by L. Wilder
Bishop had seen Sunny go out the back door, and he’d also seen why. He looked over at Gavin as he thought about his next move. He thought about all those years living next door to Sunny, seeing her grow into the woman she had become. He’d seen her go on her first date, to her first prom, and get her first car. He was there for the best times in her life, and he was there at her worst. There was no doubt in his mind that Gavin cared for Sunny, and when he saw the concern in Gavin’s eyes, he knew in his gut that it was time to hand over the reins. He gave him a slight nod, letting Gavin know he had his consent to go after Sunny.
With that, Gavin stepped out into the cold night air and called out to her. “Sunny?” When he didn’t get an answer, he called out her name again, only louder. “Sunny!”
As he started for the back of the building, he heard, “Gavin?” He quickly turned and relief washed over him when he saw that she was okay. A puzzled look crossed her face as she saw him standing there. “What are you doing out here? You should be inside celebrating with the guys.”
He walked over to her and said, “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
“You want to be outside in the freezing cold?”
“No… I want to be out here with you.”
Sunny hadn’t expected to hear that from him. Why would he want to be out here with her when Stacey obviously planned to show him a good time? There had to be a reason, so she furrowed her eyebrows and asked, “Why?”
He brought his hands up to her face, resting his palms along her jaw as he tilted her head up towards his. “There’s no one I’d rather be with than you. No one.”
Her heart started to race as he lowered his head and placed his mouth against hers, kissing her ever so softly. With just one touch of his lips, her entire body turned to putty. All her past fears began to slowly fade. She wanted to feel his touch—to kiss and be kissed. He pulled her closer as he deepened the kiss, sending her on a high like she’d never felt before. She relished the warmth of his body next to hers, and she wanted more. The alluring scent of his cologne and the tingling sensation that rushed through her body made her hungry for his touch. Just as the kiss became heated, Gavin took a step back. All his doubts quickly diminished when he looked down at her and saw the lustful look in her eye. Still, he needed to hear it from her.
“Wanna tell me what you’re doing out here all alone?”
Her eyes dropped to the ground while she considered her answer. He had been right. She’d been totally wrong about him. The kiss and everything he’d said proved that, but now she wasn’t sure how to respond. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, she answered, “I just needed to get some air, but I’m good now.”
He placed his hands on her hips, pulling her closer to him. “It didn’t have anything to do with Stacey?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Gotta give me more than that, Sunny. Why did Stacey get to you?”
“Because she was throwing herself at you.”
“And?” he pushed.
“And… I didn’t like it. I know it’s crazy… It doesn’t make any sense at all. It’s not like I had any reason to feel that way. I mean, we weren’t even really talking … but in my mind, I’d kinda claimed you as mine, and I didn’t like her…”
Her words spurred something deep inside of Gavin, making him lose all sense of restraint. He dropped his mouth to hers, silencing her words with another kiss, but this kiss was different from their first. It was intense and full of need, sending the heat of desire rushing through them both. Gavin’s tongue brushed against hers as his hands roamed over her body. With just one kiss, he ignited a fire inside of her that she’d never be able to put out. Sunny’s nails raked across his back as she pressed her center against his growing bulge. Fearing that he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself much longer, Gavin pulled back, releasing Sunny from their embrace. When he looked down at her and saw her flushed cheeks and full lips, he knew. She was everything he wanted and more.
His eyes were locked on hers, making her body tremble under the heat of his stare as he ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “Fucking incredible.”
Being so close to him made her mind spiral out of control. She couldn’t stop thinking of all those little moments that she’d misinterpreted. She’d been wrong about so many things, and now that she was in Gavin’s arms, she saw what she’d been missing. When he felt her shiver, he asked, “Are you cold? Do we need to go back inside?”
“Not just yet. Can we stay out here for just a minute longer?”
“Yeah, we can do that.” He took her hand and led her over to the fire pit. She waited patiently as he threw several logs in and started a fire. Once he was done, he walked back over to her and asked, “How’s the kitten?”
“She’s good. It’s nice having her around.” She thought back to what Katelyn had said earlier, and she was curious to see if she was right. “Where did you get her?”
“At the shelter downtown.”
“Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“I wanted to do it for you. Thought you might like some company when you were studying. I didn’t want to complicate things by making a big deal of it.”
She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his, and stared into the fire. “I can’t believe how wrong I was about everything. I thought you hated me, and that you were just doing all those things because you had to.”
“Why would I ever hate you, Sunny?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because I almost got myself killed by getting involved with a psychopath and basically screwing up my life.”
Shocked by her statement, Gavin turned to face her. “I don’t see it that way at all. I think you’re amazing. You survived. You fought to get your life back and won. Each day you’re getting stronger, and soon, nothing will stop you. Not many people would be able to do that.”
“I’ve been lucky, and I haven’t done it all alone. I’ve needed a lot of help.”
“You were lucky… extremely lucky. And you were smart to take the help. We all have a past, Sunny. God knows I have mine. I’ve made my share of bad choices, and as much as I would like to forget them, I can’t. I’m reminded of them every time JW walks through the door.”
“I know it has to be hard, but in the end, you did what was right for your son. JW is happy. Everyone can see that.”
“He is, and I have to keep reminding myself of that. I hope one day he’ll understand.”
“I have no doubt that he will. You loved him enough to let him go. That says it all.”
He lifted her hand up to his mouth and gently kissed the back of it. “You’re really something, Sunny. Beautiful, smart, and someday very soon, you will be mine.”
Before Sunny had a chance to respond, Katelyn stuck her head out the back door and yelled, “Hey, woman! I’ve been looking for you!”
Katelyn stepped out of the door with Conner and Levi following right behind her. Sunny could tell by her friend’s lopsided smile and staggering step that she was obviously having a good time with her new friends. When she finally made her way over to Sunny, she took hold of her arm and pulled her closer as she whispered, “What’s going on with hottie hot?”
“Nothing. What’s going on with you and the guys? Looks like you’re having a good time.”
“I’m having a very good time. I mean… look at them. They are totally fine with all those muscles and pretty eyes. And oh my god, have you seen their asses in those jeans? They are so damn hot. I could do something really wild and stupid with those two. Like the legendary kind of wild and stupid.”
“Katelyn,” Sunny warned. “You’re still getting over things with Justin. Don’t do something you’re going to regret later.”
Her friend pointed over to the handsome brothers standing by the fire and said, “How could I regret a night with them? Besides, it’s just a fling. One wild and crazy night to forget that asshole. I have no doubt those two can make me forget just about anything.”
“And what happens when y
ou fall for one of them? Or worse, both?”
“It’s a one-night stand. I’m not falling for anyone, sweet cheeks. I’ve got this,” Katelyn assured her as she walked over to the guys with one of her sexy smirks. Minutes later, Sunny watched as Conner and Levi led Katelyn into the clubhouse. She was tempted to call out to her, but she knew it wouldn’t help; Katelyn had already made up her mind, and there was no point in trying to change it.
Sunny looked over at Gavin and said, “She is so gonna regret that in the morning.”
“Probably.” He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her body tremble against his chest. “It’s freezing out here. It’s time to get you inside, lucky girl.”
She smiled when she heard his new nickname for her. While she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to consider herself lucky, she liked the fact that he did. Just knowing he felt that way gave her a sense of hope. When she thought back to everything that had happened to her, she started to think that maybe everything really did happen for a reason, playing out exactly the way they were supposed to. If she hadn’t come to the clubhouse after the attack, she wouldn’t have been there with him now, so maybe, just maybe, she was luckier than she’d thought.
She stood nestled against his chest for just a few moments longer and then said, “Okay. I’m ready.”
He took her hand and she followed him into the bar. Gavin spotted Bishop watching them as they started walking over to the pool tables. Bishop didn’t have to say the words; Gavin knew from the look on his face that he was pleased, and that’s all he needed to know. Gavin pulled out a chair, and Sunny was just about to sit down when she turned to him and said, “Crap. I forgot my phone in my car. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll get it.”
“No. That’s okay. You don’t have to do that. I’ve got it. Besides, your brother will want to see you before they have to leave. I’ll be two minutes.”
“I’ll get it. Just stay put. I’ll be right back.” He kissed her on her temple, and as he started for the door, Maverick called out his name. He peered over towards the bar and noticed his brother motioning him over. He looked back at Sunny and said, “Don’t move.”
She watched as he continued over to the bar, and once he started talking to his brother, she looked to the back door. Thinking that they hadn’t seen anyone when they’d been outside earlier, she thought she’d be fine to go out and get her phone herself. She was feeling strong, more confident, and knew she needed to be able to do these kinds of things on her own. She’d be back before he’d even know she was gone, so she headed outside.
She glanced around the dark parking lot and felt certain that there was no one there. Unfortunately, she was wrong.
She opened her car door and quickly leaned inside to get her phone. Just as she stuck it in her back pocket, she heard a deep, angry voice say, “I never understood why he was so fascinated by you. I never could figure out why he couldn’t just let you go.”
Sunny quickly turned and was horrified to see Drew’s father standing there hidden in the darkness. In that moment, everything around her fell away. She didn’t hear the hum of cars passing by or the music blaring from inside the bar. She couldn’t feel the cold nipping at her nose or the hair prickling on her arms. Everything was on hold, like she was frozen in time. Adrenaline rushed through her veins like an ignited fuse. She couldn’t move a muscle, not even to scream. She desperately wanted to cry out for help, but the words wouldn’t come. Panic had stolen her voice, but she finally managed to ask, “What are you doing here, Mr. Cartwright?”
As he stepped closer, the security light flickered on, and Sunny’s terror immediately started to subside. Drew’s father had aged ten years since the night his son had gone missing over a year ago. His eyes were tired and defeated, and in her heart, she knew he wasn’t there to hurt her. But that didn’t keep her heart from racing against her chest when he said, “I need to know. Please just tell me where he is. I can’t keep living like this.”
“I don’t know, Mr. Cartwright. I still don’t remember everything that happened that night. All I know for certain is, I haven’t seen Drew since the night at Hidden Creek.”
“He’s a good boy. He just lost his way because you led him on and made him think you cared about him. You broke his heart.”
“And he broke my jaw when he slammed his beer bottle into my face and not to mention my wrist. He almost killed me. So, I’m sorry, but I honestly hope he never comes back here.”
“He would’ve never done all those things you said. Never! It’s all lies and you know it.”
“Mr. Cartwright, you’re wrong. Drew did do all those things to me and more. I don’t know what it was, but there was something wrong with him. I didn’t want to believe it either, but it’s true.”
His voice trembled like he was on the verge of tears as he said, “Just tell me where he is… I need to know. I’ll never have peace until I know if my boy is alive or dead.”
“I’ve told you… I have no idea where he is.”
He advanced towards her and placed his hands just below her shoulders, digging his fingers into her arms. “You’re lying!”
She placed the palms of her hands on his chest, pushing him back as she shouted, “Don’t do this. Just let me go!”
“Not until you tell me where he is! Just tell me! Where is my son?”
Oddly enough, Sunny still wasn’t afraid. Mr. Cartwright wasn’t like Drew. He wasn’t a mean, vile man. He wasn’t standing before her in a fit of rage. He was just a father in desperate need of finding his son. The look in his eyes reminded her of her mother. She had the same look the night Sunny was admitted into the hospital—a broken, helpless look that wouldn’t go away until she knew her child was okay. Sunny wanted to help him, to tell him where Drew had gone, but she didn’t have the answers he needed and she feared she never would.
Once he’d made it over to the bar, Maverick looked over at his brother and said, “We’re heading out. We need to get back and check on Thomas.”
“I’ll come by to see Thomas in the morning before you go.” Gavin gave his brother a tight hug as he said, “Thanks for coming. Meant a lot.”
“Proud of you, Gavin. You did good.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder and said, “We’ll see you in the morning.”
As they walked out the door, Gavin looked over at the empty table where Sunny had been sitting, and a sick feeling twisted in his gut when he realized she’d gone outside alone. It’d only been a few minutes, but in his heart, he knew something wasn’t right. He started through the crowd, ignoring the calls of his brothers as he charged towards the back door.
His mind was too consumed with worry to answer, so he just kept going. When he finally made it to the parking lot, his fears came to life when he heard Sunny yelp, “Let me go!”
When he turned the corner, he found a man with his hands on his girl. He didn’t wait to ask questions. Instead, he grabbed the back of the man’s jacket and slung him against the car. He reared back his fist and slammed into the man’s face, making him fall back onto the hood of Sunny’s car. Just as he was about to hit him again, Sunny reached for his arm and pleaded, “Stop.”
Gavin froze. She stepped in front of Mr. Cartwright and told him, “You need to go, Mr. Cartwright. We don’t know anything about your son.”
With his hand pressed against his face, he pulled himself up off the car. It took him a moment to get his footing, but eventually he started staggering back towards the gate. He hadn’t gotten very far when Bishop and Goliath appeared. Bishop turned to Gavin and asked, “What happened?”
“Cartwright.” Tension rolled off Gavin as he glared at the gate and growled, “How the fuck did he get in here?”
“Fucking prospect let him in,” Bishop growled. “Rookie mistake. Cartwright told him he was here to pick up his truck. He said a bunch of bullshit about traffic in Kentucky holding him up, making him late. Our guy told him to wait by the gate until I got there.” Concern flooded his face as he wa
lked over to Sunny. “You okay? Did he hurt you?”
“No. I’m fine.” Sunny was pleased with herself. Even with being out in the dark with a man who threatened her, she’d managed to keep it together. She could see the doubt in Bishop’s eyes, so she said, “Really. I’m okay.”
“Get her back inside,” Bishop demanded. He motioned for Goliath and they both started towards the gate. “We need to make this short. He gets nothing from us.”
Goliath nodded as they continued to pursue Drew’s father out onto the side road. When they turned the corner, they saw that he was about to get into his car. Before he had a chance to leave, Bishop yelled, “Cartwright!”
Cartwright wasn’t sure if he should just get in his car and leave, or face them now. Either way, he’d screwed up when he put his hands on Sunny. There was no way they were just going to let it go. He’d heard the stories about the men that belonged to the Devil Chaser’s MC and what they were like, and he didn’t trust any of them. He knew these men were protecting Sunny, but he’d yet to find out what they were hiding. He turned to face the president of the club and grimaced when he saw his leather jacket and tattoos. Bishop was a bigger man than he’d remembered and couldn’t help but feel intimidated by his presence.
“I shouldn’t have come here. I know that now.”
Bishop continued in his direction, fighting the urge to end him on the spot. “No. You shouldn’t have, and you sure as hell should’ve kept your distance from Sunny.”
“You don’t know what it’s like. He was my only son, and now, he’s gone. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do here.”
“You’ve gotta pull yourself together. Your son made his own choices and never gave a damn about the consequences. It’s all on him.”
“What do you mean it’s all on him?” Cartwright bellowed.
“It’s time for you to go home, Paul. Put this thing to rest.”
It wasn’t that easy for Mr. Cartwright. He was a man desperate to find his son. One way or another, he was determined to find his son and prove his innocence. His heart told him there was no way his son could’ve hurt Sunny the way she’d said he had. It was all lies, and he was determined to make it right.
