Page 27 of Ironside
“Oh, well, I can’t have competition like that around here, so it’s going straight into the trash—”
“Don’t you dare,” Lena said, laughing, as she rescued the container from me.
I watched as she deposited food on her plate, licking her fork clean. She took a hearty bite of her sandwich, smearing sauce on the corner of her mouth. When I wiped it away with my thumb, she flicked a glance at me. I curved my hand around the backof her neck, feeling that familiar knot of aching warmth in my chest.
“I want you to meet my club,” I said.
Lena’s eyebrows shot up. She put her sandwich down, grabbing a napkin to clean up.
“That’s…fast, don’t you think?”
I shrugged, idly stroking her thigh. Peeling her dress aside, I kissed her shoulder, breathing in the salt of her skin and the sweetness of her perfume.
“It might be fast, but it feels right,” I replied. “There’s a charity ride next weekend. We’re raising funds for families in need. It’s like one big summer picnic with plenty of food, games, music. A lot of my brothers bring their girlfriends and wives.”
Lena nodded as she listened, fiddling with her fork. She tore off a strip of bacon from her sandwich and nibbled it thoughtfully.
“Is that what I am to you?” she asked.
“What?”
“A girlfriend.”
Silence filled the room. Only a few days ago, when I met Lena, I thought one date would lead to nothing more than hooking up for a good time.
But here she was, barely clothed as she perched on my lap, eating the food I made for her. I didn’t do this shit with a one night stand.
“I don’t know,” I replied. “Would a pretty little flower like you want to get serious with an old guy like me?”
Lena rolled her eyes and jabbed her elbow lightly into my ribs.
“Stop saying you’re old.”
“I’m going gray, honey,” I said in a dry voice.
She threaded her fingers through my hair, gazing at me. My cock jumped with renewed interest.
“Silver,” she declared. “It looks like you’re going silver to me. And silver is sexy. Mature. Commanding,” she added, flushing that glorious shade of red again.
I chuckled and kissed the curve of her neck. She gasped, squirming in my lap.
“Commanding, hmm? I’ll have to keep that in mind for future reference.”
Lena gestured at me with her fork.
“Not so fast. Don’t go jumping to any conclusions. I need to try your blueberry cobbler first.”
I waited while she carved out a bite, closing her lips around the fork. She covered her mouth with one hand and moaned.
“Is that a yes?” I prompted.
She nodded enthusiastically.
“I’ll be your girlfriend. I’ll be your wife. Hell, I’ll have all your babies as long as you keep me fed like this.”
I laughed, sliding my arms around her waist. I liked the sound of that.
The day of the charity ride dawned bright, sunny, and blazing hot. The clubhouse buzzed with activity. People spilled out into the parking lot and across the lawn, filling picnic tables and chairs. Multiple barbecues were loaded with sizzling cuts of meat, burgers, and hot dogs.
