After only two days off my pain meds and limiting myself to only two beers, I was starting to feel better. The sky appeared bluer. The smell of Mama Virgie’s food seemed more delicious. The general vibes around me were positive and not negative, even though we hadn’t found Alek yet.
Mostly, just having Kelly around made everything better.
She came over this evening, after spending the day with her brother. When I told her she could bring him, she told me she wasn’t ready for him to meet the bikers he idolized. That was fair and I didn’t push her about it.
Her laughter carried out of Slay’s bedroom. I’d left the room when the ladies were talking about romance books. Kelly seemed excited that Cassandra owned a bookstore. Apparently, my friend read romance, which I assumed was because she was lacking romance in her own life. If I had my way, I would be changing that soon.
Now, I was lingering in the hallway, not wanting to be too far away from Kelly. Not that she was in danger in the clubhouse, but Letty had heard about Kelly coming over and she wasn’t thrilled about it. I didn’t care if Letty was angry. She didn’t own me and never would.
Still, I didn’t want Kelly to have a run in with a salty Letty. No telling what might happen between them, and I didn’t want to find out.
“I’m glad you invited Kelly over.” Slay gripped my arm, showing his appreciation. “Cass is enjoying her company. The visit has boosted her spirits.”
“If anyone can lift someone’s spirit, it’s Kelly.”
Slay eyed me. “You seem better. What’s changed?”
“Just easing up on my meds and drinking, I suppose.” I dug my hands into my jean pockets and didn’t feel an ounce of pain. What little discomfort I’d had in the past few months was tolerable, but I kept taking the pain pills to numb me from the outside world. I’d felt lost and purposeless, but all that negativity was fading.
“It doesn’t have anything to do with the hottie in my bedroom?” He teased.
“She might have a little to do with it. It’s been good catching up with her. She’s changed a lot since high school.”
“How so?”
“I used to be a tomboy,” Kelly said with a smile in her voice from behind us.
I turned around. “Yeah, and the coolest girl I knew.”
“Listen to him saying sweet things.” She moved closer to me. “I think he’s trying to charm me.”
I was definitely trying to charm her, but it was the truth. She was the coolest.
And I might be trying to get her into my bed.
“He’s a master at charming the pants off a woman. Be careful if you don’t want to end up under him—” Slay stopped abruptly.
“Or on your knees in front of him,” Letty said in a tart voice as she went passed us.
“Thanks for the concern, but I can take care of myself,” Kelly replied loud enough for Letty to hear.
“I think I’ll go check on my woman. Good seeing you, Kelly,” Slay said. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“Yep, bye.” Kelly gave him a little wave and turned toward me. “What do you want to do now? I promised Kevin I wouldn’t be gone long.” Something glittered in her eyes. Something heated and seductive. Something I wanted to find out more about.
“We’d have more time if you brought him.” I winked, placing my hand on the small of her back, and leading her toward the exit.
“Maybe next time.”
“So there’s going to be a next time.” I dug my fingers into her back.
“I think so. You haven’t given me a reason to stay away.” She inhaled a deep breath. Something was definitely going on with her.
“You seem different tonight, Kel. I mean, I’m not complaining. But I’m curious.”
“Curious enough to find out what has me on the edge of delirium?” She bit her bottom lip.
“Hell, yes, Sassy Girl.” A jolt of desire shot through me.
