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  I work my ass off for the club, and I party harder. I have all the easy pussy I want and plenty of good liquor. Sometimes I want more, but my life is not really suitable for an ol’ lady or a kid. To be honest, since Jilly, I have never thought about having a woman to hang around for more than the time it takes for me to get off. I have a club bitch that I fuck most nights, but she knows the score, and it doesn’t stop me from getting a piece of ass from anyone that is fuckable.

  I know I have needed to cut Jade loose for a while. She isn’t clingy, or I would have already booted her ass, but she gives the other girls the eye when they are checking me out, and that is when I will fuck one of them right in front of her. No one owns my cock. Yeah, I’m an asshole and don’t apologize for it. I am definitely going to have to cut her loose if I intend on having Gracie in my bed.

  My trip down memory lane has made me feel old. Hell, compared to Gracie, I am old. It doesn’t matter. I know she was meant to be mine. I want her, and I will have her for as long as I want her there. If I can’t make her understand that, then I will convince her.

  I know I have my work cut out for me. She is gun-shy from that asshole that abused her, but I will make her forget and get her to trust me. I have to keep Brody away from her. I won’t let him cock block me. I don’t know where this will end up, but I would be a fool not to take a chance on it.

  No woman has gotten under my skin this way since Jilly. Everything leads back to Jilly. I have to put it away, or it will consume me. I make my way over to my bike and get on and let it free my mind while I ride away.

  Chapter Six

  Gracie

  The last three-and-a-half months have been a whirlwind. Two weeks after I arrived, I found a job in a plant that makes harnesses and such for animals. It’s not a glamorous job, but it has insurance and benefits. I can’t ask for more than that. It pays my bills with the forty plus hours a week. Audie and Gladys took turns caring for Shelby until a spot in a good daycare became available. Shelby has been there for a couple of weeks now, and everything has been going smooth.

  Kaden helped me find an attorney, so I filed for full custody of Shelby. Mr. Lemons explained why I had to file official papers. He explained since I had to use my social security number to get employment that I could be found, so it would be better to go ahead and get the paperwork started.

  I had the pictures Jilly had taken of me from all my hospital trips, and she had documented everything so it should go smoother. Thank goodness for Jilly being so smart about these things.

  Kendall signed the paperwork and didn’t even fight me on anything. As long as I don’t expect child support or any help, then he’s fine with signing away his rights. He wants those pictures to stay buried. It seems too easy to be true. Kendall wanted nothing to do with Shelby, and I am good with that. I would hate to have to pack her up and send her with him every other weekend.

  I hate it for her, but I will just have to love her enough for both of us. I know he did not inform his parents and that is something I will have to think of later. I had to wait ninety days to file the papers, but now I am just waiting on the judge to sign them. Fingers crossed nothing happens in the next few days. We are due in court next week.

  Charlie helped me find a good used vehicle. Nothing fancy but it is reliable. As long as it gets me to work and gets me to anything for Shelby, then I am happy. I don’t need new, expensive, or flashy. Something that gets good gas mileage, is safe, and is paid for is all I need.

  When I have to work late usually Audie or Gladys picks Shelby up, so she stays at daycare for only eight hours a day. They have become surrogate grandparents to her along with Charlie. He dotes on my daughter, and I have to say he treats me the same way, as do the women. I couldn’t ask for better friends. They are just like our family and I like it. I think all children need that extended family.

  Jilly leased me her mom and dad’s house for the next year. Kaden agreed with it. I know I am not paying what it is worth, but they at least let me pay something. Mr. Lemons drew up the paperwork, and we signed right after I got my job. So for the next nine months, we have a home to call ours.

  I know that Jilly is trying to keep me close to her family and I love her for it. I love the house, and Jilly’s family is just like my own now. Laura, Kaden’s wife, comes to visit at least two or three times a week. She loves my Shelby. She and Kaden have been trying to have another child for the last two years but no success so far. She said she always wanted a daughter but would be happy with another boy if that was what they were blessed with. I am just thankful for the help when she is here. My Shelby is walking and getting into everything.

  I have avoided Rebel and Brody at all costs. I still see the motorcycles patrolling my street, and I have to admit it makes me sleep better at night. We have run into each other at Audie’s, but I get out of there fast. Brody is much easier to avoid. He has been in and out of town for work Gladys says, but I think he is avoiding me as much as I am avoiding him. That is exactly what needs to happen.

  If I can just keep this up everything will work out just fine for Shelby and myself here. I have to admit I have started to relax. I know I shouldn’t because just when things start going right in my life is when they usually mess up.

  I am driving to pick Shelby up at the daycare and start our weekend. Tomorrow I am going to the mall in the city. I love the small-town life, but I miss being close to a mall if I need anything. The biggest store we have is a bargain store. I can get the necessities but Shelby is outgrowing all her clothes, and I could use a few pairs of jeans and a better pair of work shoes. It’s not long until winter gets here and Texas is warmer than most states, but we still must start over in the clothing department for Shelby.

  I shake my head to clear my thoughts about what the weekend holds and park my car outside of the daycare. I get in and out without too much trouble. Shelby has a sleepy look in her eyes, and I know she will be out before I get home. We only live a couple of blocks away, but I doubt she lasts that long.

  I drive into the driveway at our house, and I know this is not good. There is a very shirtless and sweaty, sexy ass man mowing my yard. Brody sees my car and stops not far from it.

  Please don’t let me drool all over this man. His big biceps and broad chest almost take my breath away. I can do this. My mind needs to stay on the task of getting Shelby out of the car and into the house. I get Shelby out of her car seat, and Brody is standing right behind me. I turn to go into the house, and he clears his throat.

  “Babe, you have a problem with me cutting your grass?”

  Of course, I don’t. I have a problem with keeping my eyes off those hard abs with sweat rolling down them. “Gracie, did you hear me?” I bring my eyes up to his, and he has a knowing smile on his face. Yep, I just got caught checking Brody’s sexy body out. I still try to cover.

  “No, uh no. I mean no I have no problem with you cutting my grass. Thank you, but don’t you own a shirt?” I can’t believe the shirt question just came out of my mouth.

  “I usually don’t wear a shirt when it’s this hot. Have to catch some sun before it’s gone for the year. The way you were watching me, I didn’t think you minded me being without a one.”

  Knew I was caught. What can I say to that? Fortunately, about that time Shelby decides to open her eyes and she reaches for Brody. “Hello there, beautiful. I am a little too dirty to hold you right now. I’m sure your mom doesn’t want my sweat all over you.” Brody is playing with Shelby’s hand, and she is flirting with her shy smiles.

  “I’m sorry if that came out sounding unthankful. I have allergies and mowing drives them crazy, so I am very grateful. I was just worried about you getting too much sun.” I smile at him. I know I am stumbling through this conversation. His eyes are so beautiful, I could get lost in them, and I am. What is wrong with me?

  My next question makes me want to bite my tongue. “Would you like to have supper with us tonight? It’s the least I can do. I need to get some
directions to the mall. I’m going to Tyler tomorrow shopping, and I want to make sure I don’t get lost.”

  “You’re going shopping tomorrow?” He looks at me for a second like he is thinking to himself. “Would you mind if I tag along? I need to make a run to one of the sporting goods stores to grab some new running shoes.”

  “We can talk about it over pizza if you like?” I have to think of a way out of this. Brody and I in a vehicle for a straight hour is way too much of a temptation, and it would be an hour there and an hour back. “If you don’t have anything else to do. I know you’re a busy man.”

  “Actually, that sounds great, but only if I get to buy the pizza. I need to grab a shower right quick, and it should be here by the time I get out.” This man is too good to me. He tries to help in every way. I’ll think of some way out of going tomorrow.

  “That is a no go for me. You cut my grass, so I pay, but you have time to get a shower.” Even though I really like the view, he definitely needs to put a shirt back on.

  Brody puts his hands up like he is surrendering and then gives me the biggest smile. It almost makes me melt right on the spot. What the heck is wrong with me? I’m not some lovesick teenager. I shut my feelings down and come back to reality. It’s a trick I learned dealing with Kendall’s abuse.

  “Ok. You win. I’ll get that shower and be back.” He goes back over to his lawn mower and starts pushing it back to his yard and then I remember I don’t know what kind of pizza he likes.

  “Hey, what do you like on your pizza?” I see Audie come out on her porch and I wave.

  “Any kind of meat, just no anchovies or pineapple, unless that’s what you like.” He is so nice. Too nice.

  “Meat lovers for me.” He salutes me and keeps going to his yard, and I get Shelby in the house. I go straight to the phone and order two large pizzas. A lot for two people but I love cold pizza for breakfast. Not the healthiest thing but it works, and I can send some home with Brody. He’s a big man and I am sure he can put the food away.

  I see Shelby has fallen back to sleep so I put her down on the couch and go and make her some mac and cheese and some steamed veggies. I let her eat a little pizza, but I try to give her some healthy food, too. I get it all done and see Shelby is still asleep so I take the opportunity to change into some shorts and a comfortable t-shirt. I lay out Shelby’s pajamas while I am upstairs because there is no way I am putting her to bed before Brody leaves.

  I hear a motorcycle next door at Audie’s so I look out my bedroom window, and sure enough, Rebel is at his mom’s. Hopefully, that’s where he will stay. One sexy man a day is all I can handle. I hurry back downstairs and peek in at Shelby. She’s still sleeping, but I am waking her up very soon.

  I go into the kitchen and fix Shelby her little plate up, and then I go in and start giving her angel kisses on her eyelids and cheeks. She pushes me away at first but when she realizes it is just me she is happy and rewards me with a big smile. I love my little girl so much.

  I hear a knock at my front door, and I am guessing it is the pizza boy so I scoop Shelby up and sit her on the floor and get my purse to answer the door. I smell the pizza in the boxes, and it makes my mouth water. I pay him and take the pizza in the kitchen with Shelby following along behind me. I hear a knock at my back door, and I start for the door, but Shelby beats me there and is doing her little dance she does when she wants the door open.

  “Patience little one. Your friend is here.” I open the door, but it is the wrong man. There stands Rebel with a sexy smile on his face. This is not my day. I step back so Rebel can come in just as Brody comes in behind him. I look at both of them and then at the pizza boxes in my hand. I notice then that Shelby has walked in between the two men and she is looking up at both of them. I take the pizza and set it down on the table.

  “Did you forget my invitation to eat?” Rebel is looking from me to Brody. What can I say to that?

  “Would you like to join us to eat? I bought plenty.” Brody looks annoyed.

  “No. I am on my way out of town for a run and wanted to check in. I’ll be back early next week. Everything going ok for you?” Rebel is asking me questions, but he hasn’t taken his eyes off Brody.

  Then he does something completely out of character. He reaches down and picks up Shelby, and she is all smiles. “How are you, beautiful?” Audie told me that Rebel and Shelby have gotten used to each other and I can see that she loves the attention. She puts her arms around his neck and hugs him and then gives him a sloppy kiss. It makes Rebel laugh, and I have to say he didn’t even wipe the slobbers off his cheek.

  Shelby is cutting teeth, and she can drool. For someone not used to babies, he didn’t even flinch. He kisses the top of her head and puts her back down. She runs over and wraps herself around Brody’s legs. Brody stoops down and starts talking to Shelby quietly, and she runs into his arms. She rewards him with the same kind of sloppy kisses. Then runs to the living room to play with her box of toys.

  “I just wanted my Shelby fix before I left. She’s a great kid. I’ve played with her at Ma’s, and I like spending time with her.”

  “I thought you weren’t used to children. You didn’t even wipe the sloppy kiss off.” I laugh as I say it.

  “Well her kisses are worth it. She’s an angel like her mom.” I know the last part was so Brody would hear. “I also wanted to let you know that I’ll be taking you and Shelby to the fall festival in Quitman next weekend. They have kiddie rides and face painting and other things for small kids.”

  That was unexpected, and I don’t like being told what I am going to do. “It’s a way to get her used to small-town Texas. A bunch of the guys are going with their families, and I’d like for you and Shelby to go with me. Ma is going too.” It sounds nice, but I don’t want him to think I want to date.

  “Well if Audie is going I would like to. Thank you. I can bring Audie with me when we meet you there.” Hopefully, he’ll get the point. Rebel just laughs but so does Brody.

  “I’ll pick all three of you up next Saturday morning. Be sure to bring Shelby some extra clothes. We’ll be gone all day. I want to take you to the clubhouse and let you meet everyone.” Guess it is not a date, so I am ok with this. We won’t be by ourselves, and I’ve already met a bunch of Rebel’s friends from his club.

  “Do you think your clubhouse is the right place on a Saturday for Shelby and Gracie? That’s party night.” Brody seems concerned but surely with Audie with us, it can’t be too bad. She’d never want Shelby around a rowdy place.

  “Not that it is your business Brody, but it is family time, not Saturday night. No party that early just a cookout.” I see the looks going between Brody and Rebel, and something is definitely off.

  “You mean Jade isn’t going to be there or any of the other club women?” Rebel just gave Brody a glare that makes a cold chill run up my spine.

  “Jade is none of your concern Brody and neither is anything else to do with the Demented Revengers MC. Stay out of it.” Rebel has gone completely still and is shooting daggers out of his eyes at Brody but Brody doesn’t seem bothered by it, and there is something up with this Jade woman.

  “If you’re taking Gracie to your clubhouse she needs to know all the facts before she takes her daughter there.” Rebel moves towards Brody. I step in between the two and both seem to calm just a little, but then Brody says the one thing I never expected. “Does Gracie know Jade is your woman?”

  I look at Rebel and not for a second have I thought of Rebel as anything but an annoying friend, but when Brody said that I went still. I thought of all the times Kendall cheated on me, and Rebel has done nothing but flirt with me since I have been here. Rebel has a girlfriend or more. I back away from both Rebel and Brody. I feel like I have been punched in the stomach. I look at Rebel, and he has a death glare on Brody. He knows he has been outed to me.

  “Rebel, I’ll meet you there Saturday and bring Audie. I would like to meet your girlfriend Jade.” I feel cold inside,
but I’ll be darned if I let Rebel know he has made me feel worse than when Kendall hit me.

  “Gracie, I will pick you up Saturday and then you and I will have a talk about how my club works. Don’t argue with me, because it will do you no good.” His eyes are heated with his anger, but they soften some when he looks at me. “Brody, you just remember that you started this.” With that, he turns and walks out. I’m left speechless.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you, but there are a few things you need to know about his club before you go there.” Brody walks into the living room while I try to compose myself. I will not let another man get to me. Brody comes back in with Shelby in his arms, and he puts her in her high chair.

  “Do you have a girlfriend too that I need to know about?” I get a rag from the sink and wipe Shelby’s hands off and then I hand her the plate I fixed earlier. I go to the cabinet and get Shelby’s cup out and get the milk out of the fridge, filling her cup, and hand it to her. Brody still hasn’t answered me. “Can I get you something to drink? I have milk, sweet tea, juice, and water.” I wait for him to answer. He is getting plates from the cabinet.

  “Water is fine and no I don’t have a girlfriend or a woman or anyone else.” I grab two bottles of water out of the fridge and grab some napkins for the table. We both sit down in chairs opposite each other, and I put his water in front of him with a napkin. He hands me my plate. We both look at each other, and both grab for the pizza at the same time.

  His hand moves over mine, but I am not playing these games with anyone. I hear Rebel gun his motorcycle down the street. The only one happy right now is Shelby, and that is because she has her mouth stuffed with cheese and mac. Looking at her makes me smile.