T-Bone - L. Wilder Page 0,3

lot of work went into getting things the way they are today. When I was done, she took a moment to mull over everything, then said, “You never mentioned a girlfriend or a wife.”

“That’s because I don’t have one.” I wasn’t sure if she was just curious about my relationship status or because she was actually interested in me. As I sat there gazing at her, I had no doubt that I could fall head-over-fucking-heels for her. Hell, any man would. Alyssa was smart, beautiful, and easy to talk to, but there were simply too many variables that stood in our way. Not only was she Hyde’s sister, she was simply too young. Even so, I was enjoying my time with her and wasn’t ready for it to end. I smiled at her and said, “Don’t get me wrong, there’ve been plenty of women in my life, but none who really made a lasting impression.”

“I see.”

“What about you? You got a boyfriend?”

Her brows furrowed as she shook her head. “No, not since high school, and even then, I’m not sure I’d call him a boyfriend.”

“Seriously? I figured a beauty like you would have guys crawling all over ya.”

“It’s not that there aren’t guys who are interested. I’ve just ...” Alyssa’s expression quickly grew troubled as her voice trailed off, and I could tell there was something big weighing on her mind. I gave her some time, hoping she’d bring it to light, but after several moments of silence, she simply said, “I really haven’t had the time to invest in a relationship.”

“I understand.” I knew there was more to the story but decided not to push. Perhaps, in time, she’d realize I was someone she could trust. “Maybe that’ll all change when you get moved and start your new job.”

“Maybe?”

We were both so engrossed in our conversation that neither of us noticed Hyde had walked up. “Hey ... Is everything all right?”

“Yes, why wouldn’t it be?” Alyssa asked.

“You tell me,” Hyde scolded. “You’re the one who disappeared on me.”

“What’s the big deal? We were just out here taking a break for a minute!”

“A minute?” Clay argued. “You two have been out here for hours.”

Alyssa sighed in frustration. “This is your party, Clay. You should be celebrating, not keeping tabs on my every move.”

“Just looking out for you, Lyssa.”

“And I appreciate it, but I’m not sixteen anymore. I can take care of myself.”

“Not sure I agree.” Just as she was about to rear back at him, Hyde announced, “Mom’s wiped. I think she’s ready to call it a night.”

“Okay, I’ll take her back to the hotel.”

“No.” Hyde glanced down at the beer in her hand and said, “You’ve been drinking. I’ll get one of the prospects to drive you.”

“Fine.” Alyssa stood, then looked over to me. “It was really nice meeting you. I hope we can do this again sometime.”

“Definitely.”

With that, she turned and followed Hyde back into the clubhouse. Moments later, she and her mother were on their way back to the hotel. I considered going back inside to join the party but decided against it. The only person I was interested in spending time with was no longer there. I walked out to the parking lot, got on my bike, and as I started heading towards my place, I thought back to my conversation with Alyssa.

Most women I’d met were only interested in the whole bad-boy biker bullshit and cared very little about getting to know me as a man, but it wasn’t like that with Alyssa. I felt no pressure to try and impress her, yet she seemed interested in everything I had to say. That wasn’t something I was accustomed to, and I liked it. I liked it a lot. I had to keep myself focused on the fact that the chick was too young, too beautiful and innocent, for a man like me. Sadly, that would be something easier said than done.

2

Alyssa

When my uncle Viper had come to the house, telling us about Clay earning his Satan’s Fury patch and the upcoming celebration at their clubhouse, it left me more than a little apprehensive. I wasn’t one to do the whole party thing, especially after what’d happened on Homecoming night.

I was just sixteen at the time—a sophomore with a with a head full of fairytales and schoolgirl dreams. When Lucas Brant, the star football player and one of the most popular guys at school, had asked me to the Homecoming dance, I couldn’t have been more