. “He’s being a little bit of a grump.”
“Oh, is that right?” I hold him out as we look at one another. “I don’t think he gets the grumpy from my side of the family.”
Bella puts one hand on her hip. “Are you suggesting it’s my side?”
I shrug. “Not sayin’ that, baby girl, but he does have a set of lungs on him, too.”
She whacks me on the arm. “Very funny.”
I kiss his rosy little cheeks again and hand him back. “Better get to work; gotta wash up and get back home.”
“Ooh, do you have a hot date?” Bella coos. I don’t miss the wiggly eyebrows she gives Audrina.
“A gentleman never tells,” I say. “I’ll be on the back porch if anyone needs me.”
Knowing she’s right there but I can’t have her makes me hard. I also love how she hasn’t told Bella about our date. Bella is just like all the other women in the club—gunning for us to get together, but I’m glad some things are between just the two of us.
About five minutes into the job, Audrina appears at the door. She’s wearing a long, emerald, flowing dress with thin straps and sandals. She looks pretty, her cheeks rosy and her hair swept up in a small ponytail.
“I just wanted to say thank you for the flowers,” she says.
“You already thanked me with a text,” I remind her. “Sure you didn’t just want to sneak out here and see me before our date?”
She smiles; it’s warm and genuine. “You got me.”
“Or maybe you just like watchin’ a man work?”
“The view looks pretty good from here.”
I toss her a smile. “What did you do today?”
“I had lunch with a good friend of mine, then I helped Aspyn over at the studio; she has a booking this weekend for a workshop.”
“That was kind of you.”
She pops a shoulder. “I like being helpful; it keeps me busy, and I enjoy socializing.”
“I’m sure you’re good at everything you do.”
“That’s not always the case, but thank you for the compliment.” She takes a breath. “You know I’ve been stuck all day on what to wear tonight.”
I’m tempted to tell her nothing at all, but refrain. I don’t want to scare the woman off.
Plus, I’m wooing her. That may mean that sex is off the table. The anticipation is almost too much, and denying myself her body only fuels my fire. We can go as slow as she likes, and I want her to know that. “You don’t have to be nervous,” I tell her. “I know I said some, uh, stuff the other day at Faux Paws, but there is no expectation, okay? It’s just dinner. I promise I won’t pounce on you; that’s if you don’t want me to.”
I enjoy the blush on her cheeks and the way she folds her arms across her chest to hug herself as she watches me. “I appreciate that, and I have to remind you, it’s been a really long time since I went on a first date. Thirty-something years.”
“Like I said, it’s like ridin’ a bike.”
Her laugh is infectious. “I don’t know about that.”
“If you wanted to watch a movie after, we could do that, but it’s up to you.”
“That sounds good.” She turns and gives me a small wave. “I’ll see you later.”
I give her a chin lift. “Look forward to it.”
I grin to myself watching her retreating figure. This woman is more beautiful than I could ever have hoped for, and I want to make it special for her.
I work fast, getting the porch door hung again and happily swinging the way it should be.
“You’re a lifesaver,” Bella says as I take my leave. “I really appreciate it.”
“What are father-in-laws for?” I grin. “And it’s really no trouble.” Jack is down for his nap, and I hug Bella goodbye, eager to get home to wash up and start dinner.
All I’ve been thinking about all day is my sweet Audrina and watching her eat the food I’ve made. I want to hear her laughter as I tell a joke and her hand playfully swatting me when I overstep the line, just as I did the other day. The feel of her hands on me is what drives me faster on my sled, insistent on getting home and setting an ambient scene. I’ve got candles, wine chilling, and chocolates. Okay, it’s cliche, but that’s how we used to do things in my day.
Nothing's gonna distract me from my woman coming to my apartment for the first time, and I push the jitters down. It’s been a long time for me, too. Audrina isn’t a complicated woman, and she’s smart. I’m looking forward to the conversation just as much as the kiss I plan on stealing later. If she’ll let me.
When I think about her wet panties and how I said I was going to steal them, I’m fairly sure that a kiss could be in the cards. But I don’t want to assume. I’ve gotta work for it, and I plan on working harder than I ever have in my life.
Everything is set. Wine in the cooler. Candles lit on the table. More flowers — because I’m that kinda guy — chocolates in the refrigerator, and dinner in the oven. I ended up making a fresh salmon on pilaf with crispy, skillet-fried potatoes. I also got Manny to make a berry cobbler, and when he didn’t ask me who it was for, I knew straight away he already had the goods. I have his seal of approval; I just hope he doesn’t flap his chops in the girls’ group chat that I know he’s a part of. I don’t want Audrina feeling pressured with everyone asking her questions. That’s part of the reason I’m glad we’re keeping this on the downlow. I may want to fuck her senseless, but that doesn’t mean I can’t wait a little longer. She holds all the cards, and I want her to know that.
I head downstairs, even though she has a key to get in, I don’t like the idea of her arriving at night alone. I also moved my motorcycle out of the parking garage at the back so she could park her car there. Parking around here is highly sought after, and I’m lucky to have the space. I’m also lucky to be able to live above the cafe—not that I plan on living here forever, but it’s home for the moment. Having the lease on the shop isn’t cheap, but being able to live upstairs saves me a lot of money.
Just as I slide the roller door up, her headlights turn into the small driveway. Of course she’s early; my girl is anything if not punctual. I move aside so she can drive in, and my hand is on the door handle before she’s even put the car in park. Her subtle, floral perfume greets me, and my cock twitches. She’s wearing a dress, and it takes all my might not to eject her seatbelt and pull her into my arms. Breathe; this isn’t all about you.
“Fancy meeting you here.” Her bright smile is infectious.
“Fancy that.” I grin.
She leans over to fetch her purse and grabs something in tin foil from the vacant passenger seat. I move aside so she can exit without me blocking her. The dress she has on is black with a little ruffle on the bottom. It has capped sleeves with lace and buttons down the front. She’s not showing any cleavage, but it’s tight around her bust and waist, and my mouth waters. She has her hair loose in waves, her makeup elegant with a slightly smoky eye and light pink lipstick. She’s so beautiful it hurts my soul. I’m once again reminded that this woman was discarded by the one man who should’ve worshipped the ground she walked on. I’m going to treat her so goddamn well, she’s not going to know herself.
“You look lovely,” I say, my mouth hoarse already.
She peels herself out of the car elegantly, and that’s when I notice she has little ankle boots on with a thin but high heel. She’s tiny, but it makes her legs look long.
“You don’t scrub up too badly yourself. The apron is a nice touch.”
I look down at myself; black jeans, a gray-fitted Henley, and boots — I'll kick those off once we’re inside, and the black apron I had on from earlier. In my haste, I forgot to take it off.
“I feel underdressed.” I smirk.
I close her car door and place my hand on the small of her back. The material on the back of her dress has a little slit cut right where her bra strap should be... except there isn’t a bra strap. She’s not wearing a fuckin’ bra?
“Nonsense,” she says. Do I detect a little nervousness in her tone?
I adjust my cock behind her back, praying that she won’t notice I’m already sporting a massive boner. It isn’t like I can help it when the woman of my dreams just arrived in a little black dress with no bra and... oh, fuck me... what if she doesn’t have panties on? I did tell her I was going to own them the next time we were alone together, and one thing I do is keep my promises.
My hand reaches for the connecting door that leads up to the apartment as the roller door slides down, and my hand then reaches for hers.
“This is kinda devilish,” she goes on. “You’re my boss.”
I love it when she calls me Boss in that soft, sexy tone of hers. I can’t wait to hear her call me it when I’m buried deep inside her sweet pussy. Or maybe I’ll shut her pretty little mouth up with my cock first.
“Do you feel like a teenager again?” I muse. “Sneakin’ around in case someone finds out.”
“Ugh, you’ve no idea the pressure going on in the group chat,” she moans. “I’ve had to switch my notifications off, they are all being so annoying and have been since the...”
I wince as she trails off. Nobody thinks more about that day than I do. I was surprised that Manny would even set foot in the place after he was the one who got shot here all those months ago.
I squeeze her hand. “It’s been rough for everyone.”
We get to the stairs, and she turns to me. “What you did for me that day, I’m not even sure if I thanked you properly.”
I reach out instinctively to push a loose strand of hair back off her face, my fingers brushing her skin. “It was a lot, and traumatic for everyone. I want you to know that no matter what happens between us, Audrina, I will always protect you.”
The words hang between us, and I notice her suck in a breath, causing me to brush a knuckle over her cheek. She’s such a delicate little dove, but at the same time, stronger than anyone I’ve ever met.
“I know,” she whispers. “I think that’s when things really cemented for me that I like you, West. A lot.”
I chuckle. “It took almost gettin’ shot? Now I know what I’ve been doin’ wrong this whole time.”
“That’s not funny.” She swats me on the arm playfully, exactly like she did the other day. “I’m obviously glad you didn’t get hurt, but I worry for Manny.”
“Manny’s fine, if he wasn't, he wouldn’t come back and cook here.”
“That’s true, but it’s easy to put on a brave face.” I know she’s talking from experience.
I put my life in front of hers that day, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If anything ever happened to her, I’d never forgive myself.
“Why don’t we stop all this depressin’ talk and I’ll get you somethin’ to drink?” I spread my hand out toward the stairs. “Your dinner awaits, my lady.”
She giggles, and it’s a sweet sound. I want to be the one to make her laugh like that all the time. “Who’d have thought you’d be so charming?”
She begins to mount the stairs as I whisper behind her, “You might not be sayin’ that after dessert.”