“Dylan’s going to be there? You didn’t tell me that.” She tugged at the hem of her dress, then stepped on the porch and locked the door. “We went to school together.”
“Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t tell him you were coming, so it’ll be a surprise.”
“Is he married?”
“Not yet, but he’s got a woman he’s interested in. Her name’s Skyla and she’s going to be there too.” He grasped her hand and led her to his Harley.
“Are you serious? I’ve never been on a motorcycle, and I can’t go on one with this short dress. I’ll be flashing my butt to everyone.”
His gaze lingered on her backside, and then he nodded. “You got a point there. I don’t want anyone seeing your ass but me.” He popped open his saddlebags, pulled out a small blanket, and handed it to her. “You can put this on the seat and wrap it around you.”
“I’m not doing that. It’s hotter than hell, and I don’t want to worry about balancing on the bike and keeping myself covered. We can just go in my car.”
“I don’t like cages.”
“Cages? You mean cars?”
“Cars, trucks, or anything else that keeps you enclosed.”
“So you don’t have a car?”
“I have a pickup for hauling stuff and for the winters. Sometimes it’s too damn icy for the bike. But I basically ride everywhere.”
“Well, I’m not going to ride tonight in this dress. I’ll take my car and meet you at the restaurant.”
Goldie stood staring at her, amazed that she was turning down the chance to press her body against him as the wind rushed around her. He’d never had a woman turn down a ride on his Harley. For that matter, he rarely had women not go along with what he said. Hailey was driving him crazy, and a part deep inside him loved the challenge of her.
“Are you just going to stand there staring while Dylan’s waiting for us?” She opened her purse and took out her keys. “Do you want to drive over with me or meet me there?”
From the way she lifted her chin and held her keys, he was pretty sure she wasn’t going to change her mind. He’d concede, but he wasn’t going to make a damn habit out of it. He grabbed the keys from her hands. “Let’s go.”
“I can drive.”
“I’ll drive. I’m not into chicks driving me around.”
“You’re impossible. And slow down. It’s not easy to walk on an uneven sidewalk in five-inch heels.”
He held the door open for her, then slipped into the driver seat.
Soon they were pulling into the lot at Bulldog Pub. The place heaved with people, and Goldie wrapped his arm around Hailey as they passed by a group of guys. The way some of them checked her out made his blood boil.If any of them say something or even make a sound, I’m gonna slam my fist into their fucking faces.
Inside the rustic-styled bar, pints of beer were being drawn for thirsty patrons as they crowded around the long mahogany bar. In the middle of the room, diners filled many of the wooden tables and chairs, as well as the red-leather booths that lined the walls of the establishment. There was an elemental feel to the décor, with lots of wood and exposed stone. It seemed as though it had been transported from a small village in England.
The hum of conversation, punctuated by sudden squalls of laughter, surrounded Goldie and Hailey as he guided her to a large booth. Dylan’s beaming face greeted them.
“I thought you’d never get here. It’s crowded for a weeknight,” Dylan said, his gaze directed on Hailey as she scooted toward the wall.
“I got tied up.” He slid in next to her. “Did you order?”
“Just drinks.”
“Hi, Goldie,” the cute woman next to Dylan said.
“Skyla.” Goldie tipped his head. He placed his arm around Hailey. “This is Hailey. You remember Hailey Shilley.”
Dylan’s mouth opened as he stared at her. “Wow, you grew up.” He quickly kissed Skyla’s cheek when she punched him in the arm. “No. I mean, it’s been a long time. I haven’t seen you since we started high school. What’re you doing back in Alina?”
As Hailey told her story, Goldie picked up the draft the waitress had brought and watched her use her hands as she spoke. She was so animated and, for a reason he couldn’t understand, it was turning him way the hell on. Then again, it seemed like everything about Hailey turned him on. Never had a woman captivated him the way she had. Her laughter sparkled like drops of water in the sunlight, and it hit him right in the groin. But when she looked up at him through her thick lashes, his pants grew tight. Shifting, he tried to get comfortable, and when Hailey asked him if he could let her out of the booth, he grabbed his napkin and stood up. Skyla followed Hailey as they went to the ladies’ room. Sliding back into the booth, Goldie threw his napkin on the table and shook his head.
