“Handy. You must have enough injuries to make it worth it to hire a med tech?”
Cherry laughed. “Oh, he’s not a med tech, he’s a member whose father was a vet. Picked up a ton of handy skills.”
“Well okay then.” Kastle held out the bundle of tape. “You want this?”
“Nope, you can put it in the garbage just outside the door.”
“And you’ll be at my back the whole way?”
“You know it. This is my club, man. My family. I’m not going to take any chances with their health and wellbeing.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything less, jarhead.”
“Get those frog feet moving.”
“Sir, yes, sir.”
Outside the door Sir Loin was waiting and he smothered Kastle in a hug that looked like it released a hundred pounds of air out of the man.
“I just heard, brother. I’m so sorry. But you got him.”
Cherry walked past them, hearing only mumbles after that. Salty gave him a mocking salute, and Cherry punched him hard in the arm. Busk and Ruger stood side by side on one wall of the big room and Cherry headed that direction. By the time he’d made it there, only Ruger remained. His expression seemed strained, and he had dark circles underneath his eyes.
“Prez. You’ve looked better. You okay? What in the hell is going on with you and Busk?”
“He had to go home. Nothing more and nothing less. I’m fine, brother. Mind your own.”
“If it didn’t impact the club, I would. I’m not the only one who’s noticed our Prez and VP can’t stand being in the same room with each other.”
“Leave it, Cherry. I’m not at liberty to tell you anything else. Me and Busk are fine, no worries there. Calm the masses if you get a chance. If there’s anyone else who’s said something. I’m not sure but what you’re the only one.”
“Oh, I will pass on the message, Prez. No worries there.” He paused, taking in the exhausted aura from Ruger. “You really do look like shit, brother. We help carry each other’s load. If you’re needing help and not asking, then you’re leading with a bad example.”
“It’s been a rough couple of weeks, but things are going to be fine now. Maybe Busk will give you more info, but maybe not. I’m going to sleep like the dead tonight, and by tomorrow I’ll be chipper as always.”
“I hope to see the evidence tomorrow.” Cherry glanced at the family reunion still underway. “Kastle is a cool customer. I wasn’t sure about letting him walk, but now it feels like the best option. Sir Loin is a good judge of character, I’m sure he’ll let us know if anything turns sour.”
“Yeah, he’s a good one. So are you. Nice job.” Ruger looked at Cherry. “You tagged Ricky Parrado for info. He’s good, I don’t know why we didn’t think of looping him in on some things before now. Your guy is bringing good things with him. Tell him we all approve.”
“Soon as I get home, I’ll tell him.”
Two hours later, Cherry rolled the bike to a quiet stop outside his house. There was a light on inside, glowing brightly from the kitchen. By the time he’d dismounted and turned for the door, it opened and Denis stood framed by the light.
“Hey there,” Denis called as he made a come-here motion with his hands. “Get your fine ass over here, I’m in a kiss deficit for the day. Time to get caught up.”
Cherry gladly went into his arms, finding Denis’ face tipped down exactly as needed for a kiss. It started slow, a tasting, a nibble, a stroke of the tongue, then it turned into a deeper, more urgent pressing of their lips together. The kiss was nearing out of control levels when Denis pulled back. Cherry chased his mouth before pulling Denis tight against his body. They were both breathing heavily.
***
Denis
The kiss lingered in the air between them, heavy with unspoken promises. Denis leaned back, his breath uneven, eyes glinting under the porch light. Cherry’s hands stayed firm on Denis’ hips, anchoring him as if letting go might unravel something fragile. Two figures caught in the glow of a single bulb.
“C’mon,” Denis said, his voice low, a little rough. “Let’s clean you up and head out. I’ve got plans for us tonight.”
Cherry raised an eyebrow, loosening his grip but not stepping away. “Plans? You gonna surprise me with a candlelit dinner or some romantic shit?”
Denis laughed, his joy bright and unforced. “Maybe I am. You got a problem with that?”
