“Hey guys.” I waved, grabbing the bag from Collin. “We have some gifts for you.”
One of the girls perked up a bit. “Are you Santa Claus?” she asked Collin.
Handing her a gift, he smiled down at the frail child. “Just for the day, sweetheart. I hope you like it.”
She ripped open the gift to reveal a My Little Pony with a star on its ass and a rainbow mane. “I love it!” she squealed, grabbing Collin’s hand. “Thank you.”
He sank down onto her bed. “What’s your name, beautiful?”
“Clare.” She blushed a little bit.
“That’s a very pretty name.” Collin helped her open the box, handing the toy over, and my heart melted.
I gave the other kids their presents and walked back into the dayroom with Collin. “Did the Grinch’s heart just grow three sizes?” I nudged his ribs with my elbow.
“Maybe one.” He smirked at me. “You were right—this is fun.”
“I knew you’d be into it.”
“Maybe next year I can get the guys down in Vilas to follow suit.”
My heart sank a little. I didn’t want to think about him heading back down there. I’d finally gotten him, but in his mind, he was already on his way out.
Shaking off my doubts, I responded, “I think that would be a very nice tradition to take back home with you.”
Chapter 6
Harlow
After the toy run, I went back to my folks’ house for a sleepless night of thinking about Collin. I knew it was better to just tuck my tail between my legs and not give my father more of a reason to be pissed, but I didn’t want to be alone in my bed with Collin so damn close.
Just as I turned off my TV, trying to get comfortable, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Collin: I hate this.
Me: Same here, but it’s better for at least tonight.
Collin: I could be between your legs right now tasting that sweet nectar.
Me: I can’t stop thinking about it.
Collin: Neither can I, babe. Soon, very soon.
Me: I am going to hold you to that.
Collin: As you should. Good night, beautiful.
Me: Night, love.
After tossing and turning all night and barely making it through the day, it was time for me to head to work. I hated that Collin and the other guys were putting themselves in danger. I pretended like I had no idea, but the reason for Collin and the others for being up in Sweetwater wasn’t lost on me. My dad thought I was completely naïve to the club’s issues, but they can only whisper so quietly at my bar.
My shift passed by without anything exciting happening. I got decent tips, and not too many scumbags hit on me. Marlena sat in the back while I started to close up the front of the house.
Taking the trash out, someone called over to me, “You’re Blaz’s kid, right?”
I whipped around to see two guys rushing toward me. I tried to sprint back inside, but one grabbed my arm before I could make it through the door.
“Hey, now, sweetheart. What’s the rush?” he mocked, pulling me to the back of the lot.