“You’re free to go.”
She stood up and didn’t bother arguing. Callie walked, half in a daze, to the front entrance of the hospital. There were usually taxis waiting. How had her bill been paid in full? It had to be a massive bill for all the tests and care she’d received.
Then she saw him.
Brick was standing outside the old pick-up truck he’d used when they first met. When she thought he was a chicken farmer and things were so much simpler.
One thumb was hooked in his belt, the other hand resting on the truck. The man was hard and sexy, those dark eyes unraveling her. Why did things have to be so complicated?
Right away, she knew. He had to be the one who’d paid her bill. There was no one else in her life able or willing to do such a thing.
She walked down the main steps toward Brick. “Did you pay my bill?”
He shrugged.
“Brick, answer me. How much was it? I’ll pay you back every penny.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He reached out for her arm, holding her in place. “Are you okay? Feeling better?”
She took a breath. Callie had already fallen in love with Brick. Fallen hard. It was stupid to commit emotionally to a man so fast, but they were so alike, perfectly matched. Now she wasn’t sure what was real and what was a lie.
“I feel much better. Just need to take it easy for a bit.”
He nodded.
An awkward silence lingered between them.
They both attempted to speak at the same time, so they stayed quiet instead.
“Don’t push me away, Callie.”
“Brick, I don’t even know what to say. You told me you were a chicken farmer.”
“No, I never said that. You assumed,” he said.
“And you could have corrected me.” She pulled away from his grip. “I should go.”
She only made it a few steps away when his voice, at full volume, stopped her in his tracks. “I’m only human!”
Callie turned to face him.
“I was good enough for you before, but I’m the same man, Callie.” He held both arms out to the sides. “I’m a sinner. You can’t love a sinner?”
“Brick, quiet.” She rushed over to him and gave him a little shove in the chest, loving the feel of him. “People are looking.”
“I don’t give a shit. All I care about is you.”
“Then why did you lie about who you were?”
He looked down at her, his features set hard. “Because of this. You’re judging me. If I could have kept the truth from you forever, I would have. I don’t want you thinking less of me, Callie.”
“I don’t think less of you. I just want to know what’s real between us. Bikers don’t exactly have the best reputation.”
“Everything between us was real. All of it. You’re the reason I want to get out of bed in the morning. Why do you think I’ve been replaying first base for months? Because I’m a player? No, because I respect you and want you to see that.”
She didn’t know what to say. Her emotions and sense of logic were tearing her down the middle. Who was she to judge? Most of her family tree could be framed with mug shots.
“What happens now, Brick?”
“Just don’t leave.”
“You’re dangerous. How can I make a future with you?”
“You think I’d ever hurt you, baby?”
“I don’t know what to think anymore,” she said. “I want to believe things will work, but I’m scared.”
“Say you’ll give me a chance. I’ll show you how good things can be.”
He’d already shown her. She had more happy memories built up with Brick than she had with her own family over a lifetime. He’d even come to her work with a picnic lunch one afternoon, complete with the checkered blanket. Everything he did or said made her feel like a princess. The man was so thoughtful and protective. How could he be a criminal?
Tears filled her eyes because she didn’t want to lose him. She just wished things were easier, but since when had anything in her life been simple?
“I was upset you hid the fact you’re part of the Straight to Hell MC. I’m still in shock, to be honest.”
“I’m not a monster.”
“I know.” She cupped the side of his face, loving the feel of his rough stubble. “Promise you won’t lie anymore?”
He nodded.
“Who was that guy you brought to the hospital yesterday?”
“The president of our club. I’ve been keeping things from him too, thinking I was protecting you. But he’s been pretty understanding. His old lady was a civilian, too.”
“This is a lot to take in.”
Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad being in a relationship with a biker. Brick got Sean Rigby to back off, and he always defended her when the Skull Nation got too close. Everything was starting to make sense as she thought back to countless incidents that should have made her question things. What kind of chicken farmer had that much ink? She must have kept herself in the dark rather than seeking the truth.