Page 97 of Smokey's Distraction
A big grin broke out over Willy’s face as he grabbed her hand. “I’d love to hear about them. But first, I want you to meet my buddies.”
As he guided her away and over toward his friends, Smokey turned back to his club members. Not one of them looked her way, so she focused her attention on remembering the crazy road names of Willy’s biker friends. After several minutes of answering their questions, Willy gave her a tight hug.
“I’m mighty happy right now. I’ve been waiting a long time for Smokey to bring a lady around.”
Not knowing what to say, Ashley smiled.
“Do you want a beer? A shot of whiskey?”
“No thanks. I wouldn’t mind a Coke if you have some.”
Willy slapped his wrinkled tanned forehead with the palm of his hand. “Dammit to hell!” I knew I forgot something at the store. I always write these fuckin’ lists and forget to take them when I go into town.”
“No worries. I’m good, really.”
Frowning, he tapped a finger against the side of his mouth, and then suddenly, the warm smile was back. “Wait. I got some 7-Up. It doesn’t have the caffeine, but I can put a shot of rum in it to give you a buzz.”
She laughed. “7-Up is perfect, and I don’t need a buzz right now.”
“When you do, you let me know.” With a wink, he made his way to the bar.
For the next hour or so, Ashley sat on the couch, nursing her flat soft drink, and watching the dynamics in the room. The older blond Insurgent mingled easily with Willy’s friends while the other men talked among themselves, only branching out occasionally to speak with Willy.
“Cara wants you to call her,” the intense, blue-eyed biker said.
Smokey nodded. “Will do.”
Who’s Cara? And what does Smokey have to do with her?A thread of insecurity took hold, making her question whether letting Smokey into her bed had been a good idea. The man was a hound. Just because he took her out for a hardy meal before introducing her to Willy, didn’t mean he’d changed his ways. Her mother’s favorite expression echoed in her ears:
“A leopard never changes its spots.”
“You coming to the club?” one of the Insurgents asked.
Smokey shook his headno.
“So you’re not gonna be at the club party tonight?”
“Don’t think so.”
After bumping fists, six of the members walked out of the room, and soon after, the roar of their motorcycles echoed through the house.
“I fucking love that sound!” one of Willy’s friends, Pac Man, shouted.
“Nothing like it in the world. Hawk told me he’ll hook me up with an aftermarket exhaust,” Willy said.
“Those motherfuckers are loud,” Grizzly said.
Smokey grinned. “And what’s your fuckin’ point?”
The men laughed, and for a moment, Ashley wondered what world she’d stepped into. The way the men acted, along with their obsession with motorcycles, was something she’d never experienced before. Smokey was the only person she’d ever met who owned a motorcycle. Warner, a guy from high school, rode a dirt bike, but never acted like having one was a big deal. But Smokey and these mencherishedtheir bikes.And I wouldn’t be surprised if motorcycles were the number one thing in his life—even before women.
“Are you ready to head out?” Smokey asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.
Grabbing his offered hand, she rose to her feet. “I am.”
“Did you speak to Willy about Gavin?”
“I mentioned him. He’s down with having two of them working at the farm, but part-time works best for him.”
