Wasp had a point. I took a deep breath and released it, trying to force away the tension and anger I felt. “Did Naomi break his arm?”
Wasp grinned. “Nope, but she bruised the hell out of his shoulder. Probably all the way to the bone.”
The pride I felt about that was unfounded and confusing. Pushing it away, I stepped aside so Wasp could go talk to Rabbit. Wasp shook his head at me once more before leaving. I couldn’t blame him. I wanted to shake my head at myself. Naomi wasn’t mine, I hadn’t seen her in two years, but the thought of another man touching her made my blood boil.
Frustrated, I tossed back the last of my whiskey and headed back to the fire station. It was well past midnight and I doubted that Naomi would be waiting around for me in the common area. But, I went in through the back door and slunk up the stairs like a goddamn coward, just in case.
I didn’t lock my bedroom door before I stripped and climbed into bed, but nobody came knocking. I was both relieved and disappointed.
***
In addition to my club duties, my day job had me working as a quality inspector for an automation company deep in Seattle’s industrial district. The pay and benefits were great, and the seven-to-three, Monday-through-Friday hours freed up my evenings and weekends. I had enough vacation banked that I could have taken Friday off, but the pile of paperwork on my desk made me glad I hadn’t.
The day went quickly, and before I knew it, it was time for the wedding rehearsal and dinner. Because we didn’t have access to theJoni Earl Great Hall at Union Stationyet, we were rehearsing the ceremony at the fire station. I showered, dressed, and headed down to the common area to meet up with everyone.
My gaze unconsciously sought out Naomi before I even made it to the bottom of the stairs. Her hair was longer now, and down in loose waves. She wore an off-the-shoulder blouse, blue jeans, and high heels. She looked a little older and more mature, sexier. Slowing my steps, I watched the animated way she listened as Jayson, Emily’s assistant, spoke, her eyes widening with her smile.
God, her smile was gorgeous. No wonder it had held my thoughts captive over the past twenty-four months.
“There you are,” Link said, joining me.
Quickly averting my eyes away from his sister, I gave him a chin lift. “Yeah, sorry I’m late. Traffic from work was a bitch.”
“Well, the preacher’s ready, so we might as well get started,” Link replied, rounding everyone up.
Naomi’s gaze met mine. A slow smile stretched across her face as she took me in. “Hey, Eagle. Good to see you again.”
The electricity between us was so strong it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “Thanks. You too.” So goddamn inadequate for all the shit I wanted to tell her, but it was all I trusted myself to say. All I should say.
We took our places at the back of the fire station as Link and the preacher made their way to the front. Someone started up the music and we began our march. Jayson was Emily’s man of honor, so he linked his arm in Havoc’s and the two of them walked up the aisle, creating quite the scene. Jayson wasn’t just gay, he was the kind of flamer you could roast a marshmallow on. He flirted relentlessly with Havoc, but Havoc didn’t pay him any mind. Jayson was harmless, and we’d all gotten used to his antics.
Wasp and Naomi prepared to walk down the aisle next. Naomi linked her arm in Wasp’s, and the asshole grinned at me as he flexed and drew her closer. I looked away like I didn’t give a damn.
Lastly, Julia, Havoc’s woman, linked her arm in mine and I escorted her down the aisle. Naomi watched us, her expression guarded, as I deposited Julia to stand beside her. Then I took my place next to Wasp.
Link and Emily rehearsed their vows while Naomi and I stole glances at each other. The past two years had toughened her up. Her body was leaner and more muscular, and her expression was hard to read. She smiled at Emily, and I caught a glimpse of the confident Air Force officer who’d told me she didn’t ride bitch to anyone, but that person disappeared as her smile dropped. Her eyes were darker, haunted. Naomi had seen some shit since I’d last seen her, I’d bet my patch on it. The realization made me want to wrap my arms around her and offer her my protection, a desire that surprised the fuck out of me. I’d had a woman to protect once, and I’d failed. I swore I’d never put myself in that position again.
Something about Naomi made me forget myself and the promises I’d made. It had been two fucking years since I’d seen her, but the chemistry between us had only intensified with time.
I needed to stop staring at her, but I couldn’t seem to force my gaze away. Having her so close but still out of reach was torture. Memories played in my mind, reminding me of how she’d moved, how responsive she’d been to my touch. To my tongue. To my cock. I’d fucked several broads since, but none of them had been like Naomi.
By the time we were done with the rehearsal, I needed a drink. Desperately. Making my way to the bar, I poured myself a glass of whiskey and had a seat. Brothers were filing into the club in preparation for Link’s bachelor party.
My gaze involuntarily sought out Naomi again. She stood by the door talking to Jayson as Emily and Julia said goodbye to Link and Havoc. Apparently, the women were heading out to their own party. Good. With Naomi gone, I didn’t have to worry about her ending up in my bed. I kept telling myself I was happy about that, but disappointment sat like a rock in my stomach.
Her gaze met mine and she raised her chin, challenging. Damn, if that look didn’t make my cock jump. Was she remembering our night together, too? Had she thought about me at all? Did she want more?
What the fuck is wrong with me? I sound like a goddamn woman.
Determined to get my shit together, I poured myself another glass of whiskey. The women left, and I joined Link, Havoc, and the rest of our brothers as we all got wasted and kicked off Link’s celebration.
***
I was hungover as fuck when I finally opened my eyes around noon the next day. Alone in my bed, I couldn’t help but wonder where Naomi had ended up last night. Was she in her own bed? Did she find someone who was less of an asshole to curl up next to? It wasn’t any of my business, but that didn’t stop me from making myself sick over the idea of her warming another man’s bed.
And there I was, sounding like a goddamn woman again.
Knowing I needed to get up, shower, and join the land of the living before the wedding, I rolled out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
