“I agree,” Harley says. “Come on, Esperanza. Let’s go chitchat while they talk.”
“I can’t even begin to thank you for letting me stay here while I heal. I know that when you found out about me, you couldn’t have been happy given what my supposed friends said.”
“Oh, dear. You don’t need to thank me. This isn’t my place, but I did get a little bent out of shape when I thought he just had a random woman up there, but learning you’d been hurt, no other questions needed to be asked. Some men were made different and I’m finally learning that, after all these years. I can’t believe how long it’s taken me to see how good some men can truly be.”
“Right? So far, every man I’ve met in this town has been kind. Of course, they all work for Boss or the other guy, Boomer. Either way, they are gentlemen despite rocking the biker jackets and vests with the jeans and boots. It’s crazy how sweet they are.”
When I think about how amazing Liam is, I forget the past and want only a new life with him. She’s right. I’m here behaving skittishly, fighting my feelings for Liam because of something that happened thirty years ago that he had nothing to do with, and I love him. I absolutely love him.
I make it my goal to tell him the second we get back to his house, but I forgot that he had to be at the bar tonight. Sitting back, I watch him work. Dylan sits by as well, spending time on his phone while staring at Harley who has taken up a perch in a dark corner just in case one of those guys decides to return. Dylan’s leaving in the morning, but he promises to return for Harley very soon. Until then, he’s trusting Liam and the guys to protect her. From the look in his eyes, I know it’s killing him to do it, but from the bits and pieces of the conversation I heard earlier, it won’t be safe to waltz her right back home.
I won’t let anyone harm that poor, sweet girl. Goodness, what it would be like to have a little girl. I suppose I do have a daughter now, but she’s all grown and has my son to protect her.
“What has got that pensive look on your face, beautiful?” Liam asks right before he steals a kiss in front of the crowded bar. I look around to see if anyone has noticed. “Don’t be bothered with them. Let them look on. I’ll kiss my woman any damn time I want. Now, about that look?”
“I was just thinking about Harley.”
“She’s safe with us. I promise.”
“I know. I’m sure you’ll take good care of her.” This time, I kiss him back and he lifts me out of my seat. “Oh my goodness. What was that for?”
“Baby, you kissed me. I can’t help how riled up that makes me.”
“Are you closing tonight?”
“No, I’m not. Actually, I’m done. Hans and Sam will close. I came to escort you home, my dear.”
“What about Dylan and Harley?”
“They’re going to head up now as well. He’s leaving early and dropping her off at our place before going, so I’d like to get some sleep in.”
“Sounds good to me. Lead the way. I’m beat.” He swoops me into his arms, taking my breath away for just a moment before making me giggle. We’re out of the bar and in his vehicle, heading down the road just the few short blocks to his home.
“Ready to head to bed, love?” he asks as he turns off the engine. I love his house, which is small with a white and navy-blue exterior and a large front porch with a swing.
“Will you hold me?” I ask.
“All fucking night long. Or at least until one of us rolls over.” He chuckles. I nudge his side and then jump out of the truck. We’re about to reach the entrance when he pulls me into his arms and swings me around. “Do you think you can just get away with that little jab, missy? I’m going to have to exact my revenge.”
I feel a little slap to my bottom and let out a moan. Quickly, I cover my mouth before one of the neighbors can hear me. We’re still about half a block away from the next house, but noises carry when everything else is silent.
“Jerk.”
He spanks me again. “Now you’re name calling… tsk, tsk.”
“Shut up and take me inside before I freeze to death out here.”
“It’s not that cold, but still, I’ll take you inside and keep you nice and warm all night long.”
“Good. I’m going to hold you to your promise.”
We step inside and remove our winter wear before climbing up the stairs to the second floor. The weight of the day wears on me, and I’m ready for nothing more than sleep. We strip down because apparently sleeping in nothing but panties and boxers works for us.