Dawn blinked. “Okay.”
It was a brief meeting, and we wondered what it might be about while we waited. "About me," Dawn joked, flipping her hair, "They're fighting over who gets to have me first."
"Naw. Maybe they're making Irish a full member, finally," I said. The young bartender wasn't all that young anymore - he had been a Prospect for three years already.
"Don't be silly, it’s probably got something to do with that stranger," Nella said. For once the older woman joined in the conversation instead of studying her ledger or the receipts.
Other girls arrived as well as news of the meeting spread. Only a couple of the guys were married, and their wives showed up. Some girls from the town appeared, too, looking for thrills. It was quite a social event and I was excited to be part of it.
"Do these girls get tips, too?" Dawn asked, referencing a table of young women giggling around a table covered in pitchers of beer and chicken wings.
"No, they're just here to flirt and party."
She leaned in. "Are they competition?"
I laughed. "No. You're taking this too serious! Just have fun, ask the guys if they need anything, and stick around 'til closing. That's the only rules if you wanna earn some cash."
"Okay." She sounded doubtful, but she'd learn. Or leave.
When the guys finally emerged, they dispersed around the bar, finding friends and family, but they stood out no matter where they went in their uniform black leather. Irish took his spot behind the bar, and I hopped down from my stool and sauntered up to the jukebox.
"Give us something good, Ivy," Irish called as he started pouring beers. He always activated the free access when I wanted to line up some tracks. It was one of the perks.
I selected a T. Rex song - Slider. Not a favorite of any of the guys, but I could sure sway my hips to it, and that was what I was after - an excuse to sway my hips. The music played just loud enough to hear over the voices and laughter of the patrons and the clack of the balls on the pool tables. I sashayed my way around the bar, greeting the bikers and their families. I laid a hand on Bill's shoulder and asked, "Having a good time? Anything I can get you?"
"We're good, Ivy." Bill shared the small table with Veronica, Mort, and Jester. Veronica worked for Bill at the diner he owned. They were sort of almost an item, but that didn't stop the club president from visiting me from time to time. "Make sure our guest is entertained." He pointed at the stranger, now seated at the bar, speaking to Gunner and Irish. "His name's Theo."
"No problem," I said with a smile. Don't mind if I do. Even from behind, the view of his broad shoulders was enticing.
Dawn beat me to the bar, though. She squeezed her way between Gunner and Theo and was trying to flirt with both of them. Gunner looked amused.
"New girl here says she's working for Nella?" Gunner asked. I stood near Theo's side.
"Yeah," I said, shifting slightly with the music, "You like her?"
Gunner looked at her and shrugged. "She's all right."
"Are you two boys having a good time?" I laid a hand on Theo's thick shoulder. "Can I get you anything?"
Finally he turned and I got a good look at his face. My breath caught. He was the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen in person. The only place a face like that belongs is on film. His dark hair was shaggy and tousled, probably from wearing a helmet, but looked so soft I just wanted to bury my hands on it. His strong jaw was covered in dark stubble. It looked like it has been a few days since he'd last shaved, but the look wasn't sloppy on him - it just made him look rugged.
He regarded me with deep brown eyes that seemed to see everything, making me feel unbearably exposed. I crossed my arms over my chest as I waited for his answer. Wait, what did I just ask? "I'm good." His voice was a deep rumble. I could nearly feel it in my toes.
"Yeah, good-looking," I blurted. Something like amusement crossed his face, but it quickly slid away. Gunner snorted. "Seriously! Doesn't his face belong in the movies or something?"
"Aww, don't tease him," Dawn said. She placed her hand on his knee. Theo gently pushed it away.
"Really, girls, I don't need anything."
"You'll make them cry, they can't resist a pretty face," Gunner said. He reached an arm around Dawn's waist and said, "Can you, darlin'? I ain't pretty enough for you?"
Dawn tilted her head back and giggled as she studied him. "You're plenty pretty."
Theo shrugged my hand from his shoulder with a sigh. "I'm turning in," he said. He moved me out of the way as he got up, his hand hot and firm against my lower back. I could still feel the echo of his touch as he walked away.