Page 32 of Chains
Chapter Eight
Two weeks later
On his wayto town, Chains drove by the clinic and looked over at the parking lot, his jaw clenching when he saw Autumn’s car in the space at the far end of the building. That seemed to be her usual spot since her vehicle had been parked there each time Chains had passed by, which had been more times than he’d ever admit.
A picture of Autumn petting Thor while warmly smiling at Chains had taken up residence in his mind, and he couldn’t shake the image no matter how hard he’d tried. No amount of tequila or weed could rub it out. And various images of Autumn in her lab coat—on and off—factored into some pretty graphic fantasies while he was in the shower or lying in bed in the late hours of the night.
If any of the brothers got a whiff of his little detours each time Chains rode into town, they’dneverlet him forget that he was acting like a fucking grade-A pansy-ass. In anger, he revved the engine at the stoplight, then sped off the minute the light turned green. A few cars honked at him, so he stretched his hand out the window, lifted it in the air, and prominently displayed his middle finger.
Ever since the night Autumn called him when Thor had come home from the clinic, Chains had debated about giving her a jingle. The fact that she’d stated she didn’t live with her fiancé told Chains that she wanted to have some fun on the side before donning the ball and chain. Autumn was looking to cheat and would make a shitty partner like his ex-wife had, but if the woman wanted to spread her legs and have some fun, he was down for it. There was no way he’d get emotionally involved with her, but Chains couldn’t deny the attraction they had for each other. But in the end, he hadn’t called her. His pride wouldn’t let him because whether it was for a hookup or something more, Chains liked being the only man in a chick’s life while they saw each other. When he picked a club girl to be his for however long, she never fucked any of the other members during that time. That was just the way Chains was wired, and that’s why his ex-wife and best friend’s betrayal hurt him deeply. After nearly seven years, he’d finally gotten over it, but not to the extent that he’d get seriously involved with another citizen.
Chains pulled over to the curb in front of his parents’ house and turned off the ignition, then sauntered up the sidewalk to the front porch. He hesitated before he rang the bell and hoped his dad was at work since their encounters were never pleasant. It seemed like he always rubbed the old man the wrong way. As long as Chains could remember, his dad had never said anything positive to him. When he was a kid, the harsh words were like knives, cutting him to the core, and when Chains had been in high school, he’d dealt with it by cutting school, smoking weed, shoplifting, and spending more time than not in juvenile detention. He’d done everything he could to piss off the old man just so he could feel like shit, then maybe he’d understand how Chains felt. But his dad only grew angrier with him and increased the verbal and emotional abuse until Chains took off the day after graduation.
The door flew open, and the memories from the past scattered to the deep recesses of his mind.
“Why didn’t you ring the bell? I thought I heard a motorcycle,” his mother said as she unlocked the screen door.
“Hey, Mom.” He walked inside, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cake filled the living room, transporting him back to the kitchen of his childhood, where he’d sit at the table and watch his mother take one of her delicious vanilla cakes out of the oven.
“Aren’t you even going to give your mother a hug?” She held out her arms.
Chains gave her a squeeze, then pulled away quickly. “How’ve you been?”
“Very busy. I’ve been baking cakes for three days straight.”
A small smile ghosted his lips. “It smells great in here.”
She held up four fingers. “That’s how many quinceañeras I have to bake for. What was I thinking?” Regina shook her head.
“You love it.” The smile widened. “And you’re the best baker in Alina. For years, I’ve said that you should have your own bakery.”
“I’m busy enough with the orders I get. The website you made for me has brought in so many customers—even some from Durango.”
“Then you need to hire a few people and start selling around the country.”
His mother laughed. “Your dad would throw a fit. He’s already on my back for taking in too many orders.”
“I bet he is.” Bitterness laced his voice.
Regina’s eyes found his. “You judge your father too harshly.”
“He’s the one who taught me how to do that.”
“I’m just saying that you’ve never given him a chance—he’s really a very nice and loving man.”
A dry laugh. “Are we talking about the same person?”
She looked away. “Come into the kitchen and I’ll give you a piece of cake. I have a fresh pot of coffee brewing. Emily gave me a coffeemaker for Mother’s Day—it was when we all went out for lunch at Poppies.” His mom rummaged through one of the cupboards. “You didn’t show up,” she said in a low voice.
“I called and told you I couldn’t come,” Chains said as he pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and sat down.
“Anyway, she’d be so mad if she knew I’ve only used it two times. I guess I should give it a chance, but I still like the sound of the coffee pot when it percolates.”
“Then use what you like. Just ’cause Emily got you something doesn’t mean you have to love it or use it.”
“True, but I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”
“It’s just a coffeemaker, Mom. I’m pretty sure Emily could deal with it.” He picked up the fork, cut off a big bite, and shoved it into his mouth. Flavor exploded, and he chewed slowly, savoring the sweet and citrus tastes on his tongue. “This is so fuckin’ good,” he said.
