Chapter 8 Natalya #2
I turn over, looking into his eyes. “You don’t have to go.”
“No,” he agrees. “I don’t. But I want to meet him.”
“Why?”
“Because I just had my dick in you for half the night. I can’t stop thinking about you. This isn’t just some hook-up. We’re exploring how we feel about one another. Right?”
“Yes.”
“Then I should meet your parents, gorgeous. Just like you’ll meet mine.”
It’s going to be really hard not to fall in love with Hayride. I’m already halfway there. Last night sure helped.
You know you’ve got a good guy when he makes sure that you’re always satisfied first. Nothing worse than being left aching.
I’ll never have that problem with my sexy biker.
“Then hurry up, biker man. He gets cranky if he has to wait too long.”
Hayride is holding my hand as we enter the diner.
My father pops to his feet as soon as he sees us. He frowns as he sees our joined hands, but quickly smiles as I release Hayride’s fingers to hug him.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
“No, but I hope I will be soon, and we find Thad.”
Dad releases me, and I slide onto the booth opposite him.
Hayride takes the spot beside me, holding out his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m Hayden Phillips.”
“Hayden.” My father’s gaze focuses on his leather vest. “Hayride?”
“My road name. Given by my club when I patched in.”
“You’re a biker.” My father isn’t rude. He’s curious.
“Yes. Took the spot my father vacated when arthritis got too bad for him to hold the handlebars. Broke his heart.” Hayride shakes his head. “I never take it for granted.”
Dad is surprised, but I can tell he’s interested in learning more about Hayride. But this isn’t a social visit. It’s about my brother and the search. “We’ll talk more about it later. Right now, I need to hear about my son. Tell me what I don’t know.”
Hayride glances my way. “Mind if I step in first? You can jump in any time, but there’s a lot to fill him in, and I know you’ve had an emotional couple of days.”
I don’t mind at all. “Go for it.”
The waitress arrives and grabs our drink order before he can begin. Once we’re sitting with mugs of coffee, glasses of water, and an orange juice for me, Hayride clears his throat.
“Our town is known for its fall-themed and horror-related history. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Hillside Stalker.”
“I have,” my dad confirms.
“Then you can guess we do a lot of business with the Fear Farm and the haunted Mayfield Inn. We’ve got themed shops like Ice Screams and the Mystic Emporium.
There are attractions and games that bring the tourists back every year, and that’s important to the economy in Raven’s Crest. It’s how we provide income for the people who live here and put down roots. ”
“Makes sense.”
“So, when I say that having a tourist show up, enjoy our historic hotel tour, and then disappear is bad for business, I’m telling you the truth.”
Dad nods. “Go on.”
“We’re a small town. There’s not much law enforcement other than the sheriff and a few deputies. My club helps keep the peace and ensure everything runs smoothly. We’re invested in the success of this town and the Fear Farm.”
“Are you telling me that you’re helping with the search?”
“Yes. And we’re doing everything we can to find Thad and bring him back to his family.”
Dad picks up his mug and sips on his coffee. He’s thinking about what Hayride has said. “I’ll hold you to it, Hayden.”
“I expect nothing less.”
Dad’s attention shifts to me. “Your mother is home. She’s too upset to travel. I don’t want her breaking down in front of strangers. Too traumatic. Your Aunt Elizabeth is with her.”
“That’s probably best,” I agree.
Dad gestures to Hayride and me. “How long has this been going on?”
“It’s new.”
Dad pins Hayride with a look that might have made a lesser man squirm. “Hurt my daughter in any way and I’ll fucking pack you in the back of my truck, drive you into the forest where no one can hear your screams, and inflict so much pain you’ll want to die. Hear me?”
Hayride’s lips twitch, and then he nods. “Understood, sir.”
“Call me Hank.”
Hayride’s phone rings, and he checks the screen. “I’ve got to take this. My apologies.”
As he leaves, I turn to my dad. “Hayden is a good guy, Dad. The best. He’s been there for me during all of this mess.
I’ve never met anyone so tough and kind at the same time.
I would have been lost without his help.
But it’s more than that,” I rush on, “Hayden cares about me. He’s taking the time to learn who I am. I’ve never met a guy like him.”
“Shit.” My dad takes a big gulp of coffee. “You like him. A lot.”
“I do.”
Maybe my father can tell my heart is already invested because it is. I don’t think he knows we’ve already slept together, but even if he does, I’m not a little girl anymore.
As a grown woman, I make my choices and live with the consequences.
“You moving to Raven’s Crest?”
“I don’t know yet. That depends.”
Hayride joins us, sliding next to me as I say those words. “Depends on what? Me? Your choice, Natalya, but if my opinion matters, I want you to stay in town.”
“You do?”
He grasps my chin, brushing his mouth over mine. It’s a quick, chaste kiss, but also intentional. It shows my father that he cares. “Never say anything I don’t mean.”
Warmth spreads into my chest because I know he’s telling the truth.
Our breakfast arrives, and we eat. Dad engages us both in conversation, which I appreciate. He’s taking an interest in a biker because his daughter likes him. It says a lot about my father’s character. He never judges people by appearance, but he does hold them to their words and actions.
Hayride’s phone vibrates with an incoming text as he reaches for the bill. “I got it. Boomer, the sheriff, is ready to start the search. We should head out.”
My dad doesn’t argue as he slides out of his seat. “I’m ready.”
I loop my arm through my dad’s as we walk out of the diner, hoping that we find my brother and he’s still alive.
Hayride presses a quick kiss to my cheek. “Ride with your dad. We’re meeting at the pavilion.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
I get a smile and a wink in response.