I sat at a lunch table in the middle of school, daydreaming about Gunner. His tight shirt and shredded muscles were so damn hot. How could a man affect me so much? I could barely think straight. I needed to focus on my Anthro paper.
I couldn't stay at the Veterans Association. Something about the place scared me. I don't know what it was exactly. But after meeting with Gunner, my instincts were to run for the hills. That left me in a precarious situation. Do I go back and finish my paper with them or go to Mr. Capshaw and ask for another club?
“You going to stare at that wall all day?”
That voice snapped me out of my head and I looked up to find Gunner standing there, his arms crossed and a giant grin across his face. My heart fluttered. “What are you doing here?”
Gunner sat down at the table across from me. “You ran out on us last week. John wanted me to come find you and convince you to come back.”
I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eyes. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to leave like that. I don't even know why I did it.”
“We have a pretty tough exterior. Can't blame you for getting out of there.”
I looked up and into his eyes. My whole body warmed as I stared into his brown globes. “Can I still interview you guys?”
Gunner smiled. “Of course.”
I brought out a pad of paper. “Can I start with you?”
Gunner checked the watch on his wrist. “I have a meeting I need to get to.”
“Can I come with?” I don't know what came over me or where that burst of confidence came from.
Gunner narrowed his eyes at me.
“I promise I won't get in the way.”
“You can't write about what you see.”
I nodded. “You got a deal.” I shook his hand and felt that same spark from before shoot through me.
“Meet me at the VA and we'll leave from there.”
—
I came to a row of cars at the VA. John, Wyatt, Hudson, and Bryce were all there, checking their weapons. I instantly realized that this wasn't the type of meeting I thought it was going to be.
Bryce bent over and hugged his knees as he vomited all the whiskey he just consumed.
Hudson let out a hearty life and slapped Bryce on the back causing him to throw up even more.
“Which one is yours?” I asked Gunner.
Gunner pointed to the classic red Ford Mustang at the end of the line. I'd only seen one of those in old movies.
“Ever ridden in one before?”
I shook my head.
“You're going to like it.” Gunner shot me a devil-may-care smile that made me melt into a puddle of desire.
Wyatt came over and pulled Gunner to the side. “You're taking her along?” They spoke in hushed tones but it was still easy to overhear.
“Yeah, why not?” Gunner whispered.
“She's not one of us—this is no place for her kind.” Wyatt glanced over at me and snarled.
“I'm taking her with us. She can watch us in my car from a safe distance.”
John pointed at Gunner. “You make sure she's away from all the action.”
Fear bubbled in my chest, raging through my system. Where were they taking me? If it was so dangerous, maybe I shouldn't go. My anthro paper wasn't more important than my life.
Gunner escorted me to the Mustang and opened the door for me. “Don't worry, it'll be fine.”
I smiled. He instantly put me at ease. His strong presence and soft face made me feel safe. I could definitely fall for a guy like this.
Gunner climbed into the driver seat and started the engine. The car rumbled to life. The vibration beneath my thighs was exquisite. “Ready, Veronica?”
My heart pounded in my ears. I'd never felt this excited and scared before. I nodded. I looked for the shoulder seat-belt but couldn't find it. Only a lap belt. I snapped it around my waist.
“This baby was built before all those seat-belt regulations. But don't worry. You'll be safe.”
I laughed. “Good to know.”
Gunner put on a pair of black Ray Bans that made him look so cool and sexy. “You might want to wear sunglasses.”
Gunner switched gears and we lurched forward. We followed the gang out of the abandoned business complex and onto the street. I'd never felt like this around a man before. Dirty thoughts invaded my mind of Gunner taking me the backseat.
Gunner gripped the steering wheel and we launched down the street. The wind blasted around my body and face. My hair whipped back and I inhaled the clean air. Gunner shifted gears and we picked up speed. My heart was beating faster and faster. The adrenaline rush was addicting.
We weaved in and out of cars, following the rest of the group. I recognized the road as Ortega Highway as we swerved around the corners and bends. We slowed down and turned off onto a dirt road. We stopped at a gate blocking our way and Hudson got off and unlocked it for us.
Gunner looked behind. “You're enjoying this aren't you.”
I smiled and nodded.
“Hold on tight because we're going off-road now.”
Yes sir!
The ride was so bumpy and rocky. I felt like I was on a bucking bronco. I gripped onto Gunner's arm harder to keep myself from being thrown out through the open roof.
So many emotions were rolling around in my stomach that I didn't know what to feel. I was falling hard for Gunner.