The Bad Boys' Reluctant Woman(36)
“I do. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Thanks, Vicki,” Jake said.
“Don’t mention it.”
Brent watched the two women disappear inside the car. “Do you think we should clean up and get to Stefan’s?”
“I don’t want to go to some party,” Connor said.
“I don’t think we have much choice.”
“I hate these fucking parties.” Connor shook his head.
Jake hadn’t said a word since Zoe had left. He was looking out of the work shop with a rag in his hand. Brent left him to his thinking as he eased the hood down on the car that was pretty much fucked. This is why he preferred writing stories. The cars he wrote in the stories always had sweet engines.
“I’m in love with Zoe,” Jake said, turning towards them.
That was a mighty big step.
Brent paused staring at his friend. “We never talked about forever with her, Jake.”
“I know. I love her. She’s the one,” Jake said.
“Don’t you think you’re rushing it a little too much?”
Jake shook his head.
“I feel the same way,” Connor said.
Brent stared at both men in shock. He cared about her. Shit, he might even love her, but he’d not had the feelings his other two friends clearly had.
“Then I guess she’s the one,” Brent said, envious of the way Connor and Jake were feeling.
“You’re not going to argue with us?” Jake asked.
“No, I’m not.”
I want to feel the same as you.
He wouldn’t tell them his thoughts. They’d hold themselves back from Zoe, and he knew she wasn’t the hold back type. If his friends were in love with her then it would only be a matter of time before he was as well. At least he hoped so.
Chapter Fourteen
Connor glanced around at the huge barbeque. He checked his watch and saw it was past eight. They’d been here for over two hours. The Dugout had been open since five. He wanted to get to the bar to see Zoe. He wanted to explore what Tristan had told him. Did he want to see her in pain, or were his feelings more to do with sexual satisfaction of claiming Zoe as his?
His mind was full with so much bullshit. He smacked himself on the side of the head in an effort to clear his mind. His thoughts were driving him crazy.
Jake and Brent were mingling with the rest of the groups. He preferred to stay back and to have his personal space than try to mingle where he didn’t really belong.
Stefan came to stand by his side. Connor didn’t say anything as they both looked out over the crowd of people. “We’re going to The Dugout in a second. I wanted to talk to you about something,” Stefan said.
“I’m all ears.”
“Drugs are making the rounds in this town. I don’t like it. It is bad for business.”
Connor shook his head. “You’re talking to the wrong guy.”
“You’re the one who went to Tristan. He came to me, and now I consider this my business. For too long the trailer neighbourhood has not been our concern. They were a lost cause and all that crap. I don’t like it. I want to fix that problem.”
“Stefan, we’re not some biker group fixing problems.”
“No, we’re a bunch of strong men intent on protecting this town. I’m not asking you for advice, Connor. I’m telling you that this is what we’re going to be doing. Anyone caught dealing or with anything will answer to us if Tristan doesn’t find them first,” Stefan said.
“I’m not dealing or doing drugs,” Connor said.
“I know. Your moods say otherwise. I don’t want your crap anymore, Connor. You either suck it up, or you leave the Bad Boys behind. Do you understand me?” Stefan said.
“I never asked to become a member.”
“And yet you’re always present and hanging with us.” Stefan handed him the photo taken a few weeks ago at the picnic. “You’re a part of us, man. I think we’re a part of you as well. Think about it.”
Connor stared at the photo. Jake had stuck their copy on his refrigerator at home. Shaking his head, he put the photo down then followed Jake and Brent towards their truck. The Dugout would be busy tonight. He was silent as they travelled towards the bar. Connor bounced his free leg as they got closer. He needed to breathe in Zoe’s warm scent.
His feelings and pain were coming back. He needed to fix them quickly before he exploded.
Parking the car was easy. The bar was full, and a live band was up on the stage. The country music filled the air. Connor spotted Zoe at the bar. He ignored everyone and pushed past them all to get to his woman. Zoe had handed over a drink when he got to the bar. She was standing next to the flap that opened. He opened the flap, caught her hand, and pulled her into his arms.