Chapter Four #2
A chuckle escaped Charli, and she gave him the rundown of the car’s specifics. When done, Roark continued to stare at her, his sexy mouth curving with a smile.
“Anyone ever tell you, you’re impressive as hell?”
She felt her smile take shape and her insides melt at that comment. “You’re the second, right after Dad.”
Roark smiled bigger, nodded, and stepped back. He set two of the leathers down and slung his over his impressive torso. “See you out there.” And then he was gone.
Charli slid down onto the arm of the loveseat she’d been standing next to, willing her body to relax. Ha! Good luck with that. She’d just had an orgasm and more kisses in the span of a few moments than she’d had in years. It left her rattled. And aroused. God, did she want that man!
Blowing out a breath, Charli pushed off the seat and returned to the bathroom. After using it and splashing cold water on her face for a second time, she fluffed her hair and gave herself a quick pep talk.
“This is what you wanted. You’re back. You got this.”
She nodded at her reflection, turned, and walked out of the trailer. And froze when no less than twenty pairs of eyes focused on her. Owen approached and put his arm around her shoulder.
“Come meet the family,” he said gently.
Charli met his gaze and saw the love in his eyes. She smiled and said, “Gladly. But before I do, can I show you something?”
“Anything.”
She rotated and pulled up the hem of her shirt, revealing her side.
Inked among the vines were Charli’s favorite flowers from Idaho along with a shining star, which represented her mother.
But what Charli wanted him to see was the Sons of Sin emblem among them, along with the number twenty-one with angel wings.
“I never forgot you,” Charli whispered. She could feel all eyes still on her but didn’t care. This was for Owen. And her dad. “Any of you. I’m just so sorry I didn’t return sooner. I wanted—”
“Hush, baby girl,” Owen said as he met her watery gaze.
“You’re here now, that’s what matters. Here where you belong.
” He slid the hem of her top down and pulled her into another embrace.
“I know life hasn’t been easy, but I’m so damn proud of you.
And so is Liam. You’ll always be a part of this family. ”
A quiet sob escaped, and Charli held tightly to the man she always thought of as her second father. When she got herself together, she pulled away, kissed Owen’s cheek, and swiped her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Of course. Wait here a sec. Got something for you and now’s as good a time as any.”
Owen slipped into the trailer as Charli stood there, feeling a bit awkward as many eyes remained on her. But within moments, Owen was back, and he held a cut in his hands. Holding it out to her, Charli saw it was her father’s. Her surprised gaze held Owen’s, who simply gave her a smile.
“Held onto it until the right time came along. Knew if I gave it to you when Sherri took you back, you might never see it.”
Charli reached out and took the leather, holding it reverently. She then cradled it to her chest and closed her eyes, almost imagining she was hugging her dad. When she opened her eyes, she held her tears in check this time.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Owen nodded and began to introduce her to members of the Sons of Sin.
There was Ted “Griff” Griffen, the Prez, who welcomed her, along with Vince “Motley” O’Niel, the VP. She was introduced to the Road Captain, Cruz Mendoza, the Enforcer, Jax Simpson, and the newest Chaplain, Jerome Linzel.
“Following in your dad’s footsteps?” Charli said, remembering his dad, Charles “Chappy” Linzel, who had been the Chaplain.
“Yeah. Dad and Mom are traveling the countryside for a bit.”
“Good for them.”
Finally, there was the Treasurer, who was Stacks, Marlo’s husband.
“Marlo asked me to tell you,” Stacks started, “that she loved meeting you and is looking forward to seeing more of you. She’s home with the kiddos tonight but plans to be here next Wednesday.”
“I’ll look forward to hanging out with her. But I have a good feeling I’ll be seeing her and Cookie sooner,” Charli said, earning chuckles.
“They’ll love that.”
Owen had said Glenda wanted to be there, but there was a sick momma and baby she needed to be with.
“I hope they’re okay,” Charli said.
“They will be. I was also asked to extend the invitation to have you over Saturday for family day. Planned on asking you anyways.” Owen winked. “The Club gets together every Saturday at the compound for food and fun.”
“Just let me know what to bring.” Charli beamed, both inside and out, at quickly being brought back into the fold.
“Just yourself, girlie. We’ll have plenty this go ‘round.”
Several of the guys had headed out to race after being introduced to Charli.
They took turns rotating on and off the track.
While Konstance remained near Bradley, the twins were in the stands, watching the racers.
Harvey had gone with them, and Charli knew he’d be imparting his wisdom, from which the twins would greatly benefit.
“CC,” Bradley said, getting her attention. “Harvey says you put an RV on your property by the twin lakes. You all set for everything? You need anything, all you have to do is ask any one of us.”
“I ... I appreciate that. Truly. I want to set up a temporary carport for the Nova.”
“We can make that happen,” Bradley said.
“Got any ideas about building a home?” Owen asked.
“I do, actually. Got a good nest egg, and I’ve already been looking at plans. Know any good builders?”
“I do, actually,” Owen echoed, smiling.
Another hour passed with plenty of conversation before Charli said she’d better go and get some rest. She offered Harvey a ride back to his shop, but he said he’d catch a lift from one of the guys.
“You head out, be safe, and sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning,” he said.
“Sure thing, boss.” Charli kissed his cheek and began goodbyes to everyone, who once again welcomed her before wishing her a good night.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Roark said.
Charli nodded as she gave Owen a final hug. “Give my love to Glenda, and I’ll see you all Saturday.”
“Good night, girlie.”
Charli grabbed her dad’s cut and started toward the fence. She was surprised when Roark took her hand in his. She looked down at their linked fingers then up at him. He quirked a brow.
“You good with me holding your hand?”
“Yeah.” She faced forward, feeling her lips stretch with her smile.
When they reached her car, Roark pushed her against the driver’s door and claimed her mouth.
Charli moaned but quickly got on board, kissing him back with earnest. His hands roamed down her sides, grazing her breasts before settling on her hips.
He was hard. Again. And he ground his erection into her, lighting her up.
“Ask me to come over tonight,” he rasped, licking into her mouth.
She couldn’t think straight, could only respond by twirling her tongue with his before sealing her lips over his mouth.
But Roark pulled away, his face hovering above hers. “Ask. Me.”
Charli blinked rapidly, clearing the lust-induced haze he’d put her in. His fingers dug into the flesh beneath the edge of her top as he pressed his body to hers.
“Come over tonight. It’s—”
“I know right where you’re at,” he said, as if knowing she was about to tell him the location. Suddenly, he backed up, his stare burning into her. “Take a breath.” Another step back. “I’ll see you soon.”
She nodded and watched him distance himself before turning around and striding away.
Charli took that breath, and then another before she felt steady enough to climb into her car and safely drive home.
Mercifully, the drive was a short distance, and once parked beside her RV, she rested her head against the seat, taking a moment to calm herself.
Was this happening too quickly? Would this be a mistake to have him in her bed so soon?
No. If she’d learned anything from life so far, it was to never pass up an opportunity for what you wanted. And she wanted Roark. For how long? That remained to be seen.
That depended on him actually, because Charli could picture long-term. Sure, there was a lot to relearn about the man, but she wanted that. Wanted to know all there was to know about Roark and what a future might look like together.
She exited her car and went inside her temporary home, eagerly anticipating Roark’s arrival.