“Then what’s the problem with you going out with Army? I mean, that’s your brother’s issue, and frankly, it’s none of his damn business what you do.”
“I feel that way too. I have nothing to do with the Satan’s Pistons. How can—”
“That’sthe name of your brother’s club? It’s too wild.” Ronica laughed.
“It is. It’s so not my world.” Mia brought the can of soda to her lips.
“What’s your gut telling you?”
Mia fixed her gaze on the flowers. “To go out with Army. I really like him, and it’s blowing me away because it takes me a long time to fall for a guy.”
“I know. You dated Jorge for five months, and you never fell for him.”
“He was nice, but I like more of a challenge, and I like things darker and rougher when it comes to sex, but I’ve told you all this before.”
“Yeah, but the point I’m making is … if you have feelings this quickly for Army, it must be the right thing, you know … the real deal?” Ronica said.
“Maybe. I’ll admit there’s a real strong connection I’ve never felt with any other man, and I know Army feels it too. The thing I’m wrestling with is whether I should tell him about Vic being in the rival club.”
“Why? Like you said—you aren’t involved with any of that, and you haven’t seen your brother in a long time. It’s not like you’re super close to him or you’re all gung-ho about his club thing. What difference does it make? I mean we’re civilized people, right? We don’t believe in feuds. You’re not the Hatfields and the McCoys. It’s silly, really.”
“I like him a lot,” Mia whispered. “Why would he judge me because of who my brother is, right? I’m my own person. I want to keep seeing him.”
“Then go for it. The only world that should matter is yours—not your brother’s and Army’s club. This is about the two of you—not anyone or anything else. You deserve to have a really great guy. Oh, hang on a minute.” Ronica put her on hold.
Mia read the card again and leaned over and smelled the sweet fragrance of the flowers.I can’t give him up. He’s only been gone two days and he’s been in my head nonstop.
“Mia, I have to go. Stuart’s on the phone, and he’s in a mood. Go with your instincts. We’ll talk later. Bye.”
Mia crushed the can in her hand and went into the kitchen and threw it in the recycle bin. After replenishing Pumpkin and Snickers’ dry food, she went back into the living room and dialed Army’s number. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey, babe. Nice surprise.” His low voice caressed like warm fingers.
“You’re the one full of surprises.”
“What do you mean?” A hint of mischief wove through his question.
“The flowers. They’re beautiful! I’m still reeling and in shock that the big, bad biker sent them.” She laughed.
Army joined her. His rich, low rumble stroked her senses like velvet. Mia loved to hear his voice … laughing … talking … singing … anything. She could lose herself in his voice.
“So a biker can’t send a chick flowers?”
“Is that your MO with women? Dine them, kiss them passionately, then send flowers?”
“Not with women, babe. Only with you.”
A warm feeling spread through her. “That’s good to know. How did you know sunflowers were my favorites?”
“I didn’t, but you seem to bring light wherever you go, and I know you’re crazy about fall from the way your porch and house are decorated.”
Mia blinked rapidly to hold back unexpected tears then inhaled a deep breath; his words had touched her in ways that surprised her. She had never been a sentimental fool when it came to men, but since she’d met this captivating man, her emotions had been bouncing all over the place.
“You’re sweet,” she said softly.
“Get your ass movin’, dude. Church is starting now,” a booming voice said in the background.
“I gotta go.”
“When will I see you?”
“Not sure. We got some club business going. I’ll call you, baby.”
“Okay then—” The phone went dead, and she wondered if the club business was about the Satan’s Pistons.
She put her phone down and scooped her cats up in each arm, nuzzling their faces. “I’m screwed big time here,” she told them. “I like Army too much to walk away.” Remembering how Pumpkin played up to him when he’d been to her house, she kissed her on the side of the face. “You liked him too, didn’t you? He’s irresistible. Look what he gave me.” She gazed at the flowers making a mental note to put the vase on a plate surrounded by orange and lemon peels to keep the cats from nibbling on the petals—both her cats loathed the citrus scent.
After playing with them, Mia changed into her training clothes and headed out of the house, looking one last time at the bouquet before she closed the door.