Deciding not to waste her Sunday afternoon by overthinking her attraction to Chas, she pulled out her folder of applications for the part-time position at the library, which she’d posted the previous week. She was in desperate need of someone to shelve and check out books.
Thumbing through the twenty applications, she narrowed it down to three: two women and a man. She ran a quick background check on the applicants to make sure nothing popped up. Satisfied that everything checked out, she decided she’d set up appointments later that week, hoping she would have a new employee by the end of it.
With her task finished, she went in her apartment to pour herself a glass of merlot. With wine glass in hand, she went back out and plopped down on her bamboo rocking chair. The colorful, blue-green seat cushion always made her smile. She loved color, and she tried to mix and match as much as taste would allow throughout her place.
Just on her balcony, her framed chairs had stripe patterns in reds, yellow, blues, and purples, and complementing scroll patterns in blues and greens. Several of her planters were decked out in a range of color, from pinks to oranges. When she lived with Ian in their Chicago penthouse, she didn’t participate much in the decorating. Ian insisted on white and ivory with a splash of beige as the color scheme. Their bedrooms and bathrooms resembled a hospital rather than a home. Everything was so sterile and cold. There wasn’t a cushy chair or couch in the whole damn condo. It was angular and devoid of creativity—it had mirrored her life. She shivered at the recollection, in spite of the warmth.
Sipping her wine, she replayed the staggering kiss Chas had given her the previous night. As they stood by his bike and he looked down at her—his black eyes smoldering, full lips curved in a sensual invitation—she didn’t want to refuse. The brief kiss they shared at the library the previous week awakened a spark in her she thought had burned out a long time before. She’d longed for another taste. The previous night, after they’d flirted so deliciously at the rally, she’d hoped he’d kiss her, even though she knew she could be compromising her position at the library. There was just something about Chas which evoked deep, sexual feelings in her.
After the rally, when he’d kissed her, it wasn’t just a kiss. He took hungry possession of her mouth and ignited a desire in her that shot from the tips of her breasts all the way down to her dampening pussy. Never had she had such a reaction from kissing a man.
Chas was all kinds of bad news with his rough exterior, outlaw attitudes, and the danger she saw in his eyes when he’d become angry, and she loved it all. But what she loved the most was the tenderness in his dark eyes whenever he looked at Jack. As much as he wanted the world to think he was a badass all the time, he was capable of deep love, not just for his son but for his parents, as well. Under all his gruff, he was a teddy bear in leather. She giggled—he’d die if she ever told him that.
In Addie’s assessment, the love Chas had for Jack made him a whole person, whereas Ian was just a cold, calculating sonofabitch all the time—it was his nature. When she’d met Ian, he pretended to be a kind, sophisticated man, who would love and cherish her. She had no clue he was a hardened, cold-blooded killer. All he ever wanted to do was possess her. The only reason he’d still be searching for her was to make certain she didn’t go to the police, and to take her back with him. After all, Ian never let his possessions go until he made the decision.
Her biggest obstacle was her life wasn’t normal, and she didn’t know if it ever would be. How could she start something with Chas if she couldn’t even tell him her real name or where she came from? Groaning, she wrestled with the fact that she was still a married woman. How in the fuck could she break the chains Ian had put around her?
Chances were pretty high Chas just wanted a fuck-buddy. She knew how bad boys were, always looking for another woman to conquer. Because she resisted him, Chas was interested, but she surmised that once she surrendered to him, the chase would be over, and he’d be out hunting for other prey. It wasn’t all bad because she wasn’t free, and she might have to leave town in the dead of the night. No attachments, other than physical pleasure, may be the way for her to relieve some of the aching pressure she’d acquired ever since she first met Chas. The danger, of course, was that she could fall head over heels in love with him. It was very possible; she felt a connection between them, and she knew he did, too. If she decided to take the plunge into the world of Chas Vickers, then she’d better guard her heart, lest she be lost forever.
* * *
Once again, Jack waited for his mother—who was thirty minutes late—to pick him up. Before Addie picked up the phone to call her, Brianna stomped in, her over-sized silver hoop earrings swinging outward. Dressed in a skin-tight sweater and black leggings, disdain crossed her face when she looked at Addie. Curling up one side of her mouth, Brianna threw a glance at Addie’s hips and snorted.
“Jack did well today. He was the only one in the group who had his exercises down pat,” Addie said, her eyes shining as she looked at Jack.
Snubbing her, Brianna turned to Jack. “You ready? I don’t have all night. I have to be somewhere.”
“Why were you late?” Jack asked as he picked up his backpack.
“Something came up. Let’s get moving. You’re gonna have to stay with Ronica. I’ll drop you off.”
“Aw, Mom, I don’t wanna stay over there. Can’t she come to our house? What about Tilly? Why can’t she stay with me? I like her.”
“Tilly’s got school stuff, so Ronica is it. I don’t give a fuck what you wanna do.” Anger lit her eyes. “I don’t wanna keep taking and picking you up. If you weren’t so fuckin’ stupid, you could read, and I wouldn’t have to drag my ass here all the fuckin’ time.”
Jack’s face crumpled, and his bottom lip quivered. “I’m tired. I just wanna go home.”
“Well, newsflash—I’m fuckin’ tired of you! Get your ass moving.” Brianna shoved him ahead of her.
Addie placed her hand on Jack’s shoulder and held Brianna’s gaze. “I don’t like the way you’re talking to Jack, and I can’t allow you to verbally abuse him like that. Also, you cannot use foul language in the library. There are other children in here and people who don’t want to hear it or be part of your drama.”
Scrunching up her face, Brianna yelled, “I don’t give a fuck what you like! You don’t tell me what the fuck to do. Just because you think you’re better than I am because you went to some college or something, doesn’t mean shit to me. You’re nothing but a fuckin’ fat pig.” Jerking Jack’s arm, she pulled him away from Addie’s grasp. “I said let’s go Jack. Now.”
Red-faced, Addie said, “You’re in a public place, and it’s not fair to subject everyone to your anger or your petty name-calling. Please, try to conduct yourself as though you were out of middle school.”
As Brianna stomped away, she pushed Jack forward. “Butt out, bitch,” she called over her shoulder. “Why don’t you have your own kids instead of acting like you’re Jack’s mom? I’m his fuckin’ mother, not you.”
Calmly, Addie responded, “Then act like a mother.”
Brianna stormed out, slamming the glass doors with such force, Addie was afraid they were going to crack. The whole encounter made Addie nauseous.
“She’s a lovely woman, isn’t she?” Margaret commented.
Staring out the front door, Addie answered, “She has some major anger problems.”
“And the names she called you. I hope you don’t let her bother you.”
With a wave of her hand, Addie said, “I don’t care what she says to me or about me, it’s Jack I feel sorry for. His mother has such a wonderful gift, and she can’t appreciate it. Can you imagine a mother calling her kid ‘stupid’? My parents were both so loving and supportive of me.” Addie paused as an ache clutched her heart. “I know there are a lot of mediocre and bad parents, but that was too much.”
“Yes, it was,” Margaret said. “Why don’t you come over and have supper with me and Larry after work?�
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Smiling, Addie said, “Thanks, but I’m going out with a friend.”
The wicked witch’s ex, but I don’t dare tell Margaret. She’ll think I’ve flipped for sure.
“Are you going with the young man who took you home from the rally?”
With cheeks tinging pink, Addie looked away. “Why would you think that?”
“I don’t know. You both seemed pretty taken with each other. He’s a nice-looking man, and he had kind eyes. I didn’t like all his tattoos. I don’t know why you young people want to cover your skin with pictures. In my day, the only people who had tattoos were the military men or the ones in prison.” Margaret shook her head.
Addie laughed. “I love a man with tattoos, and he does have kind eyes.” Addie turned around and went back to her office, leaving a smiling Margaret to tend to the patrons.
Sitting at her desk, Addie debated whether she should tell Chas about his ex’s treatment of Jack. In the short time she’d known Chas, she gathered he was not someone who didn’t take action. Afraid he’d fly off the handle and do something to Brianna, which would make the situation worse, she decided to let it go for the time being. But if another incident like that occurred, she’d have to bring it to Chas’s attention.
After she set up the interviews with the three applicants for the part-time job, Addie worked until the library closed, then went home to change her clothes for her dinner date with Chas.
At her apartment, she refreshed her makeup and put on a mid-thigh, pleated black skirt and a cotton knit sweater with a southwestern pattern. The rich color palette of greens, blues, rusts, and oranges in the top complemented her red hair. She completed her outfit with short black boots.
Sitting on the couch as she waited for Chas, her stomach fluttered. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. I haven’t been on a date for several years. Why did I agree to this?
She leapt off the couch when the buzzer pierced the silence in her apartment. Rushing to the intercom, she pushed the button. “Yes?”
“It’s me, precious.” Chas’s warm voice wrapped around her like a caress.
“I’ll be right down.” Addie’s voice was calm, a complete contrast to the knots in her stomach. She hoped she could get through the evening without making a complete fool of herself.
When she was in the lobby of her building, Addie saw Chas on the porch, his back against the glass front door. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes roamed over his firm ass, snug in his tight black jeans. A dull throb pulsed between her thighs, making her rub them together before opening the door. When she came out on the porch, Chas turned around and smiled at her. Her eyes landed on his tight black t-shirt, which molded against his chiseled chest. All she could think about was running her hands and tongue over his corded chest and stomach muscles. The throb pulsed harder as her stomach fluttered again.
He tugged at her, bringing her tight against his hard chest. The scent of him filled her senses; he smelled purely male. His aroma was of leather, motor oil, fresh air, and something else she couldn’t identify. An earthy, erotic scent which made her lightheaded.
Cupping her chin in his hand, he lifted it, bent down, and kissed her gently on her lips. A single bolt of pleasure rushed from her mouth to her dampening panties, causing her to squirm. Pulling back, she sucked in her breath and met his eyes. From their intensity, she knew he was aware of what effect his presence had on her body.
Heated dark eyes slid up her curvaceous body. Nodding, as if giving her his approval, he whistled. “Fuck, you look so tasty. I want to eat you up.”
Addie took a small step toward him, her hand lightly touching his forearm. “I’ve never had anyone call me ‘tasty’ before.”
“That’s ’cause you’ve never had a real man, who appreciates your assets.” He winked at her, grabbed her hand, and led her down the stairs toward his Harley.
“You’re pretty cocky, aren’t you?” she said, her green eyes gleaming.
“Damn straight.”
He helped her on his bike, shrugged on his leather jacket, took a handful of her hair, and pulled her head back. Bending down, he crushed his mouth over hers, his tongue diving in deep when she parted her lips. She moaned into his mouth as he took hungry possession of it.
Moving his head back, he said, “Your mouth is so fuckin’ wicked and sweet, precious. I can’t wait to have your hot lips around my cock.” He ran his thumb over her bottom lip and laughed as her eyes widened.
“I can’t believe some of the things you say,” she responded as he jumped on the bike. It tipped to the side, and she grabbed him tight around the waist.
“I say it like it is. You’re a fuckin’ hot woman, and I appreciate it,” he told her, his head turned sideways. “Keep holding on, we’re ready to roll.”
The Harley roared to life, and they rode into the night.
When they arrived at Big Rocky’s Barbecue, Chas helped Addie off the bike, gave her a sweet kiss on her neck, and grasped her hand as they walked toward the restaurant.
“I heard this is one of the best barbecue restaurants in the county,” Addie said as they entered. “Do you come here a lot?”
“Too much. I don’t know how to cook, and I get tired of the same stuff the club girls make. Insurgents own the restaurant.”
“Your club owns this? Wow. Do you own any other restaurants?”
“No, this is the only one, but we do have some other businesses, like ink shops, a couple of dispensaries, a strip bar, and we’re building a strip mall over in West Pinewood Springs. We may open a burger joint in the mall when it’s done.”
“I didn’t realize your club was so business-oriented. Do the proceeds get distributed, or does the club keep all the profits?”
“Some of the businesses are just for the club, others we distribute to all the members. It works out okay.”
As Chas and Addie walked to their table near a large picture window, Addie heard a male voice say, “Yo, dude, what’s happening?”
Turning around, Addie spotted a man in his mid-twenties seated at a table with a plate of ribs in front of him. A pretty woman with white-blonde hair sat next to him, and a cute little girl, mouth stained with barbecue sauce, wiggled in a high chair.
“Hey,” Chas greeted, motioning Addie to come back. “Addie, this is my brother in crime, Jax, his old lady, Cherri, and their daughter, Paisley.”
Jax nodded to her while Cherri said, “Hi,” and threw Addie a warm smile.
“Hi,” Addie replied. “You have the most adorable baby.” She stroked Paisley’s soft cheeks with her finger, and the little girl gave her a gummy grin while she pounded on her plastic tray with her chubby fists.
“Thanks,” Cherri said.
“Good seeing you guys. We’re gonna grab our table.”
Saying “goodbye” and “nice meeting you,” Chas and Addie sat down at their table. The Rocky Mountains surrounded the restaurant, and the bright spotlights illuminated the glowing eyes from raccoons, opossums, skunks, and deer as they foraged through the wilderness.
“The scenery is beautiful,” Addie gushed, taking in the white-trunked aspen trees and the tall evergreens. “I bet it’s breathtaking during the day.”
“Yeah, it is. What do you want to drink?” Chas asked.
“A glass of merlot.”
Chas asked the waitress to bring them a glass of merlot, a shot of whiskey, and a bottle of Coors. When the waitress walked away, he looked at Addie once more. “Where do you come from?”
Hesitating, Addie countered, “You’re from here, right?”
“Yeah. There’s been Vickers living in the area since my great-grandparents.”
“Wow, your family goes back a long way. Do you know Denver very well?”
“Not really. I’m not much of a big-city guy, you know? I only get to Denver if there’s club business or a rally, but I don’t go there much. So, where do you come from?”
“Denver.” She took a big gulp of her wine.
“Ho
w ’bout that. Your folks still live in Denver?”
Shaking her head, she took another gulp of wine.
“Where do they live?”
“They’re gone. I lost them when I’d just turned twenty-one. I was a senior in college. It’ll be five years next month that they’ve been gone.” Turning away, she looked out at the dark, wooded forest.
Taking her hand in his, Chas squeezed it lightly. “I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about what happened?”
She pursed her lips, her gaze pained. “Not really much to tell. My parents owned a jewelry shop, they were robbed and murdered, and they never found the guy, or guys, who did it.” The last gulp finished off her wine.
Signaling the waitress to bring her another, Chas said, “That must’ve been rough. And not knowing who the sonofabitch who did it was would eat me up. Jax—the guy you just met with his old lady—his dad was killed at Sturgis when he was a teenager. It practically destroyed him. Fuck, I’m sorry.”
“We all have sadness and tragedy in our lives, and we just deal with it. We have to. What choice do we have?” An empty ache clenched her heart, as it always did when she talked or thought about her parents. “I really don’t want to talk about it anymore.” She moved her silverware around. “How did you end up with Jack’s mother?”
“Brianna?” Chas rolled his eyes. “Fuck, do you really wanna know?”
“Yes.”
Anything to take the conversation away from me. Tempted to tell Chas the truth about her life, Ian, and her fugitive status, she put the menu in front of her face so she could concentrate better without his dark eyes boring into her. The truth was she didn’t care if Chas knew her story, but she wasn’t sure she could trust him or any of the Insurgents. She knew her husband was in thick with some of the outlaw biker clubs, and she wished like hell she could remember the names, or had paid more attention to the details. Ian had been hired to do hits for some of the outlaw clubs, and she couldn’t take the chance one was the Insurgents. The thought of seeing Ian again repulsed her; she had to keep her secrets from everyone, including Chas.
Chas's Fervor: Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 3) Page 9
