“Lost my old lady to cancer a few years ago. Starlet reminds me of her.”
“I’m sorry. What was her name?”
Pain is evident in his eyes. “Izzy, a red head.”
What do you say to a man who lost everything he loved? I accept the keys and he gives me quick directions. “Thanks.”
“I’ll set Axe straight, Brick. This charter needs new blood—and if my instincts are worth a damn, you’re the right man to wear that VP patch.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I’ve seen enough. The man doesn’t make the patch, the patch makes the man. Earning it says everything I need to know.”
That isn’t entirely true—to younger members, the man makes the patch. But as long as veterans like Shorty are still around, old school rules.
***
Starlet
The brothers didn’teven look at me when they came out of the conference room. I eye the double doors nervously, wondering if I’m about to get good news or bad news. I shrug and take another shot, enjoying the growing numbness. Guess I can handle Jägermeister, the bottle is almost empty and I’m still upright on the bar stool.
Finally, Brick appears, his expression annoyingly neutral.
“You okay?” he asks.
I raise my shot glass. “Better now.”
“Ah, hell.” He picks up the bottle and examines it. “Can you stand on your own, Starlet?”
“Sure can.” I hop off the seat and the room starts to spin. “Um…”
He shakes his head and wraps a steadying arm around my waist. “Think you can ride?”
Though I’m a little dizzy, pretty sure I can hang on to Brick without falling off his bike. “Where are we going?”
“To a cabin down the road. Where’s your backpack, sweetheart?”
“Over there.” I point to a cubby in the dining area.
Once we’re outside, he secures my bag to the side of his bike, then straps the helmet on my head.
“I’m a big girl, you know. Could probably have done that myself.” I look up at him, meeting his gaze, loving and envying his thick, dark lashes. “You have beautiful eyes, Brick.”
He chuckles as I stand on my toes and plant a kiss on his mouth.
“What’s that for?”
“For being my friend.”
“Where did you get that idea? I’m not your friend, Starlet.”
I frown and retreat a step. “Glad you cleared that up, asshole.”
“There’s no man in his right mind who could be your friend.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Friends with benefits.”
He tips my chin upward. “Lovers. There’s a big difference.”
