“No problem. Wrath figured sending the guys out for breakfast supplies would give you three enough space.”
“Perfect timing. And Murphy was so sweet bringing over his belt for Heidi to use as a strap. They’re just the cutest.”
“Cute.” He chuckles softly. “Yeah, they’re good together. I got a lotta respect for Heidi. She always has Murphy’s back. And she loves the club as much as any brother I’ve ever known.”
Is that a hint that Rooster wants me more involved with the club? How would that work when I’m on the road so much? And when I’m not on the road, I live in Texas?
Although, if I were going to pull up roots and move for anyone, it’d be Rooster. Not that he’s asked me to.
I like being around his brothers. They’ve definitely made the tour a whole lot more fun. And I’ve loved hanging out with Trinity and Heidi. For once I feel like I have true girlfriends who aren’t waiting to stab me in the back.
I’m not sure how to respond, so I shift the subject. “Poor Heidi was a lil’ weepy about missin’ her daughter and I felt so bad.”
“Yeah, I bet.” He finishes lacing up his boots and glances at me. “You talk it out with her?”
“A little. She seemed uncomfortable because she said I’m not a ‘kid person’ but that doesn’t mean I don’t wanna listen to a friend’s troubles, ya know?”
“I’m sure that meant a lot to her.”
“I hope so.” I bite my lip and glance at the door. “Can I tell you somethin’?” I whisper.
“Always,” he whispers back with a teasing smile.
“Talkin’ about it just reinforced me not wantin’ kids. I’d hate having to make those decisions.” I cock my head. “You think that makes me selfish?”
“Nope. I think that makes you smart.” He stands and drops a kiss on my forehead. “Nothing wrong with a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.”
“Who said I’m not scared?”
“Are you?”
“Every dang night when I go on stage. But I still love it.”
“Good. Then keep on doing it until that changes. Then we’ll figure out where to go next.”
We’ll figure out. Damn, I like how that sounds. I tilt my head, staring up at him. “Are you happy? Is this what you want?”
His lips curve into a slow smile. “Riding the open road with my woman? Moving from place to place. A new adventure every day? Life doesn’t get any better than that.”
Chapter Forty
Rooster
Life doesn’t get any better than that.
Shoot, as soon as those words were out of my mouth, the weight of how right they felt settled into my bones.
I gave Murphy some quick pointers about the truck. He assured me he’d be fine. We rolled my bike out of the back and loaded his in. Things took longer than I expected so we’re on the road later than I wanted but we’re moving at a good clip.
Jigsaw’s on my left. Shelby’s at my back, arms squeezed tight around my middle. Every now and then I catch a few lyrics on the wind. Nothing I recognize, so she must be trying to work out new material.
The thought forces a smile on my face. Shelby’s never hinted that she doesn’t like to ride but she never seems particularly enthusiastic either. I’d love if she got the same thrill and peace from it that I do.
The highway’s smooth—there’s something to be said for roads that aren’t battered by ice and salt all winter long. We move as a seamless unit. In the rear view, I catch the truck every now and then. Murphy seems to be handling it fine. I keep my eye on Remy and Griff too. They’ve settled into riding with a pack quicker than I expected—keeping pace and not getting in anyone’s way.
Shelby’s arms tighten around me.
A few words in her sultry voice swirl around us. “Diamond in the dust…about to combust.” She grumbles and tries again. I can’t help laughing to myself. One day in the not-too-far future, I bet I’ll be listening to whatever she’s working out on the radio.
As soon as we pull into the arena parking lot, Shelby hops off the bike, shaking herself out of her jacket. “Oh my Lord, I’m so hot!”
“Are you about to combust?” I tease.
Her jaw goes slack. Maybe I shouldn’t tease her about her lyrics.
“You could hear me?”
“Bits and pieces. Liked everything I heard.”
If it’s possible, her cheeks turn even redder. I reach for her with one arm and turn the ignition off with my free hand.
“Ugh, I’m all sweaty.”
“I know. I like it.” I drag her in for a kiss. “Love having you back there.”
Her stiff posture softens as she melts into me. “I like being there.” She kisses my cheek and leans in to whisper in my ear, “It’s hot the way you handle this big machine.”