Inevitably, my train of thought brings me back to my little ride out with Spence as we tried to locate Parker’s whereabouts. No luck for us, which was predictable, but I can’t get Spence’s facial expressions out of my mind.
I know he wants me, I just don’t know if he wants me enough to take a risk on me. Probably not, and that’s fine.
Taking a drag, I cough. My goal is to smoke less but keep a hold of the cigarette, which somehow tricks my brain into thinking that I’m smoking without actually putting it to my mouth. Eventually I’ll quit. At least, that’s the plan.
The crunching of wheels on the dirt road that leads to the compound alerts me that the cleaners are here. I bet Vanessa wishes she’d let me sleep with my ass in the air because this view is definitely more shocking. Open jeans when going commando is basically the same thing as flashing whoever is in front of me.
Flicking the remaining filter over the edge and into an old flower pot repurposed into an ashtray, I’m greeted by a sight for bloodshot eyes.
I grin as they open their car doors and step out like they’ve been practicing their in sync performance.
“Well, that’s disappointing. You don’t look happy to see me.” Parker’s gaze darts to my crotch, then up to my face as one perfectly plucked eyebrow rises in challenge.
“Gimme a second to brush my teeth and I’ll give you a full-body welcome. You’ll see just how happy we all are to see you.” Damn, I didn’t even have morning wood when I woke up but it’s certainly rising now.
“Same.” She shakes her head then adds, “The brushing of teeth part. The rest is only your fantasy.” She’s such a cute little liar.
“Keep tellin’ yourself that, Miss Stabby.”
Shrugging, she turns to Spence, who looks like his mere presence here is physically ruining him.
“Why the long face, Doc?” Shit, I hope he didn’t see some kind of infection on my cock. I always suit up before sex and so far, I’ve never had an STI.
“Tired.”
I’ll let him have it, the half-lie he just told. Mostly because he may actually be tired, and from what Mac says, he’s an early riser, which means no matter what, he was up at the crack of fucking dawn.
“Come on, kids, let’s get breakfast in ya.” I whip around at the sound of Sledge’s voice. Motherfucker took a shower already. Therefore, he looks way better than me.
“Please don’t ever call them kids. It’s creepy as fuck.” I murmur that last part because Sledge just killed my boner a little.
“Stay away from my sister, mate, and I’ll consider it.”
Parker brings her hands to cover half of her face, and from the way her large eyes grow round like saucers as she bats her lashes, I’m guessing her mouth is wide open in shock.
“Ohmygod! Did you just go full blown big brother on me?”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Sledge is going to make life hell, isn’t he?
“Um…” Sledge makes a weird sound with his throat.
Is he…blushing? They’re having what seems to be a sibling moment. From the way her entire body is shaking, I’m pretty sure she wants to move, but she’s holding herself back.
“I think she wants to hug him.” I look at Spence as he speaks, my brows slanted in confusion.
“So…why doesn’t she?” Surely she’s picked up on the fact that Sledge is a teddy bear when he’s not being the ruthless VP of the club—she’ll meet that side one day, too.
“Fear of rejection.”
Hmmm, I can’t think of anyone who’d be shitty enough to reject her, and if they did, I’d snuff them out.
“Go hug him, Stabby. He’ll love that.” Fuck it. She’ll never know if she doesn’t try, and if he does reject her, I’ll fucking kill him. I mean…it would make my life easier, but we might miss him around here.
My words are barely out of my mouth when she jumps, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing like she’s been missing physical attachment her entire life.
It’s important to note that Sledge, in spite of all his extraverted-type personality shit, is the most private one of us all. Well, except for maybe Hoops, especially now that he’s our prez. This hug is the closest thing to family affection Sledge’s probably ever had. Besides us, of course. We give him enough shit on a daily basis for him to know we’re all family here.
They don’t talk as Parker hugs him and he’s got one hand patting her back in the most awkward scene I’ve ever witnessed.