“Back by the front door,” I said.
“Great. I’ll be back in a minute.”
My chest went tight. Don’t run. Not yet. Give me five more minutes to say it right.
My phone pinged with a text.
Miles: Any updates on tracking down Kinley’s asshole ex?
Me: Not that I’ve heard about. If he knows we’re onto him, he’s probably being careful.
Miles: I’ve got an idea on how to flush him out. Can you stop by Ace’s?
Me: Tonight?
Miles: Yeah. A few of us are out. Want your insight.
Me: I’ll try.
Rose came back, smiling and pretending like nothing had happened. We finished dinner and left the restaurant with a doggy bag for Ozzy. Rose pulled her sweater over her shoulders and stared out the window while I navigated the roads I’d been driving for as long as I could remember. The silence between us wasn’t empty. It was loaded, like both of us were holding our breath for the same wrong reason.
I figured I’d drop her off at the house then head back into town and stop by Ace’s to see what Miles had been going on about. But as we entered Mustang Mountain, that felt like a hell of a lot of effort since I had to be up early for the competition.
“Hey, I got a text from Miles while we were at dinner. Do you care if we stop in at Ace’s for a few minutes? Otherwise I can take you home then come back.”
“No, I don’t mind. I can wait in the truck?—”
“Not with Kinley’s ex still out there causing trouble. I’d feel safer knowing you’re at home with Ozzy or inside with me.” I might have been acting like an overprotective asshole, but I didn’t care.
Her hand landed on my arm. “That’s a waste of time. I’ll come in with you if it’s that important.”
‘Thanks.” Heat worked its way through the light jacket I’d thrown on over my long-sleeved shirt. I needed to keep my attraction in check. Especially if I wanted her to actually consider the long-term agreement I was ready to suggest.
She drew her hand back as I pulled into the lot.
“It should only take a few minutes.” I parked and hopped out to open her door for her before she had a chance to climb down out of the truck.
We could hear the music before we stepped through the doorway. A live band played at the back of the bar, and the walls shook from the bass blaring through the speakers. I didn’t recognize the guy working behind the bar. Ace had hired more help after he and Everly got together. Hell, I didn’t blame him for wanting to spend more time at home.
Bodies pressed in on all sides. I reached back and threaded my fingers through Rose’s so the crowd didn’t swallow her up. With the advantage of standing a few inches above almost everyone else, I spotted Miles at a high-top table against the wall. He waved when he saw me, and I started weaving my way through the obstacle course of people to reach him.
“You made it.” He held out his hand as we reached the table.
I reluctantly let go of Rose’s to take it. “Yeah. Ruby insisted on watching Callie tonight so I took Rose out to dinner for a break. Figured it would be easier to stop on the way home.”
“What are you drinking?” Priest asked. He was there with a few of the other Mustang Mountain Riders. I recognized Six and Bear, along with the president of the club, Atlas. If Miles had most of the officers gathered, whatever plan he’d come up with was going to be big.
“Nothing for me. I promised Rose we wouldn’t stay long.” I reached back and slipped my arm around her waist to pull her closer to the table. She fit there like she belonged.
“The two of you have big plans for a night without the baby, huh?” Priest didn’t even try to hide his smile.
Rose’s cheeks went from pale to bright pink as I elbowed him in the ribs.
“Sorry, I’m just giving Cullen some shit.” He laughed when he said it, though it cemented my decision to leave him a crappy tip the next time he worked on one of my tats. “Rae and Kinley are up by the stage with a few other of the ladies if you want to join them.”
“Sure. Come find me when you’re ready to go?” She asked before she slipped away.
I nodded, keeping an eye on her as she made her way through the crowd. When she’d reached the other women, I turned my attention back to the guys.
