“You look different.”
Cleo lifted her brows. “Good different or bad?”
Regina snickered. “Definitely good.”
Cleo had no idea what Regina meant, but she accepted the compliment.
“Taryn’s on her way. She said she’d be here in a little bit. I thought maybe we could celebrate my birthday. I know it was a few weeks ago but maybe we could have a drink together and catch up?”
“Ah, for fucks sake!”
Cleo spun around and caught the burly biker at the end of the bar. She smiled immediately and waved. “Hi Grain!”
He sighed, dragging his hand over his face, clearly in distress.Uh-oh!Cleo sucked in a breath, widening her eyes. His reaction spoke volumes and she could foresee the repercussions from her impromptu visit for the East biker. The last time, she’d hung out with Regina and Grain, Killcreek hadn’t been happy. The clubs had history. She was putting Grain in an unsavory position.
Regina grabbed her wrist. “Come on. I’ll get you a drink while we wait for Taryn.”
Cleo resisted, keeping her eyes locked on Grain. “Um, maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I don’t want anyone to get in trouble.”
Grain shared a look with Regina. If Cleo had to guess, theywere having a silent argument withheras the main topic. This was disastrous. Today was supposed to be fun, not the catalyst for a marital dispute.
“I’m sorry.” Cleo blurted and pulled out of Regina’s hold, backing up toward the door. “I’ll just go.”
Grain sighed, shaking his head. “Get your ass over here!” He pointed to the stool next to him. “We got a birthday to celebrate and you ain’t going anywhere until you get a proper fucking drink.”
Cleo stilled, peeking over at Regina. She smiled at Grain, then turned to Cleo, raising her brows. “You heard him. Get your ass on that stool!”
Cleo slowly turned, walking toward the bar. Grain pulled out the stool and she sat while Regina rounded the counter.
“What do you want to drink?” Regina asked and her lips twitched. “For you? I’ll even make one of those fruity bullshit drinks. Anything you want, Cleo.”
Anything?Usually, she’d ask for a beer or seltzer but with Grain here, she only had one drink in mind. She glanced over at him and smiled.
“Can I have your pink drink? I never got to finish the last one.”
The corner of his mouth curled and he slapped his hand on the bar. “Fuck yeah, you can, sweetheart!” He shot up from his stool and rounded the bar, nudging Regina out of his way. She laughed, shaking her head.
“You just made his fucking day.”
Regina bent down resting her arms on the counter in front of Cleo.
“I appreciate you making time for me.” Cleo glanced around the room. “I know you’re working.”
“Not anymore.” Regina winked and straightened, addressing the customers. “Bar’s closed, pay your tab, and get the fuck out.”
“Gee.” The man at the end of the bar spread his arms, clearly unhappy with the abrupt closing.
“Don’t‘Gee’me. We got a private party happening, and none of you assholes are invited.” She clapped her hands. “Let’s go, get your asses outta those seats.”
Let the party begin…
****
Wraith stared up at the red light and rolled his neck. He’d been gone since five-thirty this morning and it was closing in on seven. With over two hours left on the trip, he’d be exhausted when he got back. But doing this pick up allowed him to bow out of the next two day run. No overnights.
They were just about to get on the highway and head back to Killcreek when the message from Ace came in.
Ace: Get to Starr’s.
