“Ride safe,” I whisper.
“Always.” He touches his index finger to my nose and then walks away. I sigh, leaning up against the railing.
I can’t believe I’ve become the other woman. Essentially, that’s what has happened. Even though Switch and I haven’t slept together, when push comes to shove, that’s exactly what I am. The thought makes me nauseous. Despite that, I know I need to trust what Switch says. I have to trust that he’ll handle it.
I just hope he can do what he needs to do before the guilt eats me from the inside out.
SWITCH
I shouldn’t have kissed her again.
But, fuck, I couldn’t stop myself.
Still, I shouldn’t have done it. I feel like I’ve disrespected Jenn by kissing her while I’m still married. She deserves more than that and I feel like a piece of shit for putting her in a position where she might regret what’s happening between us.
I can’t seem to stop myself around her though.
I don’t want to.
It’s time to man up.
***
Monday morning feels like it takes forever to arrive. After the ball on Saturday night, I spent Sunday at the club, going through details of a charity run with the boys. It will be our first for the year, and it’s also the biggest. Mayhem Motorcycle Club has seven other chapters, with Alabama being the mother chapter. Riders from each of those seven chapters will be joining us on the ride, so there are a lot of details to finalize. Thankfully, the ride isn’t scheduled for another six months, so we’ve got plenty of time.
“Prez, what’s up?” Roam asks, taking a seat across from me. “Boys said you wanted to see me.”
“Yeah.” I sigh, running my fingers through my short beard, trying to come up with the words I need to explain shit to my best friend; my VP.
“Shit’s not good at home,” I start.
“Understatement of the year,” he mutters.
“Amber’s become a full blown alcoholic. Don’t remember when it happened, guess it just did over time.”
“No disrespect, man, but Amber’s been a pisshead since before you guys got married.”
“I know, but now, it’s bad. She’s drunk all the time. I can’t even remember the last time I saw her sober.”
“Fuck, brother.”
“Yeah.” I take a deep breath and continue. “Booking her into a facility.”
“Good,” he states immediately and my eyes go from the desk to his face in surprise. Though, I shouldn’t expect anything less from my brothers. It’s no secret they’d have my back no matter what, still it’s nice to have that unwavering support from someone when you need it.
“That’s good, Prez,” he repeats, ensuring I know he means every single word.
“Met someone else,” I admit. May as well lay it all out there.
“Jenn?” He guesses correctly, fighting back a smug grin.
“How’d you know?”
He doesn’t answer. He just stands and holds out his hand for me to shake. I stand too, and take his hand. He pulls my torso across the desk to give me a one-armed hug and a slap on the back.
“Happy for you, Prez,” he says into my ear. He releases me and grins. “Look after that hot piece of ass, yeah? You don’t, I might have to.”
“You ever mention Jenn’s ass again and I will shoot you in your dick,” I threaten, my words a growl.
The cocky bastard throws me a wink and laughs his ass off as he walks out the door.
Shit-stirring bastard!
I sit back down and my ring catches my eyes. I don’t even know why I wear it. It’s thin, barely noticeable and, to be honest, I haven’t thought about it since the day Amber slid it onto my finger.
Sticking my finger into my mouth to lubricate it, I slide the ring off and flex my hand. A weight I didn’t even realize I’d been carrying lifts from my shoulders as I shove it deep into my pocket.
***
Taking my cell from my pocket, I flip it open and dial a number I should have dialed years ago. Then, I head home to break the news to my wife.
Pulling up outside my house, I take a deep breath before letting it out. This conversation is long overdue, but I don’t doubt Amber will throw a tantrum.
I find her on the couch, passed out with an empty bottle of vodka lying on the floor beside her.
I stride over, my blood heating in anger. Nudging her shoulder, I shout, “Amber! Amber, get the fuck up.” Drunk or not, she’s about to hear what I have to say. I’m not putting it off another minute.
She rolls her head from side to side and cracks her eyes open. “What?” She slurs, still clearly drunk off her ass.
“Get up, get a shower. We need to talk.” I walk away without waiting for her reply. I need to calm the fuck down so I can hold this conversation civilly.