Solo’s lips move against mine consumed by fire and possibly greed. I’m not sure, but I know one thing right now and one thing only. The man can kiss. He can kiss great. It’s hot and better than I imagined it would be.

  I pull away. “That was…”

  “Been wanting to do that for days.” He smiles that stupid sexy smirk, appearing to be returning to himself. “Meet you at home. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

  “Yeah, we do,” I whisper still partially under the spell of his kiss and the shock of everything I’ve just learned. He shuffles me toward my car and opens the driver side door for me.

  “Well, isn’t this cute.” We both turn toward Angel as she stalks out of the salon that’s a door over from Mr. Finkle’s law office. Her hair is up in foil, but I recognize her easy enough. “I knew it. I knew you were fucking her.”

  “Go back inside, Angel. Who I’m fucking is none of your business.”

  “You’re a dick,” she screeches, charging forward, and punching his chest as she cries. “I hate you. I hate you.”

  Solo grabs her by both wrists. “We didn’t work out. Leave it at that and move on, because I promise you, your temper tantrum only serves to make you less attractive.”

  “We were fine till she showed up.” She sobs into his chest and part of me takes ownership in what she is saying because though I haven’t been around them long enough to know much, they seemed fine the other night.

  “I’ll catch up with you in a bit,” I tell Solo and quickly get into my car.

  Chapter ten

  Solo

  “Pull yourself together. You’re making a damn scene.”

  “Who gives a shit? You think I care what anyone in this shitty town thinks about me?”

  “I think you don’t like to be told no. Daddy spoiled you and you think you can get whatever you want whenever you want. You should know that circumstances in my life have changed and next time you see me I’ll be married.”

  Her head snaps back. “You’ll be married. What kind of sick game are you playing? Please tell me that you met her on one of your runs and she’s pregnant. That’s why you’re doing this isn’t it?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Oh my God. She’s having your baby.”

  I know I should correct Angel but it’s easier this way. Letting her believe whatever she wants will force her to get over this faster. “Take care of yourself.” I let her go and leave her crying on the sidewalk. I climb on my bike and follow after Vada.

  I knew Les always had a few tricks up his sleeve but this…his scheme for me to marry his Vada or risk losing the bar all together is crazy. So damn insane it may be what I need. Now all I have to do is get her to agree.

  When I pull up, she’s squaring off at the door to her trailer with Tater. He’s sitting on the top step waiting to be let inside. Vada is at the bottom of the steps with a hand to her hip. She twists around to face me. “Do something with your dog.”

  “He probably just wants his blanket.”

  “His blanket?”

  “The quilt that hangs over the back of the futon belongs to Tater.”

  She does a jerk and a shudder moves through her as her nose scrunches up. “I’ve slept with that. You could have told me. Or I don’t know, warned me.”

  “He’s family. Might as well get used to it.”

  “Isn’t it illegal to keep them as pets in Kentucky?”

  “You going to turn me in?” I take a step toward her.

  “What are you doing?” She’s looking at me like she doesn’t trust me.

  I reach around her and push the door open for Tater.

  “Hey,” she whines.

  I stroke her cheek. “Tater comes as part of the package. Might as well get used to it.”

  “Who said I want to marry you? I’ve spent the past few days thinking you were possibly related to me. I can’t shift gears that quickly.”

  “What gave you that idea?”

  “The photo at the bar you were with Les and I’m guessing your mom. I thought.”

  “You didn’t think to ask me. Les and my father were close friends. The bar was meant to be their business. My mom and him ran it until she passed and then it was my turn.”

  “I had no clue.”

  “Damn that explains a helluva lot.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You and your eww that’s gross. Don’t call me, babe. It’s improper.”

  “I don’t sound like that.”

  “Hate to burst your bubble but that’s exactly how you come across.”

  “Whatever.” She rolls her eyes.

  “Why don’t we start over. Pretend that we haven’t spent the past few days at each other’s throats and get to know each other. No pressure. No talk of business or marriage. Let’s spend the next four days together. No strings. No expectations. Monday morning I’ll meet you somewhere for breakfast and then we can share our decisions.”

  “You think it’s that simple?”

  “I think it can be if you allow it to be. Let’s just see where these next few days lead us.”

  “All right. Deal.” She holds her hand out for me to shake.

  I knock on the door to Vada’s trailer. It takes her a minute, but she throws the door back wearing a hideous green mask on her face. “Hope you’re planning to wash that shit off before we ride out.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Dandy’s. We have a date.”

  Her mouth forms an O.

  “You forgot.”

  “Shit. After the crazy day we’ve had I was treating myself to a glass of wine and a facial. Give me like ten minutes. Twenty tops.”

  I start to tell her if she wanted a facial all she had to do was ask but think better of it.

  “All right. You got boots?”

  “Boots?”

  “Babe, we’re taking my bike.”

  “Now I’ve got to change my whole outfit. Can’t I just meet you there?”

  “It’s a motorcycle ride to a western bar, not a fashion show. And no. If I wanted you to meet me there, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

  “Right. Okay.”

  “Vada?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Wash your face.”

  “I was planning to.” She sticks her tongue out and shuts the door in my face, but not before I catch a glimpse of Tater huddled in his blanket on the futon which makes me smile bigger.

  I go back to my place and open a beer. She said twenty minutes, but it’s been forty. I’m about to go knocking again when she finally comes out. She’s gorgeous. Damn near perfect. Dressed in distressed dark denim jeans that look like someone splattered bleach on them. I stare at her t-shirt and realize she’s wearing one of Les’s favorite t shirts. An old and faded Easy Rider tee. Her hair is styled into two braids on either side of her head, and I can’t help to imagine myself yanking on them as I fuck her from behind.

  “Do you think he’d mind?”

  “Think he’d love to see it.”

  “Will you tell me about him sometime?”

  “Abso-fuckin-lutely. Tell you as much as I can.”

  “I’d really like that.”

  “You ever ridden on a motorcycle before?”

  She shakes her head. I go over the basics with her and she seems to get it. Her arms go around me, her chest pressed to my back. I give her thigh a squeeze and we ride out.

  When we roll up to Dandy’s the parking lot is full. Another reminder that the lot at our bar is empty. Something’s gotta change only I have no clue what to do with the fuckin’ place. Least if Vada gets on board with collecting that insurance money, we’ll have the finances to make changes.

  I help her off my bike and she seems a bit dazed. “You good?”

  “That was incredible. I think from now on I want you to drive me everywhere. Though I think my ass is still vibrating.”

  I chuckle and take her hand. I expect her to pull away, but she doesn’t. Her fingers lock with mine and something about the simple gesture feels right. However, the minute we walk in regret hits me square in the chest. Angel is here and by the looks of the way she’s sloppily hanging onto the bull ride in the middle of the room she’s wasted.

  Fuck, I hope she doesn’t make a scene.

  “That looks fun.” She stops abruptly, watching the show Angel is putting on.

  “Maybe later.”

  “Isn’t that…”

  “Yup.” I tug Vada toward the bar in the back by the dance floor hoping we can avoid the mouthy cunt.

  “We don’t have to stay. I mean I won’t complain if you just want to take me for another ride on your Harley.”

  “This goes good, I’ll take you anytime you want.”

  She smiles and I cage my arms in around her at the bar while she orders us both a beer. Her head tips back and she stares up at me cheesing like a goof. Looks like the real Vada is out tonight. Her guard is down. I like it a fuckuva’ lot. I yank on one of her braids then I kiss her.

  She moves her lips against mine, parting them to welcome me inside. I delve my tongue between that sweet part tasting the mint of her toothpaste.

  “Five even.” The bartender slides our bottles across the bar.

  I dig some bills out of my wallet and pay the man.

  A new song starts, and I take up a stool. Vada settles in, standing between my legs. Her back to my front as I hook an arm around her waist. I could get used to this. She isn’t nagging me to dance or going off and strutting her ass around the place trying to make me jealous. Stunts Angel likes to pull when I’d take her out. No, this girl is chill to simply be in my arms and drink her beer while observing the bar.

  “Whatcha think?” my lips work against the shell of her ear and a shiver moves over her. I smile at the effect I seem to have on her. Now that I know that before she was keeping a wall up because she had the wrong idea it makes her fuckin’ cuter. All that shit was because she felt guilty for being attracted to me.

  “It’s cool here. I like it but we can do better.”

  “You think so?”

  “Oh yeah. I’ve got some ideas.”

  “Cool. You can tell me about them later.” I grab her beer and sit it on the bar with my empty. “C’mon.” I take her out on the dance floor as a slow song starts up.

  “I didn’t take you as the dancing type.”

  “A man will be any type for the right woman.”

  “That a fact?”

  “Can’t help yourself, can you?” I ask as her arms go around my neck.

  “What?”

  “Love to spar with me.”

  “What can I say? You make for a fun opponent.”

  “You going to be this argumentative in the bedroom?”

  “Guess you’ll find out if you manage to get me in one.”

  “You’ll be in my bed.”

  “Want to bet?”

  “Don’t need to.”

  “Cocky,” she mutters, but doesn’t deny that she knows I’m going to have her in my bed by the end of the night.

  Once the song ends, I park her ass on a stool. “I gotta hit the head. Think you can behave while I’m gone?”

  “I make no promises. There’s a cute cowboy over there with a nice ass.”

  “Don’t be a brat.”

  “See. He keeps staring at me.”

  I follow her gaze ready to fucking put a motherfucker in his place only to see the fucking cardboard cutout of the Dandy’s cowboy. “You think you’re real cute.”

  “I know I am.”

  “Be back in a few.” I give one of her braids another tug then touch my lips to hers.

  Chapter eleven

  Vada

  “Should you be at a bar in your condition?”

  I look over and see Angel. Great. I knew earlier with the fit she was throwing on the sidewalk the woman is going to be a thorn in my side.

  I guess I can’t exactly blame her. Solo’s hot in his jeans and biker vest, his arms covered in tattoos. And he’s got this charm to him even if he’s a bit of an asshole. It’s easy to see why women are drawn to him, myself included.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Solo told me. The only reason he’s marrying you is because you’re pregnant. He’d never choose you over me.” She flips her hair and pushes off the stool next to mine.

  My brows knit as I blink in confusion. “I’m not pregnant.” And he told her we’re getting married. What the fuck?

  “What other reason could there be?” Her hand goes to her hip.

  Money. I keep the answer to myself. Is he playing us both? Using me to get the money so he can run off with her after? He claims to have not known about the money but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t.

  “You’d have to ask him the answer to that.” I shake my head. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but tonight was going a little too perfect. If all he wants is the money, he doesn’t have to go to all this trouble. If that whole line he gave me about seeing where the next few days lead was bullshit. He could have been honest. I’d understand.

  What I’m not doing is playing this game whatever, it is. Angel’s feelings don’t mean anything to me. I owe her nothing.

  I start walking off when an arm snakes around my waist. I look down recognizing Solo’s tattoos. The dark lines and skulls. “Where you off to?” his lips move against my ear but now this unwelcome sense of dread fills me at his touch.

  “Ask your girlfriend.” I attempt to push his arm away, but he doesn’t budge.

  “Who?”

  I twist around and glance to where Angel was only seconds ago to find her gone. “Does it matter?”

  “Matters to me and seems you care too, or you wouldn’t be getting so riled up. What’d she say?”

  I scoff. “Said you’re only marrying me because I’m pregnant. Is that the bullshit you fed her?”

  “She jumped to the conclusion. I didn’t correct her because I don’t owe her any explanation. I let her think what she wanted so I could get her off my back. So I could go home. So I could come to you.”

  “You don’t have to go to these great lengths for the money. If you want to get married and collect the money and divorce me after I’m game. Everyone wins. You don’t have to waste your time or mine with this.”

  “I know that. I’m here because I want to be. Why are you here?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Bullshit.” He moves in close, towering over me. His eyes bore into me. “You’re here because you want to explore what we could be if you let your wall down.” His fingers tip my chin upward. “Question is…are you gonna let me in, Vada?”

  “I want to.”

  “Good.” Solo’s mouth closes in on mine and maybe I’m a fool for believing him but something inside of me says to trust him. His hands go to either side of my throat keeping me in place as he explores my mouth, kissing me deep and wet.

  So if this makes me a fool then I’m a fool for him.

  “You ready to get out of here?”

  I lick my lips tasting him and beer.

  Intoxicated at the thought of where this night could take us if I let go and just go with it.

  This doesn’t have to mean anything if I don’t want it to.

  “I wanted to ride the bull.”

  He leans in and whispers in my ear, “How about you ride me instead?”

  Back at the trailers Solo takes me to his. Part of me wants to protest. I know he had Angel in here only a few nights ago and who knows who else there’s been but tonight it’s me. His trailer is way nicer than mine. He’s definitely put in some upgrades to his appliances from what I can see as only the light overhead of the stove is on. The rest of the place is dark. Solo wastes no time getting to it. I hear his boots thudding against the floor as he kicks them off. Then his hands and his mouth are on me. Man can he kiss. The way he touches me as though he can’t get enough sets my soul on fire.

  My shirt goes flying along with my shoes. Solo lifts me and I wrap my legs around him as he carries me to his bed.

  He drops my feet to the floor and goes straight for the zipper and button. Yanking my jeans down my legs he pauses midway through the act to kiss me again. I could grow addicted to his kisses and the primal way he handles me. Rough with need. A craving only I can satisfy.

  My skin fevers with every stroke of his fingers as they move to unhook my bra while I kick my jeans the rest of the way off.

  “Get on the bed,” he growls.

  I sit on the edge watching him undress, lighted by the moonlight streaming through the window. He’s sexy and tonight he’s all mine. He pulls his shirt over his head revealing more ink on his skin that I can’t quite make out in the dark. His jeans disappear along with his boxer briefs then he’s on his knees, pushing me back and dragging my panties down my legs. His mouth is on my pussy in a flash as he pushes my thighs apart.

  I grab hold of his dark hair and enjoy the ride his fingers and tongue are giving me along with those torturous lips. My body pulses and hums with desire as he takes me higher and higher. I know I’m going to come soon. No one has ever gotten me off with only oral stimulation. I have a bit of a kink that the only way I get off is when I know the man that I’m with is coming inside of me, but merely the thought of Solo creaming my pie has me ready to explode.

  “I need you, Sebastian.”

  He freezes and our gazes meet. “Say it again.”

  “What?”

  “Like my name coming off them lips.”

  “I need you, Sebastian,” I coo, and he moves onto the bed, blanketing my body with his. The weight of his body presses into me as he reaches over into the drawer of his nightstand. I hear the wrapper ripping as I scratch my nails down his back and suck on his neck. He reaches between us, sheathing his cock and lines up with my pussy teasing the head along my lips before pushing inside me.