Chapter Twelve
Hailey watched Goldie ride away before she closed and locked the door. Sadness enveloped her as she trudged upstairs to her bedroom. Every ounce of strength she possessed fought hard to keep her from inviting Goldie in and letting him have his way with her. From the first time she’d seen him at the tattoo shop, she was smitten. There was no denying the electrifying sizzle between them, and she knew he experienced it too. And when she found out he was Garth, she took it as a sign.
But you ran away scared. Pushed him away. And it wasn’t because of Ryan. The truth was she was scared out of her mind. When Goldie wasn’t around, she thought about him a lot—and her panties dampened, her nipples ached, and her sex throbbed like hell. It was unbelievable. And when she was with him, her whole body was in a frenzy.
She slipped into the cool sheets and turned off the lamp. Lying on her back, she looked up at the custom ceiling with ornate floral patterns and tried to imagine what it would feel like to have a fling with Goldie. It would be awesome and devastating. Since she was a young girl, she’d had a crush on the blond, blue-eyed Garth, and if they came together now, she knew she’d flip completely for him. Look how worked up I get just being with him. Imagine having sex with him. No, it would be a disaster because he was nothing but a womanizer. For him, it would be just a wild night of sex while for her it would mean everything.
No, it would never work. She didn’t actively seek getting a broken heart. And he would break her heart terribly; she was sure of that.
Closing her eyes, she hoped sleep would stop the twirling of her thoughts.
* * *
Rory picked up her piña colada margarita—it was the summer special at Alfonso’s—and ran her tongue over the rim. “This is the best margarita I’ve ever had. Good choice for dinner, Hay.”
“I know we all like Mexican food, and the first time I came here I almost died the food and drinks were so good.” Hailey took a sip of her pineapple margarita.
“I can’t believe you’re just having your usual white wine when there are so many yummy drinks on the menu,” Rory said to Claudia.
“A glass of stellar chardonnay suits me just fine.”
The waiter came over with three steaming dishes. “Will there be anything else?” he asked.
“I ordered corn tortillas,” Claudia said.
“I’ll be right back with them.” The server rushed away.
“Are you going to be able to eat all of those?” Rory said, pointing to the pile of clams on Claudia’s plate.
Picking up the salt shaker and a lemon wedge, she nodded. “You bet. I love this dish so much.”
Hailey laughed and picked up her fork, digging into her chile relleno con camarones—a large poblano pepper lightly fried and stuffed with cheese and shrimp. Popping a piece in her mouth, she leaned back and savored the burst of fresh flavors from the cilantro and peppers. “This is so damn good. I’m officially hooked.”
“Mine’s to die for too. How’s your chicken enchilada?” she asked Rory.
“Good, but I’d be just as happy to drink my dinner and forgo the eating. I’ve got to have another one of these margaritas.”
As the women ate their food, drank, and talked, a loud rumble traveled through the restaurant. “Is that thunder?” Claudia said.
Craning her neck, Rory looked up. “It can’t be. There isn’t a cloud in the sky.”
“You’re right, and it’s clear over the mountains too. I wonder what it is.”
Before Hailey could voice a guess, eight motorcycles roared by the eatery. Several diners covered their ears and many more directed their attention to the street, clearly annoyed. A shiver climbed up Hailey’s spine as her stomach fluttered. I’m turned on over a motorcycle? How stupid is that? The truth was her body was reacting to the possibility of seeing Goldie again. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours since she’d seen him and she already missed him. Earlier that day, she’d hoped he would’ve called her, but she wasn’t all that surprised he didn’t because the bad boys always wanted the women to chase them.
“Did you see all those motorcycles? I bet the guys are in the Night Rebels,” Rory said as she gestured to the waiter for another round of drinks.
“Probably. I’ve seen some of them and they’re damn good-looking. Real buffed and firm.” Claudia giggled.
Rory’s eyes widened. “Oh shit. They’re coming in here.”
Hailey’s stomach turned over, and she slowly looked over her shoulder. Amid all the people, her gaze found his penetrating one—the one that was striking yet soft and made her insides dance. Goldie turned to a guy next to him and said something, then approached her, his shimmering gaze fixed on her. Mesmerized by his powerful legs encased in blue denim and his toned arms in a sleeveless T-shirt, she gawked at him as he came closer. The way his biceps bulged as he walked made her clench her legs together. A long silver earring dangled in his left ear, picking up the sun’s rays, gleaming against his tanned skin. She’d never seen him wear an earring and she found it incredibly sexy, even more so than the colorful ink that moved with him across the room. Every muscle in his body rippled, and her body ached for his touch. His raw maleness didn’t go unnoticed by several of the female patrons, who ogled him as he passed their tables.
“Hey, isn’t that the guy who gave you the tattoo on your butt?” Claudia said, breaking the spell. Hailey turned around and nodded. “He’s coming over here. He must’ve remembered us.”
“Great. Why can’t a good-looking guy in something other than denim and leather come over here?” Rory hiccupped loudly.
“Hey, Hailey.” His baritone voice landed right between her legs.
“Hi,” she mumbled before reaching for her drink.
“You’re the tattoo guy,” Claudia said.
He nodded. “How’re you ladies doing?”
“Just great!” Rory replied. “These margaritas are damn good. Are you a Night Rebel? You got the bike, the body, and the leather vest. If you’re not, you’re impersonating them and they’re going to kick your ass.” A peal of laughter burst from her mouth.
“She’s liking the margaritas a little too much,” Hailey said softly.
“That’s cool. And I am a member of the Night Rebels.” He pulled a chair over and sat down next to her. Claudia and Rory lowered their heads. “I guess that was a conversation killer.” Grasping her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. “It looks like you survived your day.”
All of a sudden, Hailey’s mouth went as dry as the summer heat and all she could do was nod.
“Did you get the contract for the couple’s wedding? The ones from Tula.”
Wow… he was actually listening to me last night. A huge plus. “Yeah, I did. How was your day?”
“Busy.”
“Goldie! What the fuck do you wanna eat? This sweet babe wants to take our order,” a man with long red hair yelled out.
“Is that your friend?” Hailey asked as she turned to look at the table of bikers.
“Yeah. That’s Sangre. I better get over there.” He rose to his feet, then reached out and stroked her cheek as he locked his gaze on hers. For several heartbeats, he stood transfixed, and she thought he was going to kiss her. Her body tingled and pulsed in anticipation of it, but a half smile curled on his face and he sauntered away.
“Oh my God. What the fuck was that about?” Claudia said.
Rory grimaced. “Don’t tell us you’ve got a thing for the biker tattoo guy. Not when you had a chance with Brent.”
Hailey took a big gulp of water. “The tattoo guy is Goldie, who used to be Garth. I found that out when I bumped into him in Mrs. Humphries’s room at the rehab center. She’s at Cherry Vale just like my aunt. Isn’t it a small world?” She smiled weakly.
Claudia looked over at the biker table. “Holy fuck. That gorgeous guy used to be Garth Saner?”
“And you still have a crush on him, don’t you, Hay?” Rory held up her hand before Hailey could answer. “Don’t say it. I know you do. I could tell by the way you were looking at him. And he’s into you too. Don’t let this happen, Hay. Brent really likes you, and he’s a nice guy. A sure bet. Garth will be a disaster.”
Grinding her teeth, Hailey raised her chin. “For who? Anyway, we’re not dating, but if we were, it would be my decision. And since you’re so hot for Brent, why don’t you go out with him?”
“Because he likes you. I wish he liked me that way. Anyway, it’s just a matter of time before you start up something with Garth. Remember, he’s a player. Ryan’s best friends with him, and he told you that. He was such a jerk in high school too. He went out with all the easy girls. Do you really want a guy who’s been with most of Alina?”
“Fuck, Rory. Lighten up. If Hay wants to screw Garth-turned-biker-turned-Goldie’s nuts off, it’s her business. I’m still reeling about what a hunk he is. And you had a crush on him too back in high school.” Claudia brought her wineglass to her lips.
“You did?” Hailey said to Rory.
“I don’t want to talk about him anymore. Let’s just forget about him being here, have some more drinks, and let me tell you about the vacation I have planned for me and Troy next month.”
While Rory went over every detail of her travel itinerary, Hailey was acutely aware of Goldie’s presence in the room. She felt his eyes on her, and the connection they had pulled hard at her. Pretending to look for their waiter, she turned around, catching his piercing gaze that held a mixture of emotions: lust, irritation, tenderness, and impatience.
“Are you listening, Hay?” Rory’s thin voice broke through her heated haze.
“Uh… yeah. I’m trying to find our waiter. I could use another drink.” She glanced back in Goldie’s direction, and even though he was talking to the guys at his table, the pull was still there. Lingering on his rugged face, she chided her foolishness, but just when she was about to focus back on Rory’s travelogue, his heated look grounded her. Oh, Garth. I still have a massive crush on you. But this time around she was a woman and he was a man, and her body ached for him in the worst way.
After sharing dessert, Rory placed her elbow on the table, rested her chin on her hand, and drooped her head. “I’m so sleepy,” she mumbled.
“Then we better go. It looks like she’ll be crashing with me,” Claudia said as she stood.
“Do you need me to follow you home to help you with her?” Hailey picked up her purse.
“She’s not that smashed. I’ve seen her worse. I’ll be good.” Claudia helped Rory up from the chair.
“I’ll at least help you get her to the car.” Hailey came over and placed her hand around Rory’s arm.
“You guys, I’m good. Quit making a fuss over me,” Rory said as she swayed.
On the way out, Hailey glanced over at the biker table, disappointment twisting inside her when she saw it empty. He didn’t even come over and say goodbye. It doesn’t matter. I don’t give a shit. But she really did. She wanted to keep in contact with Goldie, yet she was afraid of her feelings for him. She was afraid he’d treat her like just another one of his women. I’m so damn mixed up. I never should’ve gone to the tattoo parlor. She pressed her lips together. I should’ve stayed in Albuquerque.
After strapping the seat belt over Rory and waving goodbye to Claudia, Hailey went to her car, pressing the remote to unlock the doors. Before she could open her door, she heard the crunch of footsteps behind her. Darting her eyes around, she realized she was the only one in the parking lot. Hurriedly, she pulled open her door, only to have a hand slam it shut. She screamed out, trying to turn around, but someone pinned her against her car.
“There’s money in my purse. Take it,” she said hoarsely.
“That’s not what I want,” a deep voice replied.
Goldie! Pushing backward, she shoved him away, then spun around. “You scared the shit out of me!”
He chuckled and drew her close to him. “I didn’t mean to. I thought you saw me by my bike.”
“I didn’t. I thought you left. What do you want?” The pounding in her ears began to dissipate.
Without saying a word, he grasped her shoulders and yanked her to him. She couldn’t help but notice his strength, the way his biceps bulged as he held her, and the bulk of his shoulders. Before she could say anything, he slammed his mouth on hers and kissed her with such passion her knees buckled. Holding her up, he cupped her ass cheeks while he continued to devour her mouth. His tongue invaded her mouth, flicking across her teeth, entwining with hers, and she looped her hands around his corded neck. She’d never been kissed like that; it was wild, consuming, and addictive all at once, making her senses come to life.
“Oh, Hailey,” he murmured on her lips.
Hearing him say her name between kisses sent chills from her pulsing lips into the opening between her legs. She never wanted him to stop kissing her. Moaning, she ran her fingers through his hair, her nipples hardening as his hard dick rubbed against her. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to have him inside her; it didn’t matter that they were in a public place. His scent of soap and leather filled her senses, and her arousal screamed for his touch. Pressing closer, she ground against him, loving the low growls he emitted.
“What’re they doing, Dad?” a small voice rang out in the parking lot.
“Nothing. Come over here, Scotty,” a man’s voice replied.
“I can’t believe this,” a woman’s shrill voice added.
The voices pierced the sexual veil engulfing her and she pushed Goldie back, immediately missing the warmth of his body. She glanced sideways at the couple and their child, noticing other diners walking to their vehicles.
“We need to go somewhere and get this thing we have going between us out of our system,” Goldie said as he traced her jawline with his finger.
His words were like a bucket of cold water thrown at her. “What does that mean?” Her voice dripped ice.
He raised his eyebrows, then smiled. “I think you know. We both hunger and crave each other, and that’s standing in the way of everything. I need to watch over you, but all I can think about is fucking you.”
“How romantically put.” She crossed her arms.
“I don’t go in for romance.” He cocked his head back.
“That doesn’t surprise me. So you’re proposing that we have sex so you can get it out of your system?”
“Yours too.”
“My system’s just fine.” I’m such a liar, but he’s worse. He just wants to screw and move on. Treat me like a piece of ass like he does all the other women. He’s such a player.
Goldie stepped back, his smile gone and his lips forming a thin line. “Guess I misread you.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ll wait until you take off. You haven’t heard from your ex-douchebag, right?”
He’s pissed at me. He has a lot of nerve. “No. Ryan’s overreacting on this. He usually does when it comes to me.” Her glare held his.
“He just wants to make sure you’re safe. Go on now.”
Sexual tension sparked between them, and then she opened her car door and slid in. Pulling out of the parking lot, she watched him as he stood by his bike watching her. Her body was wound tightly from unquenched desire, her lips red from his ardent kissing. Part of her regretted not taking him up on his offer to “get it out of our system.” But she didn’t want to be like all the women he’d had in his life. She’d had a crush on him for so long that if they were going to come together, she wanted it to be special, to mean something to her—and to him.
I was doing just fine before I bumped into him. She’d have to go back to her life pre-Goldie. She could do it. After all, they hadn’t really had much between them except a few kisses. But his kisses are mind-blowing. She shook her head. I’ve got to stop thinking like that. She’d just have to forget about him. When she spoke to Ryan, she’d tell him to call off his watchdog. The whole thing was wearing thin.
She was done.
End of story.