A ripple of chuckles went around the table at Clea’s admission.
“Leave it to Duchess to treat a Reuben like a tea sandwich.” Razor laughed. “And damn, we love you for it, girlie. You’re something else, you know?”
“You want another one?” Mav asked as others laughed at Razor’s comment. “You’ll need the energy for the road.”
“You guys heading out after this, Mav?”
Holy shit, Blondie’s voice was incredible. Smooth and resonant, soothing. Like the sound of a gentle wind on a field of flowers. And those lips of his…
Clea watched his mouth move as he replied to something Mav had just said, wondering what those lips would feel like against her skin.
And what the hell was she even thinking right now?
She shook her head, trying to clear it, and downed half of her water. She didn’t have the luxury of swooning over some stranger, no matter how sexy he was. No, she needed to keep her wits about her, even in this little town. Though it was tucked away in the middle of a vast pine forest and the chances of anyone finding her here were slim, there was no telling who all was passing through this weekend.
“Absolutely.” Mav extended his hand to Blondie. “Thanks again, Ford.”
“Call me Asher.” He smiled, clasping palms with Mav. “And it’s the least I can do. We want everyone to be safe and healthy here.”
Mav nodded. “We appreciate it.”
Clea’s eyes tracked tall, blonde, and handsome as he made his way back to the card draw table. There was something incredible about the way he moved, a kind of predatory grace that invited all kinds of speculation. And with those broad shoulders and lean muscles… maybe he was a martial artist or something. She wondered if he had any tats under that black shirt of his.
“Enjoying the view?” Mav chuckled.
Shit, busted.
Clea grinned. “Just admiring nature’s beauty.” And she had to admit, it was an excellent view.
Asher Ford had a very fine ass.
Mav smirked as he shook his head. “You’re something else, Duchess.”
“Thanks for taking me on, Mav.” Clea raised her glass to him. “I’m having the best time on the road with you and your crew.”
“Same.” Mav clinked his glass to hers. “And here’s to more fun times ahead.”
“What time are we hitting the road tomorrow, boss?” Blaze asked.
“Tomorrow?” Clea frowned. “I thought we were doing Wolf Creek Pass tonight and then staying in Pagosa.” She’d been looking forward to that ride.
“Change of plans.” Mav set his untouched water in front of her with a knowing look. “The ladies need a little rest, so we’re going to stay in Pine Haven tonight and do the joyride tomorrow. Just worked it all out with Asher.”
“The ladies.” Clea smirked, knowing full well Mav hadn’t surveyed the whole MC in the few minutes he’d been talking with the guy.
“We’ll have an easier day tomorrow if we’re all rested.” He nodded. “Better this way.” Mav glanced at Butch and Harlow, who looked a little worse for wear. “For all of us.”
“You’re a good leader, Mav.” Clea smiled, appreciating how dialed in he was to his crew. She hadn’t even noticed that some of the others were flagging.
“Damn right he is.” Blaze piped up, lifting his beer. “To our fearless prez.”
Everyone joined in the toast, clinking glasses and taking a long drink, and Clea appreciated feeling like one of the gang. Not that they were a gang. But one of the pack, the group. The camaraderie was nice, a welcome change to her typically solitary life. It’s not like thieves had a lot of friends.
The cute waitress was back, taking refill orders as the handsome server with the yellow eyes cleared empty dishes, swapping Clea’s plate with a fresh one.
“Oh,” She stopped the server. “I didn’t order this. I think it’s meant for someone else?”
“It’s on the house. Compliments of Mr. Ford.”
