“You really want to marry me?”
“Are you kidding me? Yes, I want you to be my wife. I want to love you unabashedly in public and private. No more hiding. I want to dance and make out with you in front of my brothers. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed of us.”
I wished I could smash my lips to his.
Art said all the right things, all the things I needed to hear. He wasn’t just paying me lip service to get between my legs. He meant every word.
“I’m so in love with you, Art. I’m almost ready to tell Storm and my boys.”
“Hell yes.”
Tears pooled in my eyes. I felt like a fool for doubting him. “I’m sorry I freaked just a minute ago. I just, I can’t take this separation. It’s only been four days, and I’m so damn lonely, Art. Everyone is busy with their own families. I’m all alone.” I sniffled and wiped a renegade tear off my cheek.
“Dammit, I wish I could comfort you. Come out to see me. We can steal a few hours together.”
“I don’t think I can be gone that long. People will ask questions.”
“I’ll meet you halfway. On Highway Twelve near Howard Lake, there’s a motel. Do you know it?”
“Yeah. We drive by it when we make a Costco run.” Excitement fluttered in my heart. “When?”
“Get on the road now. I’ll do the same, but I gotta be back at the club by seven.”
“For a party?”
He sighed. “No, baby. Hustler and I are vetting new prospects. I’m working out here, not partying.”
“Is he screwing around with the club girls?” Hustler was the playboy out in North Dakota. A lot like Lynx had been before he fell head over heels for Jaynee.
“I don’t keep track of him or anyone else, but yeah, he is.”
“Then what do you do when you’re not working? You haven’t called me once.”
“I swear I haven’t been fucking around. I’m not stupid, Eve. I was afraid to call. Hoped you’d make the first move.”
Relief washed over me. “Well, I had to call. Couldn’t go another day not talking to you.”
“Get on the road. I’m dying to smother you.”
I smiled as I went back to the clubhouse. “I can’t wait. See you soon.”
“Drive safe.” The call ended just as I entered the empty kitchen. I quickly went up to my bedroom to grab my purse and check my appearance in the mirror. I didn’t really care how I looked. Art had seen me in a T-shirt and jeans hundreds of times.
After fluffing my hair and spritzing perfume, I hurried out to my car to avoid running into anyone. My one obstacle was my son.
I stopped at the gate and waited for Maddox to come to my window.
“Where you off to, Mom?”
I hated lying, but I was nowhere ready to tell him about Art. “I’m going to the movies and maybe do a little shopping.” Maddox didn’t like either, so he wouldn’t complain about not going.
“Why isn’t one of the old ladies going with you? Or maybe Libby? I don’t want you going alone.”
Oh, my protective son. “Honey, they’re busy. It’ll be fine. It’s no fun sitting in the club alone.”
His stormy-gray eyes filled with sadness. “Dammit, I hate this for you. If Markey were here, he’d go with you. Maybe you should find some single friends to hang out with.”
Single friends, not a man. He didn’t want me alone, but he didn’t want me with another man. Would I ever get my son’s blessing with Art?