Ryker
Ryker decided to go into the bar a bit early, to have a talk with the guys about being on their best behavior while Harlow had to work through this mess with her ex-mother-in-law. Tonight was church at the club, and it was just going to be the guys, well, the guys and Harlow because there was no way that he’d let her out of his sight.
His phone rang as he pulled into the parking lot. “I’m going to head in and see if Taz will make me a burger. I’m starving,” Harlow said.
“Have him make me one too,” Ryker said. “Be in soon.” He waited for her to shut the truck door before answering the call. He saw that it was from Ace and if he didn’t have good news for him about Billows, he didn’t want to worry Harlow. She already had enough on her plate, he didn’t want to add to it.
He answered his phone, “Hey, Ace.”
“I have an update,” Ace said, getting right to the point. That was one of the things he liked about the guy—he didn’t waste time beating around the bush.
“Let’s have it,” Ryker said.
“I think that Harlow is in the clear. I delivered the money, personally, to Billows. We also had a little conversation about him leaving Harlow alone, and he seemed to get the message.”
“But no guarantee,” Ryker said.
“There never is,” Ace admitted. “If it was my woman that Billows wanted, I’d find a way to keep her close for a bit longer. Couldn’t hurt.”
“I will, although she won’t like it. I think I’ll keep our conversation to myself and tell her that we have no real updates other than he was paid. She’s going through a rough patch right now, and I don’t want to let her out of my sight.”
“Dude,” Ace said. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
He wasn’t sure of anything, but he wasn’t going to take any chances with Harlow. They hadn’t been together for very long and he wouldn’t take the chance that she’d tell him to hit the road.
“I’m not sure what’s a good idea anymore, man,” Ryker admitted.
“I’m not going to tell you what to do, but maybe come clean with her and let Harlow decide how she wants things to play out,” Ace offered. He was right, but his way was scary. Harlow might decide that she didn’t need him anymore and then where would he be?
“I’ll consider it,” Ryker grumbled. “Thanks for everything, Ace. I owe you one. Hell, I owe you a lot more than one, but we’ll figure that out.” He knew that if Ace needed something, he’d call on Ryker.
“I told you, Ryker, you don’t owe me a thing. This was something I should have done a long time ago. The Smokey Bandits was my baby before I handed it off. I should have done it right and you wouldn’t have been in this mess now,” Ace said. “Talk soon,” he said and ended the call.
Ryker pocketed his cell phone and got out of his truck. First, he’d need to warn the guys to be on their best behavior around the bar and around Harlow. Then, he was going to have to come clean and tell her about his conversation with Ace. He’d stress that there was no guarantee that Billows would keep his promise to leave her alone. In fact, he wouldn’t put it past the guy to lie to Ace and come for her anyway, even after he got his money. He just hoped that Harlow would listen to reason and let him stay with her. It wasn’t so much for her protection anymore, but because he wanted to be with her. He’d just have to find a way to let his guard down and tell her that.
* * *
Taz had made enough burgers and fries to feed an army and the guys were chowing down, giving Ryker the perfect time to have their meeting. Usually, the guys were pretty rowdy and if their mouths were full, he’d have their silence and their attention.
He stood at the bar, whistling to get their attention, and when everyone turned to look at him, he began. “Sorry to interrupt our dinner guys, but I have something important to announce.” He pulled Harlow up from her chair to stand next to him. “Harlow and I are together now,” he said. There were cheers from the guys, but he didn’t miss the look that she shot him. This was something that he should have discussed with her before announcing, but he didn’t give a fuck if every guy at the bar knew that she belonged to him. In fact, he liked things that way.
“Ryker,” Harlow breathed.
“Babe, they all knew how I feel about you from the day you started here,” he said. “That’s why they’ve left you alone—well, that and your little outburst the first night you worked here,” he admitted.
She nodded and he turned his attention back to the guys who were all still watching them. “She’s run into some trouble and there will be a few lawyers poking their heads in to check on her at the bar. That means, from now on, our meetings will be held after the bar closes. I don’t want any rowdy parties going on in here and you all need to be on your best behavior. For all anyone knows, we’re running a respectable bar and grill now. Think of this place as a family-friendly restaurant and act accordingly,” he ordered. “Got it?” he asked. The guys all grumbled their agreement, nodding their heads, and he just hoped like hell that they’d stick to their promises.
“Finish up your dinners and we’ll get to church as soon as everyone’s done,” Ryker said.
Taz popped out from behind the bar, a big grin on his giant face. “Does this mean that I’ll be able to add a few things to the menu?” he asked. “You know since this place is going to be a bar and grill now.”
“Jesus, Taz,” Ryker griped. “Can you give me just a minute to catch my breath? I just started serving food here and now, you want to expand the menu?” he asked.
Taz shrugged, “I’m an opportunist,” he said.
“Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you before I leave tonight,” Ryker offered.
“I love the idea,” Harlow said. Taz practically picked her up from the floor, pulling her into a big bear hug.