Clutch (Burning Saints MC)

by Jack Davenport

  I was now somewhat in control of my insanity and no one could be happier than me. Or maybe Poppy. Or Ali. I sighed. Now I was even rambling in my head. Maybe I wasn’t in control after all.

  I pulled up to Ali’s home and climbed out of the car, rushing up to the front door and letting myself in. “Mummy’s home,” I called.

  “Kitchen,” Ali returned.

  I headed through the large great room and into the newly renovated kitchen, where my daughter wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. “Can I stay a little longer, Mum? Please?”

  “Sure, darling. Fifteen minutes, okay?”

  She let out a little girl squeal and went to find Ali’s daughter, her best friend, Grace. Ryan and Ali also had a twelve-year-old son, Merrick, who was probably lying in wait to torture his sister. I hugged Ali briefly, then pried off my heels and sat at her island.

  “You hungry?” she asked, pulling open the fridge and grabbing me a bottled water.

  “No, I have Chinese waiting in the car. Have you eaten?”

  “No. Kids did, but I’ll wait for Ryan. I did feed Poppy, hope that’s okay.”

  “You can feed my kid anytime,” I said with a chuckle. “She likes your food better than mine anyway... although, tonight it’s takeout. More for me.”

  She grinned. “Did you snap a photo of the hottie mechanic?”

  I shook my head. “I probably should have, eh? God, lovey, the more I think about him... ” I sighed. “He was edible. Rollo from Vikings edible.”

  Ali joined me at the island. “So... not your type.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “Bad boy, sexy, edible.”

  “You may have a point.” I sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll never see him again. I’ve had my great love, so he’d only be a dalliance anyway.”

  “Which you would never do. You’re a one-man woman... and only do long-term.”

  I’d met Niall in kindergarten and it was love at first sight. He’d moved from Scotland into my neighborhood and, when we were old enough to walk alone, he started walking with me to and from school. We’d been inseparable ever since. I’d been so blessed to have a best friend who protected me with all of his being and loved me just as much. He was my first, my last, and everything in between.

  “You’re probably right.” I smiled and slid off the stool. “I should get the Poppet home. The bathtub is calling my name.” I stepped to the mouth of the hallway and called, “Poppy, love, we’re going.”

  “Are you still good if I come in late tomorrow?” Ali asked. “Ryan’s taking me to a few doctor appointments I’ve been putting off.”

  “Of course,” I said. “Anytime, you know that. I still have the gremlins this weekend, right?”

  “Yes.” Ali grinned. “Ryan and I need some sexy sexual time.”

  I giggled. “I think that’s a bit too much information, darling.”

  “In our business?” she scoffed. “There’s no such thing.”

  “You might be right.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay with staying here?” Ali asked. “The kids can come to you.”

  “No, it’s fine. I love your home.”

  “I know, but I want you to be comfortable.”

  I smiled. “It’ll be less upheaval for your kids and Poppy loves staying over, so it’s perfect. As long as I have internet and can get some work done, I don’t mind where I’m at.”

  “This is one of the many reasons I love you,” Ali said, and hugged me again.

  “Ready!” Poppy announced, Gracie on her heels. Grace looked so much like Ali it was like they were cloned. They had the same long, dark hair and tall, lanky build. Her big blue eyes were the only difference. Ali’s were more of a periwinkle, whereas Grace’s were darker.

  “Thanks, love,” I said, and Poppy and I headed home.

  I left Poppy to watch a movie while I soaked in my tub, then after our bedtime ritual of reading a chapter from a favorite book (her choice tonight), I fell asleep dreaming of the scruffy Mr. Hatch.

  * * *

  If you liked the sneak peek of Road to Peace, you can order it HERE:

  Jack Davenport is a true romantic at heart, but he has a rebel’s soul. His writing is passionate, energetic, and often fueled by his true life, fiery romance with author wife, Piper Davenport. A musician by day, his unique perspective into the world of rock stars provides an exciting backdrop for his new romance series.

  He currently lives with his wife and two kids in the top left corner of the United States.

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