Making the Cut (10 page)

That’s when I felt it. The intense energy, the air almost sizzling. I turned away from the bar and locked eyes with Cade, who was pushing his way towards me with his eyes focused on Luke’s hand, which was still resting at my waist.

“Shit.” I muttered, fully stepping out of Luke’s touch. “Sorry Luke, could you excuse me for just a second? I have something to deal with, Amy will get you a beer.” I tried to sound breezy.

Luke followed my eyes and started to look a bit dangerous himself. “You know Fletcher?” He questioned tightly.

I opened my mouth to ask him who Fletcher was, when Cade descended upon us, expression dark.

“Crawford.” He spat out the name like it tasted bad, glaring at Luke. He directed his gaze at me, eyes travelling up and down my body and I got instantly wet at the hunger in his stare. His eyes snapped to mine. “Babe outside. Now.” He ordered.

I opened my mouth yet again to tell him to go fuck himself, but more politely as I am at my store opening in front of the town and I wanted to sound calm and dignified. Before I could get the words out, Luke stepped forward, almost in front of me. Fuck, this didn’t look like it was going in any direction that was good, people started to give sideways glances our way.

“I’m sorry Fletcher but Gwen and I were having a conversation which you are interrupting.” He grumbled, authority ringing in his tone.

“I can see that Deputy.” Cade drawled sarcastically. “And now your conversation is over.” He seized my arm and basically dragged me out the door. I tottered behind him, mostly because I didn’t want to cause a scene, but a little bit because he looked HOT.

Cade was wearing a black shirt, rolled up at the sleeves so you could see his thick arms covered in tattoos. His shirt hung untucked over a pair of very well fitting jeans so well fitting I think the designer was owed a huge thank you by all of womankind. His outfit was finished motorcycle boots and his cut overtop. It was the biker version of formal, and I had to say, I dug it.

We flew past Rosie who was barely suppressing laughter and I glared at her. This made her laugh flat out. We made it outside and Cade continued to drag me down the street into an alleyway backing me up against a brick wall.

“What in the FUCK do you think you are doing?” I screeched, very concerned about the damage the wall was doing to my fabulous dress.

Cade cut me off by putting his hands on either side of my face, drawing me in for brutal kiss. I halfheartedly struggled, but melted into him when he pressed his hard body into mine. Those abs undid me every time. I was lost for breath when he pulled away, his eyes pierced through mine, dark with desire.

“That was me beginning to show you how I feel about that dress babe. I’ll show my full appreciation later, but for now I want to know what the fuck Crawford was doing with his hands on you.” His voice raised to near a yell at the end.

“I’m assuming Crawford is Luke, and you are doing the usual ridiculous macho man thing by calling him by his last name.” I retorted sarcastically.

Cade drew me closer roughly, but I didn’t feel afraid of him, which was crazy. I mean I was attacked by bikers and here I was literally in a dark alley with one and the only thing I was feeling is irritation, and arousal. A lot of arousal.

“Don’t get fucking smart with me baby, answer the god damn question.” He growled.

“I wasn’t aware there was a question Cade, I’m afraid I am not fluent in cave man.” I retorted sweetly, continuing to bait him.

He surprisingly didn’t find me funny. He pounded his fist against the brick beside my head. I flinched, wow that’s got to hurt.

“I come in, to see you, to carry on our conversation from the other night, to fucking apologize for coming on so strong when I obviously have to handle you with care baby and trust me I will from now on.” His stare made my insides flutter. “I see you, in that fucking dress, looking so good it should be illegal, laughing with that prick and his hands all over you. Baby it took everything I had not to pound my fist into his face. You are mine. I know you don’t understand nor like it at the moment but you will because what is between us is real and I know you feel it and you’re scared.” Cade accused.

I let out a breath, floored, a bit because I have never heard the rough biker talk such much but mostly because of what he said. I didn’t like some of it like really didn’t like the ‘you are mine’ part, reminding me too much of what Jimmy thought of me, but unlike Jimmy I don’t think he meant like a possession, I think he meant something else. But the other stuff he said was kind of sweet, and I didn’t know what to do with the caring side of the rough round the edges man.

There was too many feelings to process at this moment.

“Cade this is too much to process at the moment.” I attempted to sound calm. “I don’t understand what is going on and why you felt the need to make a scene at my store opening.” My voice raised a bit, I couldn’t help it I was pissed off. “And drag me onto the street a lay that on me. I need to get back inside, but we obviously need to talk.” Yeah right we needed to talk, talk about how for some reason he thought we were some kind of item after only a couple of encounters, and one mind blowing orgasm.

“You’re overthinking baby.” Cade stroked my face. “But you’re right, we’ll get back in, you have your night and at the end of it you’re on the back of my bike. No escaping this time.” He told me firmly.

“Okay.” I huffed, surprising myself. “But have fun trying to get me on a bike in this dress.”

Cade raised his eyebrows, obviously expecting a fight, then his eyes darkened, “Don’t worry Gwen, you’ll get on my bike” He glanced at my legs.

“That fucking dress.” He plastered my body to his and kissed me fiercely once more. The kiss was intense, I felt like something has seriously changed, shits gotten real.

Cade stopped, resting his forehead against mine. “Go back now baby, or I won’t be able to stop myself.” He grunted.

“Okay.” I breathed as he stepped back, sporting a serious hard on. I tried to ignore that and got to straightening my dress, which had ridden up, like a lot. I finished righting myself to find Cade watching me through hooded eyes.

“You better hope this thing finishes early babe, I’ve got plans for you.” He declared roughly, adjusting himself.

I shivered, and before I could reply, Cade snatched my hand, walking me back towards the store. During the short walk I panicked, what had gotten into me? Why did I suddenly give in? I told myself I was never going to be with a bad boy again, but this was different, this attraction was crazy. Maybe I just needed to get it out of my system. Who am I kidding he just wanted a high class fuck and would throw me aside once he got it. I needed to get laid and I could do much
much
worse, so I’d just enjoy the ride. Excuse the pun.

We emerged back in my store, the bell unfortunately altering everyone of our presence, damn it I was so taking that thing down.

I felt almost every set of eyes in the place on us, particularly a hard glare from Luke who watched intently from the bar. Amy had a shit-eating grin on her face as did Rosie and the girls’.

Cade, still holding my hand, leaned in. “Seems like we’re popular babe.” I turned and glared at him, he smiled back. Man what a smile, I didn’t think he could be any hotter.

“I’ll just chill with the boys.” He glanced to a small group of bikers from last night, most of whom I recognized, including the scary Bull, and Lucky.

“Gwen!” Lucky yelled. “Fuck I thought this thing would be boring as shit, but you got booze and your brownies and a 1
st
class amount of tail. This is fucking aces.” He took a pull of his beer, looking pretty happy.

“I’m glad that you’re enjoying yourself.” I couldn’t help but smile back at him, his mood infectious.

“Yo, Gwen.” Bull grunted. My heart rate went up a bit, the big man looking far too scary for my liking. Cade somehow noticed my slight panic and squeezed my hand.

“Bull.” I nodded and did an awkward little wave at the other attractive men. “Boys.”

I got a few chin lifts back.

“Well, I better get back to mingling and whatnot.” I stuttered. Shit did I seriously just say the word ‘whatnot’ in front of some serious bad asses? Mortification commence. I started to turn away in embarrassment, but Cade still had hold of my hand. He jerked me back to him kissing me quickly but fiercely on my mouth.

“Later.” He whispered.

I could do nothing but nod, knowing that everyone was well and truly watching. I was feeling thoroughly humiliated. I walked away on unsteady feet, smiling tightly at people I passed. Luckily, Luke had moved away from the bar, to… I don’t know where, I was secretly hoping he didn’t see that little PDA.

I made it to the bar where unfortunately, Rosie, Lucy, Ashley and Amy were all standing, all wearing looks of astonishment and amusement, Amy smiling at me with flat out pride.

“Girl.” Lucy began when I reached them. “That was hot. I mean first Luke comes in looking like he wants to eat you up, then Cade arrives, looking like he is going to straight up murder the Deputy, and then basically drags you out, and I don’t have to guess as to what you two were up to, thanks to that intense lip lock just then.” The girls all laughed, I blushed.

“Amy, Cosmo. Now.” I ordered.

“Alright, alright keep your panties on, oh wait, did Cade already take them off?” She teased.

I picked up a peanut off the bar and threw it at her. She gracefully dodged it, handing me a drink, “Now no need to throw party snacks Gwennie.”

I ignored her taking a long needed sip of my drink.

“Told you my brother would drag you off.” Rosie told me knowingly. “Shit half the male population would drag you off if they had the chance.” she giggled.

“Oh and by the way, since Amy was busy with the bar, and you were, well…otherwise engaged.” She snorted, “I just dealt with a few people wanting to buy stuff, don’t worry I know how to work a till.” She reassured me.

I welcomed the change of subject then had an idea.

“Rosie, you don’t happen to need any work at the moment?” I ventured cautiously, not knowing the protocol in asking Cades sister to work for me.

I needn’t have worried, she squealed clapping her hands. “YES!! I am just doing some hours’ coffee shop, but I am about to die of boredom.”

“I can’t guarantee a lot of hours yet, I’m not sure how busy we will be, but we definitely need a third person.” I replied.

“You are definitely going to busy.” Rosie declared. “We have needed something like this store since like forever and don’t worry I don’t need full time or anything, just whenever you need me, I work part time at the garage for the club, so there’s always something to do there.”

She worked for the club? That was news, maybe I could pick her brain.

“Well, since you are going to be working here, you are going to have to wear all the clothes, so go pick out some more stuff.” I ordered with a grin.

Rosie squealed again and jumped into my arms. “I seriously LOVE you Gwen, this is the fucking shit!” She proceeded to pull away grabbing Lucy and Ashley. “You bitches need to help me choose.” They both shoot me warm smiles before disappearing with Rosie.

I turned towards Amy slightly leaning on the bar.

“Well looks like we have another employee.” I sipped my Cosmo. “I hope you don’t mind me just hiring her without asking you.”

“Mind?” She scoffed. “Fuck no, I’m over the moon, that girl is awesome! Stop trying to change the subject anyway.” She demanded, knowing me too well. “What was that with the two hotties, it was like they were fighting over their shiny new toy, that is a position I wouldn’t mind being in.” She said dreamily.

“Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be in that position, ever.” I told her.

“Whatever, so you have finally decided to give in to the sexy biker?” She asked.

“No not really, but fighting him was getting old, and I figure he’ll have sex with me and lose interest, win win. I mean the last thing I want is a repeat of Jimmy.” Amy glared at me, ready to interrupt but I didn’t let her. “So I have no danger of getting hurt when he taps and gaps since I definitely don’t want more than that, and you said so yourself, I need to get laid.” I finished draining my drink.

Amy considered me a beat. “Sweetie, I think that one wants you for much longer than one night. And you can’t be scared to venture into something new, even though I am the first to be cautious over any guy riding a Harley, but from what I’ve seen he is nowhere near the same as The Prick. By the way, Cade is seriously checking you out right now, maybe leaning on the bar wearing that dress isn’t the best idea.” She laughed.

I didn’t bother to move but glanced over my shoulder in Cades direction, who was indeed checking my butt out with a hungry look on his face.

I straightened. “Whatever, I need to get back to helping out customers and talking to townspeople.” I turned, then looked back at Amy.

“Oh and by the way, I don’t need a ride, I’m leaving with Cade tonight.” She raised her eyebrows.

“Don’t say a word.” I ordered. She poked her tongue out at me then spun to help people at the bar.

The rest of the night was a blur, people starting to leave about 10:30pm. I had done some seriously good sales, so I was pretty pleased with myself. I found to my dismay, Luke hadn’t left, he cornered me not long after my chat with Amy.