“Sorry. I’m good. I just wasn’t expecting that. Though I am very interested in hearing the Pres’s answer.” Hawk leans his elbow on the table, his chin resting on his hand while he waits as though he’s part of this discussion.
“Turn the fuck around, asshole, and mind your own damn business,” Gabe barks. Hawk laughs, then turns his attention back to Sadie.
I have to choke back my laughter when I hear Hawk say to Sadie, “You did good baby. Pres is either about to blow histemper or his load. Either way, you made your point putting her in that dress.”
“So, that was your plan all along, huh?” Gabe’s fingers caress my back. “But tell me, Vixen. What did you hope would happen? Did you want me to blow my temper or my load? Or maybe you wanted to see me do both? I’ll tell you what I’d like.” He nuzzles my neck. The hair of his beard causing goosebumps to rise along my skin. “I’d like to see you on your knees blowing me while I blow my load down your pretty little throat. I think it’s a fitting apology for your behavior tonight. Don’t you?”
I pull back, forcing Gabe to lift his head, and then I glare at the insufferable jerk. “I owe you an apology? That’s funny. I was thinking it should be you on your knees apologizing to me.” Gabe’s face turns serious, all playfulness from a moment ago gone. “I poured my heart out to you, told you how I feel about you—what I want—and you said nothing.Did nothing. And now, when you think someone else may see what I have to offer, you decide to stake your claim like a caveman?”
I scoot my chair back, forcing Gabe to drop his arm. “Excuse me. I need to go see if Andi needs help in the kitchen. At this moment, I'm not feeling very hungry.” I stand up abruptly and head for the kitchen to hide myself away for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER 16
GABE
She’s avoiding me. Linzie got up from the table a little over an hour ago to help Andi serve tables in that all too fucking sexy to be leaning over tables dress. I haven’t seen her eat anything since the food started being served. The only time I saw her stop was to watch Avery and Jake dance their first dance.
“All right, everybody. It’s time for the bridal party to take to the floor and share a dance before we open it up to the rest of the party,” Colt announces over the mic.
I spot Linzie trying to make her way into the kitchen to avoid me once more, only this time, I’m not letting her get away. I make my way to the kitchen, grabbing Trevor as I do. “Go get your mom’s shit out of the playroom and move it all into my room. But first, go tell Colt not to start this dance without everyone from the bridal party on the floor. Linzie’s trying to hide out, and I’m about to put an end to that shit.”
“On it, Pres.” He smiles. “Oh, and Pres,” he calls over his shoulder. I turn to face him.
“Don’t let her shut you out. She wants this as much as you do. She’s just stubborn. You've gotta prove to her you’re willing tofight for her. Fight dirty if you have to.” Trevor winks and then heads out to do my bidding.
I need to get that kid something special for Christmas.
“Thanks, man,” I call to him.
“Yo, Pres.” Mason steps in front of me, halting my progress to get to Linzie.
“What is it?” I bark, not happy about being stopped.
“What are we going to do about Santa Calus and the presents for the kids?” he asks.
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Christmas Eve is tomorrow. That means Christmas is only two days away, and the snow hasn’t let up. None of us have our gifts for the kids here at the clubhouse. The adults don’t mind waiting to have their Christmas, but no one wants to disappoint the kids,” he explains.
“I hadn’t thought much about it, honestly. I guess toys and shit aren’t something we keep on hand except for what’s in the playroom,” I concede. “Have you talked to anyone else? Any of the guys have suggestions?”
“We’re still waiting for the entire bridal party to make their way to the dance floor so we can get started,” Colt announces.
“I have an idea, but I’m not sure everyone will be on board with it,” Mason says, gripping the back of his neck.
“Pres,” Colt calls over the mic. “We need you and Linzie to come join us on the floor.”
I lift my hand and wave at Colt to give me a minute. “All right. Since you’ve got the plan, I’ll let you handle it. Get whoever you need and tell them I gave the okay. Just get it done. For now, I need to get my woman on the dance floor.” I clap Mason on the shoulder and send him to get the word around to the guys for me and head for the kitchen door.
Once inside, I find Linzie angrily wiping her hands on a dish towel. When she sees me, she says, “We don’t have to dance together. Tell Colt to go on and start without us. You’re his President. He’ll listen to you.” She tries to wave me off, but I catch her hand and pull her into my chest, tipping her chin with my index finger.
“We’re going out there together, and we’re going to dance with everyone else for at least one song. I’m not Avery’s president. I’m her father, and this is her wedding day. I’m going to give her the memories and photos she’s been planning for months. I don’t think one dance is too much to ask of you to make that happen. Do you?”
Linzie sighs, her shoulders sagging, and I know I’ve won. “Fine,” she grumbles. “But just one. Then I’m coming back in here to help.”
I don’t bother telling her she’s not going back in the kitchen afterwards. She’ll just plant her feet and argue with me, prolonging the wedding festivities. Plus, I need this dance to end quickly so I can drag her ass to my room, and we can have ourselves a nice long talk.
It’s time to fight dirty.
