My stomach drops further, but at least he’s honest. It’s refreshing even though I don’t really like what he had to say, but I need to get over it. He’s given me the facts and allowed me to make a decision. I’m not rude, and I don’t think I’m better than anyone else. “Yes, I would.”
I follow him over toward them. Surprisingly, when they see us, they give us warm smiles.
The one with pink pigtails gets up and pulls me in for a hug. “My name’s Dolly. It’s great to meet the person who’s made Rage happy.” Her voice is chirpy, but she gives me a sad smile.
I look up at Rage, and he shrugs, so I peer back at them. “My name’s Rose. I wanted to say hi, because it’s been a little crazy here and I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself.”
“Lovely to meet you. I’m Trixie,” the other woman says.
“It was good to meet you two. We’re just off shopping.”
“Enjoy!” says Dolly, and as we walk away, I’m a little surprised how well that went.
“They seem nice,” I mention casually as Rage grabs the keys and we walk out the front door.
“They are. Probably been the best sweet butts we’ve had.”
My face twists, and he chuckles. “Not in that way. There’s been no drama with them. They help out and fit in. They’re looking for a new place now. I doubt they’ll be staying here for long.”
I’m way happier about that than I should be. “Why are they moving?”
“I think they just want more from life than being here. They’ve seen all the other sweet butts leave and seen all the men settle down, so it seems like the right time for them.”
I nod as we approach his bike, but he tilts his head toward the truck instead. “We’re better off going shopping in that.”
It makes sense. The truck beeps as he unlocks it, and I awkwardly climb in.
Once we’re on the road, he glances over at me. “So, what’s happening with this business of yours?” he asks.
I swallow hard. “I’ve notified customers through my newsletter and social media that I’m away, and there’s a note on my store because I was expecting to be away on my honeymoon now.” I rub my chest, which is feeling a little tight. “I hope Tyler hasn’t damaged any of the equipment for my business out of anger.” I shouldn’t think negatively, but I’m powerless to resist, because it would be devastating.
When I turn, Rage’s jaw is clenched. “If he’s done anything to it, he’ll be buying you new stuff. I’ll make sure of it,” he says.
I reach over and put my hand on his leg. “I’m sure he hasn’t, but thank you. My business is my baby. I built it up all on my own, and it’s been a lot of hard work, but enjoyable. I’ve managed to earn enough money to not need a part-time job to support it. I’ve been lucky.”
He puffs out a breath. “There’s no luck in it. You worked hard to get where you are, and it’s one of the things I like about you.”
I lean forward. “Go on,” I tease. I’ll takeallthe compliments I can get from this man.
His lip curves up in a devilish grin. “Would you like the PG or X-rated version?”
I laugh. “You can start with the PG.”
“To own a business you have to be driven. I haven’t met too many people like that. It’s a nice change. Seeing you that night we met...” A thoughtful look crosses his face. “I just knew you were different.”
My eyebrows shoot up.
“In a good way,” he adds immediately. “Women love that I’m in a motorcycle club. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never had problems picking up women, but the club vest just adds to the appeal. That night it was just cool to have a chat with a woman who had no ulterior motive. I never get that. I’m not overexaggerating, but when you walked into the room, I couldn’t look anywhere else. My gaze was only on you.”
My heart swells at his honesty.
“You looked beautiful, like some angel.” His voice is soft and sincere. “I was feeling really shitty that day, but seeing you made me feel better. I had this pull to talk to you, and I waited ten minutes, expecting your husband to show up. When he didn’t, I decided to pull up a chair and see if you’d talk to me.”
Big, fat tears roll down my cheeks. He glances at me briefly, frowning.
“I’m okay,” I reassure him. “It just feels good to be seen by someone. I’m thankful you pulled up a seat that night.”
His lips curve up. “Me too. But then you ditched me,” he teases. His face is light and he’s smirking.
