She looks relieved. “Okay.”
“I think we’re both on the same page, Noelle.” I use her name on purpose because she needs to know I’m serious.
“I think so too.”
When we pull up to the auto shop, most of the staff have already left. I sent Smoke a text before I left Noelle’s house, so he knows to expect me. I shut off the engine and tick my chin toward the entrance. “Will you come inside with me? I might be a few minutes.”
“Sure.” She unbuckles her seatbelt, and I exit my truck, leading her inside.
We don’t use the main entrance for customers; we use the staff door instead, which leads into the shop. Only Smoke and Zoo are inside.
Smoke gives Noelle a too-big grin. “Hey, honey. How’s Ainsley?”
“Hi, Smoke. She’s good. Just a little disappointed that she missed Santa.”
He nods. “It’ll probably have to wait until after this storm.”
“I suppose so.”
Zoo shoves me aside as he picks up Noelle’s hand and kisses the top. “You sure you want this stubborn fool? I’m happy to take his place.”
Noelle scans his cut. “Well, Zoo, he’s been a keeper so far, but if that changes, I’ll let you know.” Then she fucking winks at him.
What the fuck?
Smoke guffaws, slapping me on the back. “You’ve got competition.”
“The hell I do,” I mutter, pushing Zoo aside. “Fuck off with that.”
He’s grinning so wide I want to punch him in the throat.
I turn to Noelle. “He’s the biggest flirt in the club.”
Her lips twitch with humor. “I can see that.”
Smoke ticks his head toward the front of the shop. He wants to talk, and we can’t discuss business in front of Noelle. “I’ll grab a Coke and wait for you.”
“Uh, yeah,” Zoo adds. “Me too.”
They’re not even close to being discreet.
I press my hand to Noelle’s lower back and lead her to the office. It’s warm, and there’s a couch inside along with a TV, a desk, a few chairs, some vending machines, and a coffee station. “Sorry, I’ve got to leave you for a few minutes. Storm and Zoo got some shit to discuss.”
“This is where we have that conversation about club business and what it means. Right?”
“Yeah, baby. I can’t talk about ongoing club business in front of you. It sucks. I know.”
“So, I wait here for you.”
“Yes.”
“I think I’m okay with that. Whatever it is, it’s best I don’t know. Plausible deniability.”
“Yeah, that’s one way to look at it.” She’s taking this well. “There are times when I have to leave, and it won’t always be convenient. I’ll have to exclude you from things, and it’s not because I don’t want to include my woman. It’s just how it is.”
“Can I know if you’re safe? If you’re in danger?” She nibbles on her lower lip. “I don’t want to worry because I don’t know what you’re doing or who you’re with.”
I get it. “Babe, I won’t be hooking up with club girls or other women. If I’m gone, it’s a club errand, church, or shit I need to handle. None of it is because I’d rather not be with you.”
