“Who is he?” He drops the shoes and follows me back into the closet.
“It doesn’t matter.”
He stops. "Then, why am I here?"
I turn to leave, and he holds me by the shoulders. I can’t meet his eyes.
“Fine…fine.” I exhale.
I follow him back to the room. Blake sits on the edge of the bed, and I sit on the ottoman facing him. I can't tell him all the details because he's still my brother, but I need his advice. He waits with the patience of a monk. I guess I'll start with the part he asked about.
"I have this assignment with the guys to get some bikes made. So, I handle it like usual. I make a few calls, and I get the same name. Then I ask Donovan, and he tells me the same guy." I inhale deeply. "So, I go to his place, and he has a two-year waiting list. Some… huh… negotiations occur, and it ends with him agreeing to bump my clients up if I join him on a trip for a few days."
“So, you slept with the bike guy?”
“Blake?”
“Don’t yell at me. I’m trying to dig through your encrypted story. Sleeping with employees or vendors is never a good idea.”
“Thank you. Now help me decide.”
“It’s easy. What do you want to do more?”
"I guess…I…" I fall back in the chair and stare at the ceiling. "I want both. I want the GM position and to fulfill my assignment with the guys." And I want Cade, my inner voice adds. I sit up. “Not going to Dubai is like handing the seat to Adrian, which is cool…that’s a lie. I want the promotion.”
“You can’t be in two places at once.”
"I know. I can hear Dad now, and I don't want to disappoint the guys."
“So, you only want to go on this trip,” he air quotes trip, “because of Platinum Prestige?”
“No, Cade is…different.”
“Cade is the guy you slept with.”
"Damn, Blake. Yes, I slept with Cade. You act like I'm not grown."
"Well, Brat, it's time you act like it."
Our eyes hold. Just like Blake to give tough love with a sucker punch.
“Stop caring about what people think. You want the man, get the man. You want the promotion, get the promotion. But do you and let the rest handle itself.”
“It’s not that easy.”
"Actually, it is. The moment you stop giving a fuck, life will suddenly take on a lighter feel. You start sleeping better at night. You love who you want. You go where you want." He leans forward. "And unlike most, you don't need either position. You could start your own business today and not miss a step. Brat, you hold all the cards…play them."
Blake stands and pulls me into his arms. I'm going on the Turkey Trot, and I'll handle everything else on Monday.
“What would I do without you?” I mumble.
“Probably give the postman some?”
“I don’t know why I bother. Just get out.” I hold him tighter.
“Not on your life. I might as well help you pack. Better yet, you pack, and I cook.”
I stand back. “You got a deal.”
He kisses my forehead and heads out of the room.
“And don’t burn the bacon or my skillet again.”
Chapter 8
I sat around thinking about Payton until almost eight o'clock when Diesel banged on my door. He was pissed that his key didn't work. But after hours, this place serves as my home, so I told him tough.
It’s a quarter after nine. The truck is loaded, and the bikers are rolling in.
"Ace," I call out, and he makes his way through the crowd. At his day job, Ace is a project manager. His ability to corral more than fifty bikers is nothing short of a miracle. "What's the status?"
"We have a few guys stuck in traffic. But the food and supplies are loaded. Diesel is driving the first leg in the Suburban, and three others volunteered if needed.
“How many heads do we have?”
Ace checks his phone. “Forty-six Ryders. Seventeen prospects. Ninety-five heads total.”
“Damn…we’re getting bigger every year.” Diesel says with a smile on his face.
I nod in agreement. We started Steel Ryders with three members. The years have been good to us, our leadership is solid, and the impact we're having in the community is expanding.
"Chatter, I need you at the bullhorn in fifteen, and Ace start the lineup. I want the men with women in the middle and the prospects toward the back. Have Bear and GI pulling up the rear."
“Got it.” Ace turns to leave.
“Oh, and have Chap ready to pray us out."
Ace chunks up a peace sign with his fingers and weaves back through the crowd.
"All right, Stone, I'm about to run through my final checklist. I'll be back." Diesel smacks my back and disappears with Chatter.
I scan the crowd thinking about the grandness of this undertaking. The men in vests with their ladies bring a smile to my face. Our first leg will take us east of Austin where we’ll set up a small base, then we’ll branch out from there.
The roar of engines capture my attention, and I turn towards the noise. My clock shows we have another seven minutes before things jump off. Then I see a car crawling through the sea of people.
It stops, and Payton exits the passenger side. My heart drums against my ribs as I force my feet to walk and not run. She pushes her shades back and surveys the crowd until her eyes land on me.
“What is all of this?”
I gather her in my arms, my mouth covers her hungrily. “You didn’t call.”
“I had to rearrange some things. Thankfully my brother agreed to drive me over.”
I duck my head into the car, and I’m surprised when I recognize the face.
"Blake." We shake hands. "It's been a while," I respond, trying to piece together this picture.
“It has.”
Payton is Blake’s sister, which means she’s Brice Stephens’ daughter. Fuck me.
“You know each other?” I glance up at Payton and nod.
“Take care of my sister.”
“With my life.” I pat the side of the door and stand.
Payton climbs back in to give Blake a hug. I feel a trail of sweat running down my brow, and I stop it. What are the chances that I met Brice Stephens' daughter? I shake my head.
“Stone?” I turn to see Ace and Chatter waiting for me.
“Payton, where’s your bag?”
"Bag?" Blake laughs, and his truck pops open.
I walk to the back, and it's full of luggage. I shake my head and glance around to find Payton. "You can only take one."
“One bag?”
Blake is still laughing. This isn’t funny. We have limited space.
"You have five minutes to dwindle it down because we're about to ride out." I turn to Ginger. "Give her a hand." I turn to leave when I notice her outfit. "Goldie, you can't wear heels…or jewelry."
"How was I supposed to know?" Her eyes spitfire.
“That’s what the phone call was for.” I smack a quick kiss on her lips and walk over to Chatter. “Let’s go.”
We weave through the crowd until we’re back at the SUV that’s carrying all of the luggage, the emergency gear, and other supplies we need for the trip. I climb on top of the hood.
Chatter, our sergeant at arms, hold the horn to his mouth. "Whoooooooooooo…." The voices rise until a harmony rings from every man and woman. "Yeah."
The crowd falls silent. I thank them with a nod.
“The president of Steel Ryders, Stone.”
The crowd bursts in applause. I wait for it to die down.
"Tell Chap he has five." Chatter walks back into the crowd while I survey the people in front of me. "Welcome to our tenth annual Steel Ryders Turkey Trot."
The crowd claps and who-yeahs ring through the air.
“Many of you know my story, and some of you don’t. I was raised wondering where my next meal would come from and where I'd lay my head at night. I turned to drugs and crime. Thankfully, a little time
in juvie set me straight." I chuckle, and so do several members. "But my life changed when I met Diesel, Ace, Hawk, and a few others, and we started Steel Ryders."
I clap with them, and over the sea of people, I see Payton.
“Each family represented here is employed. You have a place to sleep. You have food in your stomachs. So, instead of watching football and ODing on turkey, let’s show our gratitude through service. Chap.”
I jump down and pass the horn to Chap. Then I make my way back to Payton. I stop beside her.
“Bow your heads and grab a hand.”
I take Payton’s hand. She raises on her tip-toes and kisses me before following Chap’s request.
I close my eyes tight and let the words of the prayer wash over me. I have so much to be grateful for friends, my club, and now the woman next to me.
"Amen." Rings out, and I walk back to the front pulling Payton along with me.
"All right. Ace is about to line us up. Safety first. The weather is cooperating, but if we need to stop, Ace has locations designated. Pay attention to the men around you and ensure your brother's safety. But most importantly, have fun."
We clap, and people start mounting their bikes.
I met up with Ace and Diesel. Ginger—my assistant and Ace’s wife—takes Payton to help her get prepared for the ride ahead. I review the final logistics with Ace and walk over to my bike. Payton is waiting with a helmet tucked beneath her arm.
"Ready?" I smile at her, and her flush deepens to crimson. "What is it?"
"I've never ridden on a bike before," she whispers. "I don't know if I can do this."
“Sure, you can.” I slip on my gloves. “You’ll love it. Let me get you ready.”
I reach for her ponytail, and her eyes widen. "Never touch a Black girl's hair without permission." She snaps.
“My bad. May I?”
She nods. I remove her ponytail holder. Her waves fall and bounce around until the settle over her shoulders.
“We’ll make stops along the way. The first few miles are on country roads to get everyone acclimated. But you have to trust me.” I lower the helmet over her head.
"I don't know you well enough to fully trust you." Her eyes show her fear, and I wish I could kiss it away.
“You trusted me with your body once, I’m asking for you to do it again.” I run my finger down the bridge of her nose. “Can you do that?”
"Yes, I can." I see her eyes twinkle, and I know she's smiling.
“What are you smiling about?”
“Can I call you Stone?”
I shake my head and laugh, lowering her visor. This will be a great trip. I straddle my bike and reach for my lady's hand. Her hand grips mine. "Put your foot there."
She climbs up behind me. We take a few minutes to test the helmets, and the moment her thighs lock around my hips, it's time to roll out.
"Lean in baby." She nods, and I feel her breasts against my back. "Thatta girl. Ready.”
"Yes, I'm trusting, Cade." I hear the crack in her voice. But something tells me the wonder in her eyes will emerge the moment we hit the open road.
“And I’m saving a special kiss for you later tonight.”
“That sounds like I got a shot at redeeming myself.” Her helmet covered head rests on my back as the sound of her laughter fills my ears.
This is the beginning of something new, something good.
I rev my bike holding the throttle. I release it and do it again to signal the others. I chunk up our roll out signal and pull out of the parking lot with sixty-three Harleys, a Suburban, and a twenty-six-foot truck behind me. But my thoughts center on one person.
Payton Stephens.
Cade drives into the parking lot of a motel. He extends a hand over his shoulder, and I climb off with ease. We hit a patch of rain and stopped to eat while we waited for it to pass. So now I'm ready for a shower and a bed.
He pops the bike on the kickstand and removes his helmet. He rolls his neck then hangs his helmet on the handlebars.
“Come here, Babe.”
I walk over, and he pulls off the helmet. "I'm sure I look like a wet puppy. That thing is hot." I take a deep breath. I used his mirror and groan.
“You’re not alone.” He grabs a hair tie and wraps his hair in a bun. “I need to make my rounds. Want to stay or walk with me?”
“I’ll stay. I have sea legs.”
He laughs and smacks a kiss on my lips.
Cade walks off, and I sit against the bike and watch him stroll away. I pull out my phone and send a text to the guys. I rode on a motorcycle to Brenham.
I laugh at their crazy GIFs. Then I text my family. Dad wasn’t happy about me canceling on them. Blake promised to smooth things over. It’s best to think about that once I return home.
People are moving around with purpose. I’m clueless as to what I should do next. I see a set of stairs and walk over. I dust off them off and sit then stand to see if it leaves residue on my jeans. I wipe my hands across my butt, and it fades with ease. So, I sit and wait.
One hour turns to two. Two hours turns to three. The battery on my phone is dead. I turn off the power and switching from scanning social media to people watching. I spot Diesel over the crowd. He’s obviously searching for someone, then he smiles when he spots me.
“Hey, Goldie.”
I smile to myself and extend my hand. “It’s Payton.”
“I’m sorry. Nicknames are common in these parts. We’re still working over at the church setting up. Stone wants me to escort you over.”
“It is possible to shower and change first.”
He scratches his head and turns around. His head swings from side to side. “There’s Ace. Let me see what I can do.”
“Thanks, and my bags.”
“Sure…I’ll grab them too." He says in a grave tone.
“Thank you,” I add sweetly to counter the edge I detect in his voice.
"Right." He turns on his heels, and I lose him in the crowd.
The time passes, and I find myself pacing at the foot of the stairs. I haven't seen Cade since we arrived. I know most of the people around are with his group since they have on vests, but I could have stayed home. I pull out my phone to call Cade and remember my battery is dead.
“Ugh.” I drop it in my back pocket.
“Payton,” I turn to the voice and see Ginger. She holds up a key. “For you.”
“Thank you.” I see the number on the red tag attached to the ring.
“We’ve set up for dinner at the church. Why don’t you head over?” Her smile is welcoming.
"Thank you, but I'm exhausted. Can I take a rain check?"
"Uh…sure," her tone is chilly, but I'm over today.
I see my Louis luggage heading in my direction. I jump up and met Ace. I throw my laptop bag over my shoulder and turn to find my room. The thought of a shower pulls me towards the stairs.
"Goldie," I turn back, and Ace is waiting. "We're about to sit and have dinner in about ten minutes. We'd love to see you around the table."
My eyes dart to his wife, and Ginger rolls her eyes. My neck snaps to her husband. "Payton. And thank you, but I'm exhausted and ready to crawl into bed."
“You sure?” Ace asks.
"Yes. Goodnight, and thanks."
They exchange a look as I walk away. The area magically clears, and I'm the only one hanging around. I try to roll my bag across the rocky surface, but after getting rocks jammed in the wheels, I lift it dragging it up the stairs. I drop it with a thud.
“Man, that’s heavy.” I pull out the handle and roll it to the room. “Finally.”
I open the door and sit my bags against the wall. I walk through the room. It's small, but I just need hot water. I set up my laptop and test the WiFi connection. It works. Now to take a shower but first, let me order some food.
I use our services to place an order at a local Mexican restaurant. The estimated delivery times leave me enough time to shower and check some emails.
I head to the bathroom, all is not lost.
Chapter 9
Where is she?
I sit at the head of the table. I glance over at her empty seat. It took four hours to set up for tomorrow. But the church members prepared a feast for us. The laughter and excitement for tomorrow circles around me, and I can't look past her absence. I called her, but it went straight to voicemail.
I turn back to the pastor as we finalize the plans for tomorrow when I see Ace and Ginger enter the community center. I quickly thank the pastor for letting us use his facility and flag Ace.
“Is everything all right?” I ask.
“Yes.” He pulls out a chair for his wife and sits in the empty chair beside me. “We filled the entire motel. I had to double up the prospects, but we worked it out.”
"And, Goldie?" Ace pauses and sweeps a glance to Ginger, who avoids my waiting eyes. "What happened, Ginger?"
“I gave her the key to your room.” She says.
“And? Where is she?”
“She was exhausted and said she’d see us in the morning.”
I give a tight nod. “And you told her that we’re all eating.”
“Yep.” They say in unison.
“Uh-huh.” I look down at the plate of food in front of me. Suddenly I’m not hungry.
“Hey, Stone, she just needs to get adjusted.” Ace adds.
I take a drink of the sweet tea wishing it was whiskey.
Diesel stops by the table. “I’m about to roll into town.”
“All right.” I push the food around on the plate.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m cool. Don’t stay out too late.” I glance over his shoulder and see two women waiting for him.
“Yeah, right.” We laugh. “You want to roll with me. The bar is a couple miles in town.”
“No, I need to head over and check on Goldie.” I toss my napkin on my plate and stand to leave.
Diesel’s dry chuckle captures my attention. “I need one of y’all to stop beating around the bush and tell me what the hell is going on.”
“Like I said, you can join us. I’m sure Payton is fine. I’ll see y’all in the morning.”
“What am I missing?” I look down at Ginger.
Select Love: A BWWM Romance (Blazin' Love Book 8) Page 5
