“Y’all planned this.” She walks up the steps with me without letting go of my hand.
“It’s your birthday. I told your sister I’d like some time alone with you.” I unlock the door and motion for her to enter first. She’s always first.
She steps inside and freezes. “Darin.” She lets go of my hand and spins around to take in everything. “You did this for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Flowers sit on every table in the room. A Happy Birthday banner hangs on the wall. The candles aren’t lit yet. I didn’t want to burn the house down while we were in town. Presents sit on the coffee table. One is a pair of leather boots that her sister said she wanted.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
“Thank you.” I step in front of her.
Her soft brown eyes lift to mine. It still bothers me that she’s almost fifteen years younger than I am. Relationships scare me. I don’t know what a real one feels like, but I want to try with her. That is, if she’ll have an old man like me. Honestly, I don’t feel my age.
“For what?” Her voice lowers even more.
I place my hands on her hips. “For wearing these today.” She’s wearing the jeans she tried on when we went shopping.
“It’s just jeans.”
I slowly move my head from side to side. “You know it’s not.”
“What is it, Darin?”
My eyes search hers. I see no signs of hesitation, no fear. She wants to be here.
“A memory,” I whisper. I’ll never forget that day. Her lips slightly part. An invitation I’m not letting slip by. “So’s this.”
Before she can speak, and losing the last string of my self-control, I crash my lips to hers.
Chapter 25
Nina
My thirty-eighth birthday was the best birthday of my life so far. I’ll never forget it. And that kiss. Wow. He wasn’t wrong. Our first kiss will forever be a core memory. He’s kissed me every day for the past week. Once, in front of my sister. He hasn’t tried in front of Jay yet.
Nanny and Nana needed help tonight, so Lauren and I are helping out in the kitchen at the Den. Weekends do get loud at the clubhouse, especially where there’s a party. Tonight, the Vikings are celebrating that JB’s Roadhouse remodel is complete. Bankz is going all out with a huge re-grand opening party on Thursday night.
Maci and Ember are here tonight. Both girls are sweet and will graduate from college in May. Maci told her mom tonight that she was behind on class projects and might not be able to come home every weekend for a while. With all the time she’s spent here helping her family, it’s understandable how she fell behind. Ember is going to stay with her and help her catch up. Both ladies are disappointed because Jack wouldn’t let thembartend. With Bankz’s crew here and the club’s, the Den has enough bartenders tonight.
The Den is packed tonight with members and friends. Half of the people who would usually hang out at the Roadhouse are here tonight. Thankfully, Ross isn’t letting outsiders in. It would be a madhouse out there if that happened. Jack is here with us. When he’s not making us laugh, he stands behind Lily with his arms around her waist, kissing her neck. I love seeing my friend happy. I saw how her ex broke her for way too long. She and I are working across from each other at the prep table. I’m really glad to have her back in my life.
My face lights up when Darin walks in. He pauses inside the door. His eyes drop to my jeans. I’m wearing the light blue pair tonight. I wink at him. No matter which pair I wear, his reaction is the same. His head falls back. He closes his eyes for a moment and groans.
“Hey, Worley.” Nana pats his back as she walks in to grab another tray of food.
“Ladies, how’s it going?” He speaks to them, but his eyes remain on me.
“We’re working, Worley. Out of the kitchen,” Nanny teases.
He ignores his club Queen and continues to walk toward me. The ladies giggle. Jack groans and drops his forehead to Lily’s shoulder. Poor guy. He’ll live, though. It is kinda hard to see the big, broody biker being remotely lovey. It even shocks me at times, but I’m thoroughly happy with its benefits.
“How are you tonight?” His arm slides around my waist as he presses his lips to my forehead.
He’s getting bolder with showing affection in front of people. Hey, I’m not complaining about that either.
“I’m good.” I lean into him.
