The way he kissed me, how his hands felt good on the back of my neck, it was like he was desperate for my mouth, and damn, I was just as desperate for him.
I knew the second the vibe changed between us: when he pulled back, the regret flickered in his eyes. It was not something I could work out until he opened his mouth.
His questions made the good feeling of his kiss vanish, and my chest feel tight.
Fate was playing a cruel trick on me, one that I will not fall for again. I know what the club means to the members; I have read enough biker books and watched TV to know that the club comes first in everything, but Crash made me feel like a fool.
“Stevie. It is time for your break, honey.” I look up, seeing Lisa leaning on the desk, with a kind smile in place.
“Oh, thank the precious gods, I need me some caffeine and sugar,” I whine, making her laugh.
“You and your sugar.”
“It fuels my brain. You know this. We all know what I am like when I am lacking in caffeine and sugar.”
“Oh, yes. I remember. You once switched bookings for a man who stayed here with someone who clearly wasn’t his wife, and you gave his suite to a family, while he was given their family room.”
“I apologized.” I shrug with a smirk in place.
“Go and get caffeine and sugar.” I salute her and leave to go to the lounge the staff uses when we need a break.
Removing my work blazer, I hang it up, then collect my purse out of my locker. I pat Cody on the head as I leave, messing up his hairstyle. He calls out to me that he will get me back, making me giggle.
Walking out of the hotel, I breathe in the humid air, the sun heating up my skin. turning left, I walk down the street to my favorite deli. This part of Phoenix is known for its tourists; there is so much to do here that it pulls in people from all over.
Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, but also a motorcycle and art museum and do not get me started on the tattoo, and beauty studios. Damn, I need a new tattoo. I only have two right now: one on my left thigh, and one on my right wrist.
My thigh tattoo is an old school pin-up lady reading a book with roses around her. On my wrist I have a floral band that is bright and colorful. On my right ring finger, I have a moon with some delicate stars.
On my right index finger I have a vine with one flower, which represents Aunt Cass.
Pushing through the door of the deli, I see it is full of people. Thankfully, once I place my order and collect my food, a table becomes available so I can sit down.
Unwrapping my sandwich, I take a big bite just as someone slips into the chair across from me. Looking up, I am about to lie and say that the seat is taken, but the words get caught in my throat.
Crash gives me a tight-lipped smile.
My heart does a stupid little flip, and my stomach clenches. Freaking hell, I was not ready to deal with him yet.
“Hi.”
I chew slowly, then swallow while he sits patiently waiting for me, watching me. It is a little unnerving because of how things were left the last time we saw each other.
Using my napkin, I wipe my mouth then take a sip of my cola.
I sit back and cross my arms, arching a brow at him to let him know that I am still pissed at him.
My embarrassment and hurt transformed into anger. Then ideas on how to hurt his balls would randomly pop up into my head— especially when I was alone in my new condo with a beer or three.
“What are you doing here, Crash?”
He scrubs his hands over his face, and that is when I see how tired he is. Dark circles sit under his eyes, and his stubble has evolved into a beard. It suits him, but I like the short stubble better.
“I needed to see you. Hated how things went the last time. It was fucking shit of me to ask you about Val, but fuck.” He sighs. “It was club orders. I am a new fully patched member, and I have to be at the top of my game and listen.”
“I get that you had orders, but it still cut deep. You could’ve handled it differently. I felt used, Crash.”
His explanation makes me understand, but it does not erase the emotions I had to feel.