“You don’t have to stand there,” I said after a moment, keeping my eyes on all of the flowers in front of me.
“I know,” he replied.
He didn’t move.
I could practically feel his attention on me as I worked, like he was memorizing the way I existed in this moment.
And maybe he was.
Chapter Six
Asher
Blaze sat two stools down from me, elbows on the bar, boots hooked around the rungs like he wasn’t planning on going anywhere soon.
Cookie had poured us both a whiskey and slid one my way without asking. He knew better than to ask.
I wrapped my fingers around the glass and took a slow drink, letting the burn settle. It felt good to be here.
“Still hard to believe,” Blaze said, staring into his glass, “we’ve got over fifty bikes registered.”
I huffed a quiet laugh. “Sixty to be exact.”
He shot me a look. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
“Well, damn,” he said, lifting his glass. “Guess people really do like free donuts and pretending we’re not terrifying.”
“Charity brings the good out in people,” I replied. “I think it’s a good look for the club.”
Blaze snorted. “Never thought I’d hear that out of your mouth.”
I shrugged. “Things change.”
He took another drink, then glanced at me sideways. “So,” he said, dragging the word out like he was enjoying himself already. “How are the girly flowers coming along?”
I chuckled despite myself, low and quiet. “Juliet’s killing it.”
“Oh?” He perked up immediately. “Using glitter? Maybe some bows?”
I shook my head. “Clean. Simple. Red and white. Secured better than half the aftermarket crap we bolt onto our bikes.”
Blaze laughed. “That’s not what I pictured when you said flowers.”
“Exactly,” I said. “That’s why it works.”
He tilted his head, studying me. “You sound impressed.”
“I am.”
“She got you running errands for ribbons yet?”
“No,” I said. Then paused. “But she did mock up a handlebar mount better than anything I’ve seen.”
Blaze whistled. “Damn. Hopefully, the Chrome Warriors don’t have a heyday with that. They like to come at us for the stupidest shit.”
My jaw tightened without me meaning to. “They better not be anywhere near the ride,” I said flatly.
