Chapter 11 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?
CANDYMAN
I lean back in my seat at the Devil’s Blaze clubhouse, taking a drink of my beer, hating how slow the damn clock seems to be moving.
I was at the hotel waiting for Izzy when her text came through that she had a family dinner she had forgotten about.
As I read the words, fear hit me hard. I was sure she was canceling on me.
It fucking felt like I couldn’t breathe.
Then, she asked if I would be pissed if I didn’t make it over until later, promising she should be able to get away and be there by nine at the latest. It was only then that I could literally take a breath.
I told her to go, just make sure to get her ass over here as soon as she could.
I assured her I’d go out and grab something to eat before coming back to wait on her.
After she sent me a quick emoji with a kiss—that made me smile ridiculously big—I was at loose ends.
I didn’t want to wait around in the hotel room by myself.
So, I decided to drive by the Devil’s Blaze clubhouse.
I’ve met several of the guys, so I thought I could pass some time while drinking a beer and shooting the shit with them.
It sounded like a good idea in my head. Getting here, I’m not so sure.
The place seems kind of dead. There’re only a few prospects—Pez, Apex, and Sabre.
I would have done better waiting in the hotel room alone.
“Sabre, man. Why don’t we go and get some dinner?”
“I’m good,” Sabre says, his words more than a little slurred. I’m no judge, but he seems anything but good to me.
“Man, you are supposed to go to Daphne’s tomorrow for little Cammie’s birthday party. You show up with a hangover and she will have your ass.”
“I’m not going to go,” Sabre says, not bothering to look up from his drink.
He stares at it as if it may hold the answer to all of life’s secrets—secrets he’s not too happy about.
I don’t know what his story is, but I heard Beau and King talking about him not being the same since his marriage broke up.
They were wondering if he’d leave the club after he stepped down as Enforcer.
He didn’t, but it’s clear he’s mostly checking out of life in general right now.
“Bullshit. You’re going if I have to drag you there myself. Cammie loves her papaw, and you will not break that little girl’s heart.”
“Since when did you get so close to my family?” Sabre asks, annoyed as fuck.
“Drew’s asked me to check in on them.”
“What the fuck for? That’s not your place.”
“The only other person he could ask would be you, and Drew didn’t figure your head was out of your ass enough to ask that.”
“Daphne’s married. She and Cammie are fine. I didn’t like her marrying that asshole, but he’s been good. He’s spoiled them both rotten.”
“That asshole isn’t doing shit for them. You really need to get your head out of your ass,” Pez says, sounding disgusted.
“You need to tell me whatever the fuck you’re talking about.”
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself and call Drew. You and Annie might be done, but asshole, you have a family—a good one. Get your shit together before you really do lose everything,” Pez practically snarls, before stomping off.
“Wait up, motherfucker. You and I are going to talk,” Sabre growls back. He stumbles, sliding off the stool. He puts his hand on the bar to keep himself upright.
“You okay, man?” I ask, wondering if I should help him.
“Yeah, I’m fucking awesome. Can’t you tell?” he laughs bitterly. He walks away, stumbling slightly. I don’t offer to help him. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that he wouldn’t appreciate it.
I’m about to finish my beer and get out of here when I hear a woman call my name. It’s a woman I like, but unfortunately not the woman I want. “C! What are you doing here?”
I almost panic. I was hoping I wouldn’t see her, to be honest. Pez told me she and BB were gone today. I was going to stop by tomorrow and just tell her I was passing through. Now, I need to come up with an excuse on the fly. Shit.
“Griff wanted to bring Georgia down to meet you and look at the latest project you’re working on for us.
While he was here, he wanted to check out your calendar and see if we could reserve another date besides the ones we’ve already booked.
At the last minute, Georgia wasn’t feeling well, so he sent me instead,” I respond, lying my ass off.
It’s a safe enough excuse, however. I know Griff will go along with it. If the club doesn’t have something to fill the extra spot, I’ll buy something. Maybe Izzy would like a new ride. I could see her driving an old truck like Beau’s. I could get it all tricked out …
“Hunter, you go get the folder for King that he wanted to go over with Skull and your dad. I’ll talk with C while you do that.”
BB looks at me, and I can tell leaving her with me is the last thing he wants. I bet he wouldn’t be happy to find out it’s not his old lady I’m after, but his little sister. Damn, my life is complicated. “I knocked Beau up. She’s mine,” he growls. “So don’t go getting any ideas.”
“Oh my God, Hunter!”
“What? I just want him to know you’re off-limits,” BB says, still frowning at me.
“Beau wouldn’t look at anyone else, and I don’t think of her like that anyway,” I assure him. “She’s a friend.”
“Bullshit. My woman is gorgeous. Anyone with a dick would want her. Some without dicks,” he argues.
“God, I’m going to kill him. I’m sorry, C.”
“Don’t be,” I laugh. I look BB in the face. “Beau is gorgeous, but I have an old lady. No one compares to her.”
“Since when did you get an old lady?” he asks, studying me.
“It’s a new development. I’m having to talk her into it because she knows a bit of my history,” I mutter.
He throws his head back and laughs. “Your past coming back to bite you in the ass?”
“You could say that,” I admit.
“What are you laughing about? Your past got your ass, too,” Beau grumbles.
“I know, Harper. I’m just glad I’m not the only asshole who almost fucked up the best thing he’ll ever have.”
“Stop being sweet and go get the folder, Davis,” she laughs, but even I can see how soft her face goes. This is what I want for myself and Izzy.
BB looks at me and shakes his head but goes down the hall that leads to the offices.
“You know when he finds out you’re trying to claim Izzy, my man is going to lose his shit.”
I try to keep the shock off my face, but I’m pretty sure I fail. Still, I have to try. “Beau, I think you have the wrong idea here.”
“Yeah, right. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe until Hunter figures it out. When he figures it out—and he will—I’m not lying to him. Understand?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t ask you to lie to BB.”
“Good. Now, I just want your word that you will not fuck Izzy over.”
I let out a breath. “I wouldn’t. I genuinely care for her.”
“Men,” she huffs. “If you’re willing to take on this whole club, it’s not care, C. It’s love. If you don’t love her, then you should walk away right now.”
“I’m not walking away, Beau.”
“Hmm … So, have you eaten?”
“Huh?” I ask, trying to keep up with the change of topics.
“Beau and I are headed to a family dinner at his parents’ home. Have you eaten?”
“I’m not family yet, Beau,” I say with a half-smile.
“Yet. I like that. Let’s me know where your head is.
” I don’t deny it. She’s already got me figured out.
There’s no reason to deny it. “Now, since you came to see me,” she adds, her eyebrow arched, letting me know she knows exactly why I’m here.
“I think you should come to dinner with us. Don’t you? ”
“It’s liable to piss my woman off.”
“Probably, but if you’re as good as BB says your reputation is with the ladies, you’ll work around it.”
“How did I not know that you had razor-sharp teeth, Beau Harper?” I laugh.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she laughs. “Now, are you going to be a big boy and come to dinner with me and Hunter?”
“That sounds suspiciously like a challenge. I don’t think I can pass that up.”
“Imagine that,” she giggles.
“Got the file. You ready, baby?”
“Yeah. Are you ready, C?”
“Why would C be ready?”
“I invited him to join us, that’s why.”
“You’re going?” BB asks. I think he’s afraid to tell Beau no. I would be too in his shoes. I can’t help but wonder if Izzy will give me hell and make my life as interesting as I know Beau has done for BB. I find myself hoping she does.
“I’ll follow you guys over on my bike. I’ll stay for dinner because I was ordered to, but I’ll leave after that. I wouldn’t want to encroach on family stuff.”
“Oh, stop. You’re part of my family,” Beau responds, and it’s all I can do to keep from laughing.
“Who said?” BB asks, sounding exasperated.
“Me,” Beau answers, leaning up to kiss his lips. “Let’s go. The baby and I are hungry.”
I watch the smile stretch out on BB’s face and grin. Yeah. I’m all for Izzy handling me just like Beau. Right now, it sounds like the best life ever—especially if it means Izzy is pregnant with my baby …