“She’s too young to know what she’s doing.”
Wait a second. Is that Lynn’s problem? “You realize I’m only six years older than her, right?”
She squints up at me. “I assumed you were older.”
“Yeah, you assume a lot of things about me that aren’t true.” I stroke my hand over my beard. “Is it the beard? Does it give me a dirty old man vibe, or something?”
My attempt at a joke doesn’t penetrate her attitude of steel. “No, it’s your VP patch. Figured you had to be a lot older to earn one of those.”
I glance down, taking in the patch that still looks pretty clean even though I stitched it on a few months ago. She might have a point. Some clubs probably have age requirements for officeholders. Mine isn’t one of them. Merit and the vote of our fellow brothers are all we need.
Now I’m curious. “How many bikers have you known, Lynn?”
She glares at me. “Enough.”
“Was Shelby’s dad a biker?”
“Lordy, no.”
“So what’s your problem with me?”
“It’s not you, specifically.” She tilts her head to the side. “I like you fine, Rooster. Now just isn’t the right time for her. If you two still feel this way in a few years when Shelby’s more established, then give it a shot.” She raises her eyebrows hopefully, as if she thinks she’s come up with a perfect solution. “You know…if ya love her, set her free. And if she comes back…”
My entire body recoils at the suggestion.
Miss out on years with Shelby for some imaginary reason Lynn’s concocted in her warped mind? Hell fucking no.
“That’s not gonna happen.”
“You don’t understand. She’s wanted this since she was a little girl—”
“I know that.”
She plows ahead as if I hadn’t spoken. “I don’t want her giving it all up for a man.”
The suggestion that I’m disposable or interchangeable with any random guy who might pop into Shelby’s life at some point pisses me off, but I keep my tone level. “I don’t want her to give anything up.”
“That right? You’ll be okay with her on the road all the time? Won’t find someone else to warm your bed while she’s gone?”
Somehow, I don’t think informing Lynn that I plan to travel with Shelby is going to ease her mind.
“What about those award shows?” she presses. “That’s a big deal for Shelby. She needs a man on her arm who enhances her career.”
Well, that’s something I can’t do for her. Fuck, if anything, my club ties could fuck up Shelby’s career. Strange how that’s not Lynn’s go-to argument.
She flashes a triumphant smile when I hesitate.
No. Fuck that. “Stop worrying about shit that’s none of your business. And stop making her miserable, Lynn.”
The hurt on her face almost makes me wish I’d chosen my words more carefully. Almost.
“She said I make her miserable?” she asks in a small voice.
“Shelby doesn’t have to say it. I can see it with my own two eyes every time she talks to you. Stop harassing her. And while you’re at it, stop calling Greg. He’s not going to toss me off the tour. Especially now.”
She swallows hard and averts her eyes. “He told you that?”
“Yes.”
“He told you I wanted you off the tour…” She stumbles over the words. “But you still paid for me to fly out here?”
I didn’t want to rub that in Lynn’s face but it’s nice to have her finally acknowledge it.
“Whatever beef you think you have with me”—I tap my chest—“doesn’t change the fact that Shelby needed her mom here.”
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I think that’s as close to a truce as I’m going to get with Lynn.
Still, I can’t help being a bit of an asshole about the situation. “And trust me, your daughter’s not so twitterpated over me she forgets about birth control.”
Her cheeks turn red.
I probably enjoy the shock on her face a little too much. Good. I hope I made her as uncomfortable as she makes Shelby.
This better be the last time Lynn and I need to have this conversation.
But somehow, I doubt it.
Chapter Sixteen
Shelby
Heidi’s stories about the ride down here do the trick and pull me out of my funk.
“Thank you for coming all that way. I can’t believe…you must have enough to do at home.”
Heidi shrugs. “I was worried about you. We all were.”
“Where’s Alexa?” I can’t imagine it’s easy for a young mom to just take off at a moment’s notice.
“With Rock and Hope.” Her lips curl into a softer, warmer smile. “We lived with them for a while, so she’s comfortable there. Still has her own room at their house. And she loves them to pieces. My brother will look after her if they need a break.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, the little ones get spoiled rotten in the LOKI family.” She raises her eyebrows as if that’s a perk I should be excited about.
Someone knocks softly on the door and pushes it open. Trinity’s pretty face appears in the crack. “Hey, Shelby. Mind if I join you?”
I scoot up a little. “You came too?”
“Sure did. How are you feeling?” She closes the door behind her, long blonde and blue ponytail swishing over her back.
“Almost human again.” I still haven’t sorted through all of my feelings but I feel safe for the moment, and that’s a start.
Trinity approaches the bed and my gaze drops to the bag in her hand.
“I brought you something. I, uh…” She hesitates and glances down. “I was going to send it to you for your birthday but with everything, I thought maybe you should have it now. I hope you don’t mind.”
Now I’m curious and don’t understand why Trinity seems so nervous and hesitant. “Thank you. That was sweet.”
She sets the bag on my lap. I peel it open and pull out a mint-green T-shirt. The faint scent of vinegar wafts up as I unfold the soft cotton.
“Oh my God!” An excited squeal bursts out of me. “My flocking fabulous flamingo!” A sassy pink flamingo with a teal guitar and teal cowgirl boots is front and center on the shirt. I couldn’t have come up with something more perfect if I’d tried.
“You like it?” Trinity asks.
“I love it,” I whisper, too shocked to look away from the gift. “Did you…did you make it?”
“Well, I created the design but had it printed up. There’s a blanket and tote bag too.” She flashes a quick smile. “But I didn’t have a lot of room or time to pack.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“Don’t feel like you have to use it or I’m stealing your idea or anything…” Trinity hesitates like she’s waiting for me to yell at her or something.
“Are you kidding? I love it! I can’t believe you remembered and designed it for me. It’s perfect. Thank you.” I reach for her and pull her down for a hug.