“You look gorgeous with bed hair.” He put a finger underneath my armpits and started the tickling assault.
My eyes widened. “Noooo, what are you doing! That’s not fair. I like it here, this bed is nice.” I snuggled my face into it and sighed.
Diego tugged the sheets from under me, letting the cool air hit my naked skin. “Not like you can’t come back. I know you have class because you told me. I’ll make you a strong cup of coffee and some toast, how about that?”
“I guess...” I started the slow movement of getting up. Diego already had shorts on and was watching me as I rose.
His eyes wandered over my body. “I can’t stay in here too long, otherwise we won’t make it out of this room.”
I laughed. “Uh-huh. I won’t argue with you there. I’m going to take a shower.”
He tapped my butt lightly. “Fresh towels are on the rack, baby. Coffee coming up.”
Diego’s dirty blond streaks hung over his face as I admired his masculinity. The guy was sexy. His broad, tanned shoulders made me feel safe. On the walk out, I noticed the large eagle tattooed on his back. No other visible tattoos were on him. I made a note to ask him what it represented.
I showered and let the hot water wash the remnants of lovemaking from me. Feeling invigorated and refreshed, I made my way to the kitchen. The sunlight from his open windows made me squint.
“Hey, hey. Here’s my girl. I got a nice cup of coffee for you coming up. How you like it?”
I saw it was percolated coffee. “Just black with a little milk is good. What time is it? Gotta be early,” I remarked.
“Yep. It’s seven a.m.”
I smiled at him as he poured a cup and put it in front of me.
“You’re really thoughtful, you know that? You could have let me be late…” He turned to me and leaned across the kitchen counter.
“I keep trying to tell you, I’m a nice guy.” I grinned and sipped my coffee. “I have to get to the garage this morning as well. I’m fixing my first bike,” he said with pride.
“Wow. That’s good. I thought you were more into real estate for some reason?”
He paused for a second and sipped his own coffee.
“Sure I am, but I fix bikes too and it will help me get people to the chapter I’m opening.”
I froze for a minute and sat my coffee down. “Chapter?” I frowned. “What do you mean ‘chapter’?”
“Toast?” he asked.
“Yes. I’ll have a couple of pieces. Chapter? Tell me more.” My stomach started to tighten up. I had a feeling I knew what he was about to tell me.
He took the bread out and put it into the toaster. “So, I’m part of a motorcycle club called The Outlaw Souls and we’ve decided to expand the chapter here in Merced. I’m heading that up right now.”
He faced me with earnestness in his eyes and I knew my face was flushing red. Silently, my insides were churning at the news. I felt the disappointment wash over me.
“Are you serious? You’re part of a motorcycle chapter and you didn’t think to tell me?” I spat back dramatically.
A look of confusion came over Diego’s handsome face. “What’s the issue, baby? I mean, I ride bikes. It's no different being in a club than you being part of a club – I don’t know, to do with doctors or something.”
I sat up straighter and looked him dead in the eye. “Like hell it is! Outlaw Souls? What kind of title is that? We live in Merced, this place has the highest crime rate in California. You're lying right now.” My blood was boiling, mainly at myself, but I wouldn’t tell him that.
He eyed me with interest as he moved closer to me. I stood up from the chair, even though only half my coffee was finished. My hands were trembling with anger.
“I like that feisty Spanish fire in you,” he said. “You need to calm down though. This club is about community. We do a lot of great things for people. Starting a chapter in a place with crime is actually a good thing.”
I crossed my arms and looked back at him. “I don’t want anything to do with shadiness. I know about motorcycle gangs. I just don’t need that in my life, Diego.”
He closed the gap between us, completely wrapping his arms around my waist. His eyes darkened as he looked into my eyes. “Sweet thing, I wouldn’t put you in danger like that. I’m telling the truth. I hear where you’re coming from. But stop worrying. We’re legit, I promise you that.”
