“You took all the kids under your wing at the club. You were older, but it wasn’t so much that. It was just your nature to do so. You’ve always been quiet, Max,” he continued. “You work hard, keep your head down, and do the right thing. But I’ve always worried that your need to put everyone else first means that you always come a distant second and that might catch up with you some day. Instinct is tellin’ me that day is today, so why don’t you get that shit off your chest and let your old man help?”
I rubbed a hand over my face. “I wish it were that simple.” I took a deep breath. “I want someone I can’t have. I’m all fucked up over it.”
“What isn’t simple about it?”
“It’s Wren.”
To his credit, he didn’t flinch. He didn’t even look all that surprised. “And what’s holding you back? What Sal will think? That it might hurt him? What about what you want, Max? For once, put yourself first and take what you want.”
I eyed him in surprise. “You think it’s that simple?”
He shrugged. “Maybe not. But nothing good ever is. Sal is more overprotective than most, I’ll give you that. He even gives Cole a run for his money in that department.” He chuckled. Grace was constantly fighting with Cole from everything over what she wore to the rare occasions she dared to date, and she was older than Wren.
“Wren’s his daughter,” he continued. “His only child. But ultimately, all any father wants is for his daughter to find a man who will love her and take care of her. Sal respects you, Max. He loves you like family. You may just have to put in some work to get him to see that you’re that man for her.”
“You don’t seem surprised by all this.”
He chuckled. “She’s always had feelings for you, son. Was clear as day from the very first. You, you were harder to read, but that’s always been the case.”
“What about the age difference?”
He eyed me as though I was missing something obvious. “If that had held me back, I wouldn’t be married to your mom. Sounds to me like you’re making excuses.”
Fuck, was he right?
“You need to make a choice,” he told me firmly. “Is she your woman or not? Because if she is, then you need to claim her and fuck all the rest. It will sort itself if you face it like the man you are. If she isn’t? Then, Max, you need to cut her loose. From the way she’s always looked at you, the cruelest thing you could do is leave her hangin’, and that’s not the way we raised you.”
I scrubbed my hand over my hair in agitation. “I think I’ve already done that. I fucked up with her.”
“Well then, you have an uphill battle to fight, don’t you?” he challenged. “You may still have her heart, but it doesn’t mean she trusts you with it. My advice? Don’t give her space. She’ll want it because it’s safe, because you haven’t fought for her until now. Likely no man has. You want her? You need to be the man who does.” He turned back to his bike, letting his words sink in.
I stood up taller with a new resolve to do exactly that. “Thanks, Pop.”
“Don’t mention it. Now go get me one of those muffins your mom made, would ya? Givin’ all this advice made me hungry.”
I chuckled, not surprised by the request. “She’s already pissed you powered through the first batch.”
“I love to get that woman riled,” he admitted with a gleam in his eye.
I shook my head at him as I made my way back to the kitchen, feeling lighter than I had in months. I’d been trying to protect Wren from what being with me might mean, but it was time to say fuck it and face the music because a life without her just wasn’t an option. I’d made my choice—hell, I’d made it years ago and just hadn’t admitted it.
It was time to get my girl.
Chapter 11
WREN
The familiar sound of rock n’ roll music, low hum of conversation, and bottles clinking met my ears as I walked into the dimly lit Mad’s Monday evening. Axel’s bar, named after his oldest son, Maddox, was on the outskirts of town. It was a biker bar through and through, and not a place frequented by your typical passing tourist. The few times someone had stumbled in on accident had been downright comical.
Olivia, Emmie, and Grace had convinced me to come out for a drink to celebrate my first day of work. Despite the rowdy environment and occasional fist fight, we all felt completely at home here. It probably had something to do with the fact that if anyone ever laid a hand on us or looked at us sideways, they’d lose a limb, and everyone knew it.
I’d debated hiding at home, potentially under the bed if I wanted to be dramatic about it. The mind-numbing kiss and immediate rejection from Max were still forefront of my mind. But I was determined to move on, and that meant continuing with life as I otherwise would, even if that meant risking running into him.
I forced myself not to scan the bar for him as I walked through. It was a useless exercise anyway. I always seemed to be able to sense him regardless. For the moment, it appeared I was in the clear and made my way to the table in the back where the girls were sharing a pitcher. With a quick wave to Gunner who was tending bar, I plopped down in the empty seat next to Em.
“So, how was it?” Liv asked as she poured me a beer after we’d greeted each other.
“Good.” I nodded. The local auto shop where I’d started as a receptionist and mechanic had been in business for as long as I could remember. Despite offers to work for the club, I’d declined, needing to make my own way. “The only awkward part was that apparently my dad came in there to warn all the guys to keep their hands to themselves.” I rolled my eyes but really wasn’t all that surprised. What had surprised me and what I didn’t share was that apparently Max had done the same thing.
“Sounds about right,” Grace grumbled. “Thank God I work at a salon, otherwise my dad would have done the same damn thing.”
“They mean well, but dammit if it isn’t annoying,” Liv commiserated with a short laugh.
“Should we get another round?” I offered, pointing to the empty pitcher.
Emmie nodded in agreement. “Gunner! Another round!” she called.
“Get your ass over here and get it,” he griped.
She rolled her eyes and stood up with a huff.
“Gunner still likes to get under her skin, huh?” I raised a brow toward Gracie.
“Unfortunately,” she muttered. “Those two are like oil and water.”
Emmie had just returned with a full pitcher when I felt the energy in the bar change. The conversations buzzing around us grew muted, and the men at the bar visibly straightened, their gazes locked toward the front door.
Max.
I didn’t even need to turn around to confirm it was him. I just knew.
“Max and Cash just walked in,” Gracie confirmed, looking over my shoulder.
“Great,” Emmie grumbled. “Max has been so pissy lately. I have no idea what’s up his ass.”
“Maybe he needs to get laid,” Gracie shrugged as Olivia nearly choked on her drink, sliding a pointed look in my direction.
I looked down at my beer as Grace patted her on the back, oblivious to our exchange.