Page 38 of The List
Addison barely slept the night before. Cross hadn’t held anything back and it left her wondering if all the others felt the same way. Not Cleo. She was different. But the members of the club didn’t have any connection to her, and she’d somehow invaded their world without permission. She’d been solely focused on how Cleo would accept her and hadn’t even considered the Killcreek Drifters. It was a mistake on her part. But not intentional. Addison knew very little about motorcycle clubs. She’d watched the shows, saw the movies, and caught one or two documentaries. She’d learned a few things but didn’t realize the depth of their bonds. They were Knox’s family, like Cleo.
A honking horn caught her attention, and she bit back a smile when the blue car whipped into the parking lot. Cleo waved and pulled into the open space. Addison rounded the bumper, meeting Cleo at her door. It flew open and Cleo jumped out, seemingly out of breath, which was odd since she was driving.
“So sorry I’m late.” She slammed the door, rushed forward, and pulled Addison in for a tight squeeze.
Addison patted her back. “You’re fine. I haven’t been waiting long.”
Cleo pulled away but didn’t step back. The corner of her lips pulled down into a slight frown.
“But you’ve been waiting. I’m so sorry.” She blew out a breath, which ruffled her bangs. “I meal prep on Mondays, and I had to get the two crockpots going, then forgot I hadn’t chopped up the vegetables for the stew, so that took way more time than I’d thought. And by the time I got out of the shower, I still had to drop off something at the clubhouse and pick up Grizz’s groceries from Burke’s place.” She sucked in a breath. “Then I had to drop them back off before I could head over here because I forgot my cooler bag. So again, I’m so sorry.”
Addison was struck silent listening to all Cleo had done in one day, and it was only noon. Addison slept in, ate breakfast, had coffee, and showered. In fact, she’d spent the last hour at the house playing on her phone waiting and killing time. When she’d suggested meeting for lunch at noon, she had no idea what Cleo’s schedule had been. Cleo just immediately agreed. Why?
“We could’ve met up later, Cleo.”
She vehemently shook her head. “No, it’s totally good. Whatever works best for you, works for me.”
Or you’ll make it work.Addison sighed and folded her arms, staring back at Cleo.
“I’m flexible, Cleo.” She chuckled. “I’m on vacation, remember?” Addison winked. “Noon was a suggestion. If you have stuff going on, tell me and we’ll reschedule.”
“I don’t want to reschedule,” She blurted.
“Cleo, it’s…”
She rushed forward, crowding her space. “I’m available whenever you’re willing to see me. No matter what.”
There was an edge of desperation in her tone. Addison was seeing this in a whole new light. From Cleo’s side of the spectrum. Her interaction with the club hadn’t only rocked her but Cleo too. She’d specifically mentioned not wanting Wraith to scare her away. After her altercation with Cross, most people would’ve hightailed it out of Killcreek and never came back.
“I want to hang out with you as much as possible while I’m here. But I don’t want to disturb or upend your life so you can accommodate me.”
“I don’t mind.”
Addison grabbed her hand. “I do. And so we’re both on the same page. Coming here and meeting you means as much to me as it does to you.” Addison smiled. “You just have a better way of showing it.”
Cleo flattened her lips, glancing down at their clasped hands. From her angle, Addison could see her eyes well. Cleo squeezed her hand, peeking up through her lashes.
“I don’t want you to leave yet.”
There it was.
Addison released her hand and put her arm around Cleo’s shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere except the bar because I’m starving, and nothing sounds better right now than a cheeseburger, fries, and a stale beer.”
Cleo laughed. “Their onion rings are amazing too.”
“Lead the way.”
They walked in and sat at the bar. The place was empty except for a lone man sitting across from them watching the television.
The girl behind the bar, Mandee, took their order, and Addison inquired about Cleo’s meal prep. The girl had it nailed down to a science.
When they got their food, Addison practically devoured her burger. Cleo wasn’t lying. The onion rings were the best she’dever had. They continued with small talk mostly led by Cleo. It was what Addison wanted. And she sensed it was what Cleo needed.
There was a sudden lull in the conversation. Completely normal but as the silence lingered, it took an odd turn from what had been a comfortable vibe. Addison took a bite of her burger, subtly side-eyeing Cleo. She was staring down at her plate with her brows tensed, forming two deep lines as if she was heavy in thought. It could’ve been anything, but she had the feeling it had something to do with her.
“Thinking hard, huh?”
Cleo jerked her head, her eyes widened, and she stared back at Addison before smiling. It seemed forced.
