Chapter 11
Fiona
The next week flew by quickly. My typically monotonous routine was thrown out the window as each day brought new surprises.
After my first date with Bash, we spoke on the phone every day.
He had club business Tuesday night, but still waited for me outside work.
Bash followed me to my place on his bike before coming up and kissing me breathless outside my door.
Dazed, he gently nudged me into my apartment, then waited until I was safely locked inside. Bull was insisting on coming to girls’ night that week, and it was getting a bit extravagant. To my surprise, he called me during my lunch break midweek to kick off the planning.
“If you cook dinner, I’ll bring dessert. I’ll pick up a cake from Sugar & Spice, if that’s what you want. Name your price.” Bull’s deep voice was pleading, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Fine, I’ll cook. What do you want? Ribs? Pot roast?” I asked, trying to think of something that would satisfy the giant.
“Any chance you could do a risotto?”
“Yes, I’ve made one before.”
“Thank fuck,” he grunted, and I couldn’t hold in the laughter at that point.
With the movie and menu settled for the night, all I had to do was get some ingredients. My lunch break was about to start, so I was quickly making a grocery list when a large shadow fell over my desk. Hunching my shoulders, I assumed Tyler and one of his cronies were hanging around my cubicle.
I shook that off quickly and sat up in my chair, spinning it around to address the unknown foe, only to stop short as my flats collided with the giant boot-clad feet encroaching on my space. Tilting all the way back, I couldn’t help the huge smile that broke through as I met Bash’s blue gaze.
“Hey, baby. Brought you lunch. Think I could steal you away for a bit? Figured we could eat at the park across the street,” he asked, as I just stared wordlessly at him.
It wasn’t lost on me the amount of attention my little cubicle was getting. People were peeking out of theirs, all over the floor, and groups of coworkers on their way to the break room had stopped to blatantly watch our interaction. Ignoring them, I stood up to greet Bash.
“Hi,” I said. Not exactly my most brilliant line. He smiled down at me and gently looped an arm around my back to bring me close to him, pressing a soft kiss to my mouth.
“Hi, back,” he said, and I blushed.
“Let me grab my purse, then we can go. T-to the park,” I stuttered out, overwhelmed by his presence.
He nodded at me, stepping back so I could grab my things. As soon as I was out of the cubicle, he slung his arm around me, tucking me closely to his side as we headed toward the elevators. Whispers followed our retreat, but none of it mattered. Only Bash did.
Lunch was lovely, and I was happy he had surprised me.
Any alone time with him was exciting and new, but simple moments like that, the fact that he found time when I knew how busy that week was for him, meant so much to me.
Picnics seemed to be our thing, and I loved it.
We sat in the park, eating, as Bash talked about his preparations for the weekend.
“We’ve got about twelve Brothers coming in. Most of them are gonna crash at the clubhouse. Others have girls or friends in the area they’re going to stay with.
“They should be rolling in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday. I expect the party to kick into high gear by ten. We’re gonna have a pig roast, ribs, and all the fixings out back.”
I couldn’t help but wonder how the hell they were gonna fit all those people in the clubhouse. Not to mention, keeping the kitchen stocked. It would require a dozen grocery carts to keep that many people fed.
“So, as VP, what exactly do you do?” I asked, trying to understand what his role really meant.
“A little bit of everything. Mainly, I try to handle the majority of club business without dragging Reaper into it. I check in with all the businesses, handle any disputes, and do most of the coordinating with the other charters.”
“That sounds like a lot of work—like all of the work, honestly. How do you manage both club responsibilities and your regular job?” I couldn’t help but worry. He had dark bags forming under his eyes, and I was concerned he was pushing himself too hard.
“Well, it helps that the garage is one of the club businesses. People understand that I’m needed in multiple places, or if a Brother needs me, they know where to find me.
My dad was VP before me. I grew up watching him handle everything, so I guess, a part of it just came naturally.
It’s still fairly new. Dad stepped down a little over a year ago because of some health issues.
He’s doing fine now, but it definitely took some time for me to adjust.”
“I’m sorry to hear that about Guard. I had no idea. Retirement seems to suit him well, though.” Bash grunted at that.
“What?” I asked.
“When I first took over, he was like a backseat driver, commenting on every decision I made. Finally, he took a step back and let me do my own thing, and it’s working out much better for both of us. Now, he’s enjoying hearing about all the drama, but not having to deal with it. Lucky bastard.”
“That sounds more like Guard.” I smiled.
After our lunch, Bash walked me back to the office, kissing me passionately as half my floor watched before leaving me breathless outside the elevators. I barely remembered the walk back to my desk, and the rest of the day, I was lost in a Bash haze.
Charlie was so busy preparing for the incoming guests that we were unable to hang out until our scheduled girls’ night. Friday arrived faster than I expected, and as soon as I got home, I made quick work of changing and getting dinner started.
Bull and Charlie arrived together a little after six, both bringing their own contributions for the night.
Charlie had bags of popcorn for the movie, as well as a few bottles of wine, while Bull walked in with a full cake, a pie, and a dozen cookies.
The risotto was a hit, and Bull and Charlie fought over the last bites.
Over dinner, they discussed the following day’s cookout.
“Mom has been up my ass about it all week. She always gets so crazy before big club events. She’s making me come to the clubhouse at like 9 a.m. tomorrow to help get ready. It’s ridiculous.”
“I can come by early and help,” I offered, not minding the idea of spending time with Cece, learning about past club events.
“Suck up,” Charlie said as Bull laughed.
“What? It’s not like I have anything else planned for the day. I would have spent it with you. I’m happy to help,” I said.
Charlie’s eyes got big for a second before she replied, “Am I hearing you ask for a slumber party? I can crash here, and we’ll go to the clubhouse together tomorrow to help my mom.
Then we can get ready at my place for the party?
Can I pick your outfit? Don’t answer that.
I’m definitely picking it. Let me call my mom quickly, let her know you’ll help in the morning.
I’m gonna check out your closet in the meantime,” she said, skipping away before I could really respond.
“Well, I guess that was my own fault,” I said to Bull, who just laughed as he ate the food Charlie had left on her plate.
“So, anyone you’re looking forward to seeing at the cookout tomorrow?” I asked Bull, unable to help my curiosity. He seemed especially comfortable with Charlie, but that could just be a result of growing up in the club.
“Nah, my man lives a few towns away and is swamped this month with a big project he’s working on. Plus, I’m introducing him to the club in small doses. It’s definitely a different scene for him.” I nodded, understanding since I, too, was exposing myself to club life in small increments.
“How long have you two been dating?” I asked, and Bull gave me a look.
“That’s what you want to ask? You’re just gonna gloss over the fact that you didn’t know I was gay?”
“Was I supposed to know?” I asked, confused.
“Well, no, but most people have a reaction of some kind.”
“As long as you’re happy and the guys don’t give you any shit, then there’s not really anything for me to say. I would think the Brothers, out of anyone, would understand wanting to live your truth, not pretend to be something you’re not,” I said, watching Bull’s stoic face.
“I do have one question. If you weren’t in a relationship, do you think you would advocate for club guys in addition to the club girls?
” I asked, thinking about how all of those dynamics would work, but also wanting equal options for all members.
Bull burst out laughing, distracting me from the additional questions forming in my mind.
“You’re wild, Fee. Never change,” he said. Then, reaching over to grab my hand, he not-too-subtly checked to make sure Charlie was still in the other room.
“Tomorrow is going to be hard for you,” he said. I began to balk before he gave me a droll look.
“You clearly don’t like crowds. Not to mention, this is going to be open season on both you and Bash.”
“What do you mean, open season?” I asked.
“You’re fresh meat. You’re going to get noticed by guys, and that’s going to be difficult for Bash. And the other bitches who have tried to get Bash over the years are going to come for you.” I frowned, disliking the picture he was painting.
“All I’m saying is you’re gonna hear a lot of shit.
Only you and Bash know what’s going on between you two.
If you let any of them get in the way of that, they win.
I’m not saying you need to do anything different.
I just want you to be prepared. Be you, not them.
And if anyone bothers you, come and find me or Match.
One of us will stick close to you, but I have a feeling Bash isn’t going to let you too far from his reach. ”