I’d gladly left Oregon in the dust as soon as I could. Aboard a Greyhound bus, I left the gray skies and rain in search of the sun. As it turned out, I loved the dry heat of the desert and was perfectly content to call Nevada home.
The little town of Hawthorne, about a half hour outside of Reno, was just what the doctor ordered. It was small enough to be quaint, but not so small that everyone knew my business. It also happened to be run by a certain group of bossy bikers, one of who had been my first love.
Quite possibly the great love of my life.
I hung up with Scar, sinking deeper into the warm water in an attempt to search for a sense of peace. At best, I could wash away the day and hope tomorrow would be the day when I’d feel ready to move on.
Chapter 2
The next morning, I arrived at Scar and Cole’s place after I’d stopped off to get her favorite cupcakes at a nearby bakery. Cole opened the door smiling warmly at me. If I didn’t feel like he was a brother at this point, I’d have to swoon every time I saw him. He was gorgeous with bright blue eyes and blond hair that always looked like he’d just run his fingers through it. He was tall and built with an air of menace to him that he could call up at a moment’s notice. I was glad it hadn’t ever been directed at me.
“Hey Kat,” he greeted.
“Hey, how’s my girl?” I asked, walking into their adobe style home.
“Uncomfortable,” he replied. “Anytime now though.” He grinned, his eyes full of delight at the thought.
“Yeah.” I smiled, sharing in his excitement. I leaned down to pat their giant bullmastiff, Chief, affectionately. The dog looked like a beast but was a real sweetheart.
“Kat, is that you?” I heard Scarlet’s voice call.
“Yep! Coming,” I replied, walking back to their bedroom where she was lying on the bed reading a magazine.
I flopped down next to her and grinned. “How’s my niece doing?”
“Active as ever,” she complained before breaking into a smile, her green eyes shining. “As uncomfortable as it is I’ll miss feeling her move,” she sighed wistfully.
I nodded as I placed my hand on her belly.
“I had to take my ring off,” she informed me as she held up her swollen fingers. She and Cole had gotten engaged right around the time she’d gotten pregnant, but they’d decided to hold off on getting married until after the baby was born.
“Oh well, it’s not like Cole would ever allow anyone to think you’re not spoken for,” I smirked.
“Damn right,” his deep voice affirmed as he appeared in the doorway. He turned soft eyes to Scarlet. “I’m going out for a little bit. Do you need anything, baby?”
“No, I’m okay,” she replied, turning soft eyes to her man. If I didn’t love them both to death, they would be seriously nauseating sometimes.
“Okay, take care of my girls,” he instructed me.
“Aye, aye.” I saluted as he walked away chuckling.
“How’s work?” she asked as we both perused the magazines she had stacked up beside her.
“Fine,” I responded with a shrug.
“Any plans tonight?” she asked with a lifted brow.
I narrowed my eyes at her. I knew exactly what she was insinuating. “I already told you I’d go out with him,” I replied, referring to Gavin.
She grinned. “Who knows, maybe sparks will fly,” she encouraged.
It was seriously doubtful, but I nodded dutifully.
Of course she saw right through me.
“I don’t think he’s coming back, sweetie,” she said softly, and I knew it pained her to say it. We didn’t talk about Sal often, but even now after six months, I still winced at the mention of him.
“I know,” I agreed, feeling slightly sick. “I’m doing my best to move on,” I assured her, knowing how she worried about me.