“For a guy. He has me logging in a ton of names and products into a database. He has an Internet business and he sells stuff on it. It’s boring work, but it pays good. What about you?”
“I help in my dad’s business.”
For the next half hour they talked and laughed, and Fallon stayed way after she’d finished her sandwich. It seemed like they had a lot in common, and Fallon felt like she’d known Annie for a long time. It surprised her how easily she talked with the young woman.
Annie flicked her eyes to the chrome clock on the wall behind Fallon. “Shit! I gotta run. I’m five minutes late. Do you want to get together again? I don’t know anyone in town, and I’d love to go out to dinner or maybe a movie.”
“I’d like that too.”
The two women exchanged phone numbers before Annie rushed out, waving as she went by the window. Fallon paid her bill and left the diner. Soon she was singing along with the radio as she blasted down the old highway to Alina. She couldn’t wait to see Diablo. As she drove, she felt that her life was starting to take a turn for the better. Diablo seemed to care about her, and she’d met Annie, who had suggested exchanging phone numbers. The young woman with the shoulder-length plum-colored hair wanted to get together again… withher.
The drive to Alina had taken less time than she’d thought due to her speed, so she decided to go to the library, a couple bookstores, and a printing shop to turn in her application for part- and full-time work she’d found listed on a job database.
After she’d finished her task, she headed to the clubhouse, her damn nerves getting the best of her.How crazy am I? I just spent the last couple of days and nights with him. I’m so fuckin’ pathetic. Get a damn grip!She popped an antacid to quell the heartburn from the turkey sandwich and her nerves, then gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove down the road.
When she entered the clubhouse, a couple of men were playing pool and a few girls she recognized from before were watching television and talking. Tentatively, she walked over to the bar and sat on a stool. The man behind the bar put a ginger ale in front of her.
“Thanks. How did you know?” she asked.
“You’re welcome,” he said brusquely, then turned away.
From the couch, a woman with long brown hair kept staring at her while the woman next to her stood up and walked toward Fallon. The woman had red hair with neon purple tips. Fallon averted her gaze from the woman to the guys playing pool nearby.
“What’s your deal with Diablo?” she said.
Fallon spun her stool around so she was facing the woman. “Excuse me?”
“I asked you what’s up with you and Diablo?”
“We’re friends,” she replied. She poked at the ice cubes in the glass with her straw.
“Are you fucking him?” The woman crossed her arms and glowered at Fallon.
“I can’t believe you just asked me that. It’s really none of—”
“Back the fuck off,” a good-looking man with blond hair and a ton of tattoos said.
“I’m not talking to you, Goldie, I’m talking to her.” She pointed her finger at Fallon.
“You’re tryin’ to start up some shit. You know what a brother does and who he hangs with is his business. Go on. Maria’s not shooting off her mouth.” Goldie jerked his head toward the woman who’d been staring at Fallon since she’d come in.
“She’s wondering too.”
“I’m not gonna say it again, Lucy. You don’t wanna piss me off.”
Lucy glared at Goldie, then Fallon, then back to Goldie. “Don’t sniff around me tonight ’cause you’re not gettin’ any.” She whirled around and marched back to the sofa.
“Don’t pay any attention to Lucy. She’s very territorial. You’re a new face around here, and she wants to let you know that she’s already marked this territory.” He picked up the beer the man behind the bar gave him.
“Was she Diablo’s girlfriend?”
Goldie guffawed. “Hell no. She’s a club girl and is for everyone. Don’t worry your pretty head about it. You want another one?” He pointed to her empty glass. She shook her head. “You want me to tell Diablo you’re here?”
“I already know she is,” Diablo said as he came up to them, glaring at Goldie.
Fallon sucked in her breath as her gaze fell on Diablo. He was gorgeous in his white T-shirt that molded over his sculpted abs, and his jeans fit so snugly over his corded legs and crotch that she found herself transfixed by the big bulge against his zipper. A shiver slid up her spine as a sweet ache pulled between her legs.
A soft chuckle brought her eyes up to his dark ones, which smoldered with desire.
