Chapter 6
GQ
“Son of a bitch,” I hissed as I went outside for some fresh air. Those assholes. When would they learn I wasn’t the same guy I used to be? I wasn’t up for joking around, not when it was about my manhood or lack of it.
I was bitter about my situation.
Embarrassed I couldn’t get my cock hard.
But causing a scene like I had back there was stupid. The last thing I wanted was to draw more attention to my impotence.
The summer night was comfortable. Not too hot, quiet and dark.
I scanned my surroundings and noticed the members patrolling the property. Being on the outskirts of town, I liked how isolated I felt. If it weren’t for the lights scattered about on the road, it would feel like we were in the middle of nowhere.
An evening stroll might be what I needed. I could clear my head and cool down. I chuckled a little as I remembered what the nurse said to Letty, no skanky chick is going to call me a slut. Only my friends can do that.
Skanky chick, oh that was funny. I snorted to myself as I approached what I presumed was the nurse’s cage. A Honda. Typical.
“Don’t think about stealing my car.” Her voice came from behind me.
“What? That piece of junk? No thank you,” I replied.
“Hondas consistently rank at the top of the charts for dependability. They literally go over two hundred thousand miles when you stick to a regular maintenance schedule. And don’t get me started on the excellent gas mileage it gets. You’d be a fool not to want my car.”
I turned around to face her. “How do you know so much about your car?”
“Duh, it’s my car. I should know everything about it.” She rolled her eyes and went to the driver’s side and tossed her bag into the backseat.
“Most chicks only know how to start it and pump gas.”
“Yeah, it’s sad.” She shut the door and leaned against the car, looking at me. “Do you have a lot of pain?” She jerked her chin at my leg.
“Some days more than others.”
“Do you know the difference between phantom pain and real pain? From what I could make out, it’s been a year since your accident. You should be doing a lot better.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “My injury is none of your business.”
“True. But it’s my job to care. Sue me.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Pain meds are addictive. After a while, they mess you up more than help you.”
“I’m not addicted to them.” Why was I still talking to her? I didn’t appreciate her butting into my business.
“So you are still taking them.” It wasn’t a question. She took a few steps toward me and looked into my eyes. “Alcohol and oxy shouldn’t be taken together.”
“I know. But I sleep better.” Again, why was I still talking to her?
“When was the last time you saw your doctor?” She bit her bottom lip considering me.
“The day after my last skin graft surgery.” My gaze lowered to her pouty lips and damn, that mouth seemed familiar to me.
“When was that?”
“After Christmas,” I replied. “What’s your name?”
“Kelly. Are you still in physical therapy?” she asked.
“Kelly what? And no, I’m walking. What do I need therapy for?”
“Typical answer from a badass biker. Are you able to ride your motorcycle?”
“Not for long. My tailbone hurts after thirty minutes. What’s your last name?” I asked her again.
“Why do you need to know that?”
“Because you seem familiar to me.” I checked out her body, which was not familiar at all. “I knew a girl named Kelly a long time ago.”
“Interesting. I’ve never known someone named GQ, so I can’t be the Kelly you knew.”
“GQ is a road name. My real name is Gideon.” Why I revealed my given name was a mystery to me.
“Gideon?” Her eyebrows raised, wrinkling her forehead and she smiled. “Quick.”
I smiled back. “That’s me. And you’re Kelly Lloyd.”
“No, way!” Her smile stretched wider. “A biker. I would have never guessed. I mean, you weren’t all that mechanical and kind of clumsy if I recall correctly.”
“People change, Kel.” I let my gaze roam over her body. “You’re not the tomboy I remember.”
“Nope. I grew tits and an ass.” She slapped her backside. “You filled out too and grew some scruff.” Her cheeks turned pink, showing her embarrassment at noticing my muscles and handsome good looks.
“I can’t believe it’s you. A nurse. That’s awesome.” I tried to find the tomboy I remembered from high school. Sadly, I couldn’t find her in the grown woman in front of me. Her hair color was the same, a warm honey blonde. Obviously, her blue eyes were the same too.
But it was her pouty mouth that took me back to when I was a teenager who got hard when a gentle breeze passed me.
I would chase girls all day long with the guys and Kelly would call us names like horndogs and brainless buttheads because we let our dicks control us.
Back then she didn’t get it. I wonder if she finally understood, being a nurse and all.
“Thanks. I like helping people.” She pushed her hip out and leaned against her car. “Have you been in San Diablo since graduation?”
“Yes. I floated around from one minimum wage job to another until I found the Kings.” I looked back at the clubhouse. “They’re my family.” And I got paid a helluva lot more money with them than I would have made working at the Tasty Freeze.
“Nice.” A soft smile tugged at the corners of her full lips.
“What about you? I haven’t noticed you around town. How are your folks?” Something flickered inside my stomach. It didn’t feel like indigestion or anything I’d felt before. But the more I stared at her the stronger the sensation grew.
“I moved back a few months ago. It’s just me and my younger brother, Kevin.” Her relaxed demeanor disappeared and she pulled away from the car. “I need to go. He’s home alone.”
“He lives with you?”
“Yes.” She opened her door and seemed to study my face. “Good seeing, Gideon. Take care.”
“Wait,” I said to stop her.
“What?” She looked at me strangely.
“Wanna grab a drink sometime? I’d like to catch up. Talk about old times.” I took a couple of steps toward her. “You were my only female friend.” Jesus, GQ. Don’t sound so pathetic.
“That sounds nice, but I work a lot.”
“Dang, Kel. You get days off, right?”
“Yes, but I’m usually sleeping and spending time with my brother. I’m sure we’ll see each other around. It’s a super tiny town.” She got into her car and started it.
I didn’t try to stop her as she pulled out of her spot and headed for the gate. Exerting my power would have been a grave mistake with someone like Kelly. I took my phone out and snapped a picture of her license plate number.
Small world, for sure.
Small, small, small world.
If Kelly was back in San Diablo, I wanted to find out where. Whether she knew it or not, she would have a drink with me before the end of the weekend. I wasn’t a patient man and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Seeing Kelly and talking with her brought back some good memories. She was still quick as a whip with her replies and didn’t back down like with Letty. But she’d changed physically, and I liked what I saw very much.
Her womanly body and soft curves I wanted to touch.
Her pouty mouth taunted me to taste her full lips.
I needed to find out more about Kelly and figure out a way to be at the right place and at the right time to bump into her.
Her taillights faded into the darkness and the joy I’d felt from being in her presence dimmed.
What happened to me just now? I never acted that way with any woman.
But Kelly Lloyd wasn’t just any woman. I considered her as a friend. And like back in school, it was easy to talk to her and be my authentic self.
My mind was made up. I needed to see Kelly again.