When he blew out the smoke, it trailed in the direction of the men. The blond guy discreetly waved his hand, feigning off the smoke, though it didn’t go unnoticed.
“I thought smoking was banned from indoor commercial businesses,” he muttered, glancing over his shoulder. His gaze scanned the aisle before meeting her stare. He offered an awkward smile, which Cleo immediately returned. She walked down the aisle with her eyes locked on the two men. Or boys?They couldn’t have been older than twenty-two or twenty-three. Good-looking and clean cut in a generic sense.
Smoking indoorswasbanned in all fifty states. But this was Killcreek. Everyday laws and rules didn’t apply. There were a different set of mandates in place, created and enforced by the MC. It was no man’s land.
The guys swiftly turned back toward the register, and she inched closer. Outsiders were easy to recognize in Killcreek. Their clothes were a dead giveaway. If she had to guess, they’d traveled from out of state or from the city. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen anyone in town wearing khakis.If ever.
“Move,” Burke snapped, waving the guys to the side while flicking ashes all over the counter.
Both men jerked their heads, and Burke gestured toward Cleo. One of the men immediately stepped to the side while the dark-haired one with the phone just stared at her. His gaze scanned her face, dropping down her body in a slow perusal. Cleo shifted on her feet under his inspecting stare. It had been a long time since anyone had looked at her with any type of interest.
She waved her hand, emitting a nervous chuckle. “I don’t mind waiting, Burke. And they” —She pointed to the men— “were here first anyway.”
One of the men started forward but froze when Burke’s harsh glare turned on them.
“Ain’t serving them until I serve you. So” —He shrugged and deepened his scowl, aimed at her— “Either get your ass up here and check out. Or these assholes will be standing here all day.”
Cleo had grown accustomed to Burke’s gruffness and lack of manners, but even she could admit it was intimidating. Burke wasn’t a member of the MC, but he’d definitely nailed the persona. The two guys were getting a firsthand look at Killcreek’s welcoming committee.
“Cleo.” Burke gave her a two-finger signal, calling her up to the counter.
She inched closer, dropping her energy drink, soda, and two bags of candy on the counter. “I also need ten bags of ice.”
Burke tapped hard on the outdated register. It took twice the time it’d take if he had an electronic point of sale. But much like the town itself, Burke and most residents were stuck in a time from years ago.
He lifted his chin. “This going on the club’s tab?”
“Just the ice.” She handed him two bills and rocked back on her heels.
She waited for her change, feeling a cool chill ripple over her skin. She didn’t make further eye contact with the guys and kept her gaze laser focused on Burke. He handed her three small bills and a receipt.
“Need a bag?”
“Nope.” She cradled her drinks and candy in her arms, and headed toward the door. She pushed it open with her shoulder, slyly looking back at the counter.
The guy with his phone was looking down, but the other was staring directly at her. Cleo smiled, and the corner of his mouth spiked. A warm heat spread over her cheeks, and she ducked her head. She’d gotten herself in trouble a few times for interacting with strangers. But it didn’t stop her. Some might call her life in Killcreek isolating. They wouldn’t be wrong.
She dumped her treats on the passenger seat and rounded the back of the car. She’d purposely parked in front of the ice box. She wasn’t usually tasked with picking up the ice, but Joker, one of the prospects, had been throwing up all morning. She figured she’d save him a trip.
She was hauling the fourth bag into her trunk when the store’s doors opened, and the two strangers walked out. She peeked over her hood, watching as they stopped ten feet away, looking off down the road. Killcreek wasn’t known to be a cut through town. The rural area had dense woods, narrow roads, and the only sight of any real beauty was the creek on the edge of town. Even thatwasn’t anything special except after a heavy rainfall. Then it was beautiful.
The dark-haired guy pointed down the road. “I think it’s about eight to ten miles north.”
“Never used this location?” the blond asked.
The darker-haired one shook his head. “No.”
Don’t do it!Their dilemma was none of her concern.But…
Cleo dropped the bag of ice, and it made a loud bang, which got their attention. She gave a short wave and rounded the front of her car, tucking her hands in her back pockets.
“Can I help you find where you’re looking for?”
They shared a look. The blond seemed hesitant, but the other smiled and stepped closer.
“That’d be great. You live here?”
She nodded with a smile.
