Page 16

I whimper into his mouth when he drags his lips along my jaw, then down to my neck. I dig deep and manage to pull back. “Wow,” I mutter past my tingling lips.

“You can say that again.” He smirks down at me.

I’m tempted to invite him up to my apartment, but I’m just not ready to make that move. “I’m going to head out,” I say instead.

Bones looks like he’s about to argue, and I know I’ll cave. He stares down into my eyes for a few moments then steps back. “See you tomorrow, sweetheart.”

“I’ll be here,” I barely manage to respond since my mind is pretty much goo. He looks like he wants to say something else, and I hold my breath, waiting. But one of the mechanics shouts from the garage and Bones grumbles under his breath and jerks around to go see what’s happening.

As I walk to the apartment, I catch a glimpse of Bones in the lot, locking up for the night. The temptation to stand at the window and watch him is downright pathetic, but here I am, hiding behind the curtain like a silly teenager. He moves through the twilight, broad shoulders lit up in the glow of the security lights.

After he hops on his bike and drives away, I force myself to get a grip and change into my ancient pajamas. My brain is still whirring from the way Bones looked at me when he pressed that kiss to my mouth before walking out.

My hands actually shake as I open my laptop. I try to update tomorrow’s intake schedule, but it’s pointless. My head won’t stop spinning. I can’t stop replaying everything that’s happened since I met him.

Less than a week ago, I had a job that made me want to go into witness protection and a boss who thought sexual harassment was a management style. Now, I’m drowning in the attention of a six-foot-plus biker who treats me like I’m spun glass. My body clearly doesn’t care about my survival instincts because every time Bones gets within three yards of me, I want to throw caution to the wind and jump his bones. No pun intended.

I close the laptop, flop back on the couch, and stare at the ceiling like it holds the secrets of my future.

At some point, I end up falling asleep because the next thing I know, my alarm is blaring through the tiny apartment.

Friday is supposed to be the finish line, but today feels like crossing a marathon and immediately being asked to run another. I’m standing in the center of my new office, arms folded, proud of what I accomplished in my first week. Damn, I actually tamed the beast. The chaos is under control.

It’s nearly 4 when I slide the last customer file into its proper spot, then I save my work and turn off my computer. I take a step back. It’s almost clinical, but I don’t even care.

It’s my new favorite time of day. All of the shop crew has already bounced, off to weekend plans or whatever poor decision-making they get up to at night. Even Diesel is gone, off to “decompress,” which is probably code for something not remotely relaxing. Only Bones is still around, somewhere in the back bay, finishing up for the day.

I’m searching for my freaking cellphone when a deep rumble shakes the glass wall that faces the parking lot. It’s a sound I’ve come to recognize. I glance out the window to see three big and mean motorcycles pulling up.

Steel Sinners MC, in the flesh.

The guys who climb off the bikes look like a casting call for “Intimidating Dudes with Beards.” All three are wearing heavy black cuts, big white patches, and riding boots. They head straight for the shop bay, not even glancing at the office.

The door to the shop is half-open, and the noise inside shifts from idle talk to low voices, a short bark of laughter, then silence. I see Bones through the window, standing tall in front of the other guys, arms folded, face unreadable. One of the bikers is talking with his hands, gesturing at something on the lot.

After a few minutes, the tall, skinny one gives Bones a hard pat on the shoulder, says something, and the three bikers head back to their machines. Bones stands there a moment longer, hands on his hips, watching them go.

I try not to stare as the MC guys peel out of the lot, engines screaming. But I fail. Hard.

I’m still staring when Bones appears in my doorway, blocking out the last of the Friday sunlight.

He surveys the office with a slow, deliberate sweep. “Damn,” he says. “Didn’t think you’d get it all done in a week.”

I shrug, trying not to preen. “What can I say? I’m a miracle worker.”

His eyes narrow, but he’s fighting a smile. “I knew you could do it, sweetheart.” He steps inside, fills the whole doorframe, and rests his hands on the top of my now immaculate filing cabinet. For a second, it’s just him and me. As the temperature in the room spikes several degrees, I fight the urge to fan myself.

Honestly, it’s a miracle my ovaries don’t explode on the spot. I try to look casual, but if there’s any air left in my lungs, it’s only because Bones hasn’t stolen it with that stare yet.

“So,” I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “Were those your MC brothers?”

He grunts, the sound vibrating all the way through me. I swear my knees wobble, which is just embarrassing. Bones takes another step closer, so now he’s basically looming over the desk, arms braced on either side, crowding me on purpose.

“Yep. They wanted to know why I haven’t been around.” He shrugs, all nonchalant badass, but his eyes are locked on my lips like he’s deciding exactly how hard to kiss me next.

Relief cuts through me. I haven’t been letting myself think about him and his club. And the things that happen in MCs. As he stares at me, curiosity gets the best of me. “Why haven’t you?”

Bones’ grin is slow and wicked, like he’s about to eat me for dessert. “Told them I had more important things to do.” He leans in, words warm against my burning cheeks. “Said I got a woman to woo.” Holy shit. My brain short-circuits. “Speaking of which.” Bones leans over and places a soft kiss on the pulse pounding at the base of my neck. “Would you have dinner with me tonight?”

I take a breath, try not to overthink it, and say, “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Bones’s smile is slow, satisfied. “Why don’t you run up to the apartment and change into something comfortable while I close up. Then I’ll take you to my place for dinner.”

His place? My ovaries practically short-circuit at the words. I stare at Bones and realize I want it. Not just dinner. I want all of it. The man, the chaos, the rough hands, and the velvet kisses that scramble my brain. My body’s been setting off five-alarm fires every time he’s within ten feet, and now I’ve completely lost my mind because all I can think of is him.

I try to play it cool, but when I meet his eyes, there’s no mistaking the heat in them. He looks hungry. For me. Every part of my body wakes up and goes on high alert.

“Yeah,” I breathe, my voice way too soft. “I’d like that.”

Bones grunts, looking satisfied, and the sound shudders right through me. “Go get ready, sweetheart. And pack a bag for the weekend.”