Tink is smiling so big I’m surprised her face hasn’t split in half.
I cock an eyebrow at her. “What are you smiling like that for?”
“You’re not going to want to hear this, but I’ve never known him to act like this over a female,” she explains.
“Have you ever seen him turned down by a chick before?”
“No, but I don’t think that’s all it is,” she says. “I think you challenge him, and he’s never had that before either.”
“He’s going to keep not having it, too. Nothing will ever happen with him.”
Tink looks at me as if she doesn’t believe me. Before she says anything else, the clubhouse door opens. A few seconds later, someone’s shoulder bumps mine. The touch sent a zap through me and warms my shoulder. I act like it didn’t phase me. He’s trying to provoke me, and I’m not going to let him see how much he bothers me.
The scent of his cologne assaults my nose, going straight to my head. Guys who smell good are such a weakness. I shake my head. This guy will not be a weakness, no matter how good he smells.
“Tink, can I get a beer, please,” Rascal asks. His eyes are boring into me, but I stand my ground, ignoring him.
“Here you go.” She slides him a beer across the bar. Her eyes go from him to me, then back to him.
“Thank you,” he says. My shoulder is left cold, letting me know he’s no longer standing there.
“Deny it all you want, but I know what I see. It’s going to happen at some point,” Tink tells me. I shake my head. I don’t want to say anything and encourage her thoughts.
6
Rascal
Our tradition of Sunday BBQs has been one of my favorite traditions. Even after wild Saturday nights. It’s a time for us to truly relax and reset for the new week ahead of us. It’s also a huge family day. Any brothers who have families close by, or in town, bring them to the clubhouse to hang out. Today, I took on the role of being the grill master. I’ve got chicken, hamburgers, and brats going right now.
“Beer?” Sketch offers, holding one out toward me.
“Thanks, brother.” I take it from him, taking a long sip. Sketch and a few of the guys are sitting in lawn chairs close to the grill. The prospects are setting up a couple games of bags and a table for beer pong. Prez walks over to us as I sit in my own chair.
“How’s the food comin’ along,” he asks.
“First round should be ready in about ten minutes.”
He nods his head. “Good deal. Wanted to give y’all a heads up. Our Nomad brothers will be staying through the end of the month. We’ll have some visitors from Arizona and New Orleans for Halloween, too, but we’ll discuss it more during Church tomorrow.”
“What time, Prez,” Buster asks. “I plan on heading into the shop afterward.”
“We’ll have it first thing in the mornin’ so all y’all can get to work at a decent time,” Prez explains. “Now, I’m gonna go find me something to drink. Enjoy your afternoon, fellas.”
We have Church every week to touch base on the happenings of the club. Every other week it’s on a Monday morning. Other times, it’s on a Wednesday evening. Sundays and Mondays are usually our days to kick back and relax, but half the guys end up working on Mondays.
I glance around the yard, observing everything going on. Sketch is sitting next to me, talking to Buster about what it’s like being a dad. An odd thing to interest Sketch, but whatever. Clutch, Hollywood, Diesel, and Saint are talking about the cars and motorcycles they’ve been working on recently. Their conversation will no doubt turn into a foreign vs. domestic cars. It always does. I prefer my bike over some cage, but I can appreciate a nice classic.
I stand, moving to the grill to flip the food. Lifting my head, my eyes land on Marley. She’s wearing cut off shorts with a t-shirt that says ‘Good Vibes’ tied in a knot at her hip. It shows a sliver of her stomach. The smile on her face could light the darkest night. The sight is ruined when Ruger steps by her side. She turns to him, laughing at something he said. He makes her laugh. All I do is irritate her.
My thoughts are brought to a halt by Trix’s voice. “I don’t know why you bother.”
“What are you talking about?”
“That bitch doesn’t want anything to do with you. Let me make you feel good.” Her words do nothing but add fuel to the anger I’m already feeling.
“Sketch, watch the grill.” I walk away, needing to get away from Marley and Trix. Only, I don’t realize until I’m inside that Trix has followed me. “Trix, leave me the hell alone.”
“All I wanna do is help you forget that stupid bitch.” As soon as the words leave her mouth, Marley walks through the door, head down, staring at her shirt. Trix scoffs, causing her to stop in her tracks.
Marley brings her eyes to mine, then looks to Trix. “Oh, sorry if I was interrupting. I was headed to my room to change.”
I glance at her shirt and notice something has been spilled on it.
“Why the hell are you even here? You don’t belong here,” Trix spits out. Marley looks taken aback.
“Trix,” I growl out in warning.
“What? She doesn’t!”
Marley storms out of the room, toward her own.
I grab Trix by the throat. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are all of a sudden, but you need to remember your fucking place. You better think twice before opening your mouth again. Now, go fucking find someone else’s dick to suck.”
I let her go and head to Marley’s room. I’m about to knock when the door swings open, and she squeals.
“Holy shit, Rascal! What the hell is your deal today?” The shirt she changed into has a scoop neck and hugs her body in all the right places.
“Calm the fuck down. I was coming to apologize for the shit Trix said,” I tell her.
“I don’t need your bullshit apologies. I’m a big girl, her words don’t bother me.” She pushes past me, walking away.
“I’m waving a white flag here, Marley,” I call after her.
She stops, slowly turning to face me. “Yeah? For how long? The rest of the day? An hour? Until we’re outside around all your friends? You don’t have to like me, Rascal, but I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
She walks away, leaving me speechless. I stand there until she’s completely out of sight. I deserved every bit of that. I’ve been a complete jackass to her. When I walk outside, I grab a beer from one of the coolers then spot Marley right next to Ruger again. I find my way back to the grill, where Sketch has taken over.
“Didn’t think you were ever coming back.” He chuckles.
“I almost didn’t.”
“Why? What’s wrong with you?” He’s taking the food off the grill.
“How is it that asshole is after the same thing I am, yet I’m the only one being treated like a bad guy?” I gesture toward Ruger and Marley.
“Maybe it’s because you aren’t as charming as you think you are.” Saint taunts.
“Like you’re any better. How are things with Rivet?” I retort. His face sobers, and he flips me off.