Well, except for Lainey.
She hasn’t had her ride yet, but as adamant as she is about staying away from the men at the clubhouse, I’m pretty sure it’s only a matter of time before she falls for one.
Just like me.
I never intended to fall for Goose. I never wanted to be with a man like him, a wild man who plays dangerous games, but he’s perfect in every way I need him to be for me. Thinking about him causes my heart to race, and I know that Zadie feels the same way about Maverick.
“Is it weird of me to say that I hope you’ll be my sister-in-law?”
“Not at all, because I would like that very much,” I reply.
I haven’t said anything like that before, but I feel like I can dare to hope. So hope I do. And that’s how I spend my day. Eventually, Zadie needs to leave to go home to the twins. Briana takes off as well, leaving me, Lainey, and Dakota alone.
I’m not sure how long we hang out, but I’m of zero use. I stay in the corner of the café, watching as customers come in and out. I can’t believe the life Lainey has made for herself here. She’s not just busy all day long. She is slammed.
Everyone in town buys from her, and people from all the surrounding towns drive in to taste her baked treats. I love it for her, but I can’t deny that I’m a bit jealous, or maybe it’s envious. I wish I could have a life like hers.
Independence.
I thought I had that when I worked for Justin, but I didn’t. Not really. I could work for George Edwards and maybe have a bit of it, but not like Lainey. Then again, I’m not sure what Icould do to be like her. I can’t cook, and I don’t have anything that necessarily drives me or excites me.
Dakota and Briana have their virtual assistant stuff. Along with helping Lainey at the bakery, Zadie takes care of her twin babies, and Lainey has her bakery. I have nothing. No passions, no talents.
Not a single thing.
Just as I’m feeling sorry for myself, the door opens, and I look over to see the person I’ve been thinking about walk through the door.
It’s him.
His head swings to the side, his eyes meet mine, and I watch as his entire face softens. He’s beautiful. Full beard, light eyes, his tall, strong body moving through the room. He stops and turns to face me, his eyes focused on mine.
My heart slams against my ribs. Once, twice, three times before he walks over to the table, tugging the chair out. I watch as he spins it around, spreads his legs, and sinks down. His wrists hang over the edge of the chairback.
“Goose,” I whisper.
“Trent,” he grunts.
My lips curve up into a smile. “Trent,” I repeat. I like the way his name rolls off my tongue. I should say it more. I like it that much.
“I should have told you a few days ago, but I didn’t know how to say it. So, I’ve stayed away.”
“What?” I ask.
I don’t understand why he hasn’t come to me sooner, but I don’t ask him for anything or demand anything from him. I wait until he’s ready. Because clearly, he has something to say, and he’s finally ready to say it.
“Goffredo was arrested. You don’t have to worry about him any longer. He won’t be getting out.”
“How do you know?” I ask.
He gives me a grin. “It was me who made sure he was arrested,” he murmurs. “Don’t ask me how or why. Just know he’s not getting out, not now, not anytime soon. Probably not ever.”
“Trent,” I exhale.
He reaches out, taking my hand in his from across the table. He lifts our hands and shifts my fingers to his lips. I feel the warmth touch my skin, and I can’t help but press my thighs together, the ache growing there.
I want his lips there. I want all of him on every part of me. Every single square inch.
“This is me protecting you,” he murmurs against my hand.
