“I strategically retreated.”
“There was nothing strategic about it. The man was freaking out and running wild. He even tripped a couple times, but he never fell. Now, that shit would’ve been funny.”
“Hell, it was the most traumatic experience of my life, and not a one of these motherfuckers came to my rescue. Not a damn one of them.”
“Not our fault. We were too busy laughing to do anything to help.”
“So, that’s it. That’s how you got your road name?”
Memphis nodded. “Name stuck by sundown.”
“And here I thought you got the name because of something cool.”
“Nothing cool about it,” Luke grumbled. “I wasn’t at all happy about it back then. Hell, to this day, I don’t trust a damn bird, but there are far worse names they could’ve given me.”
“This is officially the best story yet.”
“Oh, give it time,” Grim scoffed. “There are plenty of stories about Goose to go around.”
“Hey, now. Let’s not get carried away,” Goose fussed. “Don’t want to run her off just yet.”
The guys laughed, and it wasn’t long before the topic changed to the next gathering. Antonia and Jenna told me a little about some of the other ol’ ladies and assured me that I would love them all. I took it as a good sign when Antonia nudged my arm and said, “You should come back by the clubhouse sometime. We’ll make sure you meet everyone.”
“And they can fill you in on even more stories about Goose,” Jenna teased.
“I’d like that.”
I was surprised by how much I’d actually meant it.
I’d enjoyed today. I’d enjoyed it even more than I thought possible, and it was just our second date. I couldn’t help but wonder what Luke had in store for me next.
17
GOOSE
I’d spent the better part of my life being a player.
I won’t deny it. I liked the thrill of the chase. The flirting. The screwing around. The freedom. I just never felt inclined to settle down or even slow down. It was easier that way.
There were no expectations.
No disappointments. Well, not for me.
But I was losing interest in the player life. Yeah, it surprised the hell out of me, too. There was just something about Presley that had me wanting more than just a night or a weekend roll in the hay. She was not only breathtakingly beautiful, but she was also smart, funny, and intuitive in a way that kept me on my toes.
I glanced over at her, standing in my kitchen with a glass of wine in one hand and the other on her hip, and she looked like she belonged there. Felt like it, too. I leaned against the counter and tried not to stare, but it wasn’t easy, especially when she was looking so damn good.
She’d gone casual tonight. Her hair was pulled back, and she was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt with boots. Shesmelled like lavender and honey, and it was all I could do to keep my hands off her.
“Do you want to see some of the things I’ve been working on?”
“I’d love to.”
She followed me as I walked her through the house. I pointed out the new floors I’d put in myself, explained how I’d knocked out a wall to open things up, and made sure she saw the set of shelves I was installing next to the fireplace. “It looks great.”
“I still have a lot to do, but it’s getting there.”
“What’s next?”
