Conley (Heartlands Motorcycle Club #8) - Frankie Love Page 0,2

to look at her. “Is there someone you’d like to call to come pick you up?”

She writes down her information, biting her lip. “Um, do you know a taxi company? I’m not from the area.”

River snorts, rolling his eyes.

“You need a hotel too?”

She nods. “I saw a motel on the way in. The Highway Motel?”

I scoff. “You can’t stay there.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not safe.”

She lifts her eyebrows, hitching her purse on her shoulder. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

Frowning, I take her in. Determination in her eyes, strength in the way she carries herself. The words, though she be but little, she is fierce, flit through my mind. What the hell is going on? One conversation with Calico and I’m remembering Shakespeare from high school. Which was hell of a long time ago, considering I turned fifty-six this year.

“At least let me drive you?” I say. “I’d feel better.”

“You’re a stranger,” she says, looking me over. I know what she sees. Tattoos telling stories that would scare her, a leather vest over my white tee shirt, a parking lot full of bikes. Even if she is a tough cookie, this scene isn’t exactly the sort where reputable folks spend their weekends.

“If I’m a stranger, what do you call a random taxi driver?”

She smirks. “Fair enough.” Looking over at River, who is playing with a handheld video game, she tells him we’re leaving. “Conley is driving us to the motel. So let’s just grab our bags, okay?”

He says something under his breath about how messed up this is, but she doesn’t correct him for talking back. I follow them out, and wait as they get their bags from their car. I watch as they do, noticing that the car is filled to the brim with suitcases and bags. These two are headed somewhere, and they plan on being there for a long time.

I grab a set of keys from the shop, and lock the doors. Then I pull the SUV around and jump out to open the door for Calico.

“Oh, thanks,” she says as I take her bags. Our fingers brush and I feel a rush run through me. Hell, it’s not something I’ve ever felt before. Deep need, a longing that starts at my goddamn heart.

I set her bags in the trunk and slam the door shut. Wondering how the hell I’m gonna convince this woman to give me a chance.

Chapter Two

Calico

In the SUV, I try to focus on the road and not the hulk of a man sitting beside me. He is insanely attractive, broad shoulders, silver flecks in his hair, eyes that sear into my heart when he looks at me. Is it crazy that I don’t want him to look away?

Of course it is. River is the only man in my life that matters right now. And at thirteen, he needs my attention because I swear, after the last year, I feel like I’m too close to losing him. And I can’t lose him — not when I’ve already lost so much. Everything, really.

“So where were you two headed?” Conley asks as the car pulls into the motel parking lot.

“Oh, uh, California,” I say. Because why not? The only part I planned was packing the car and splitting town. I didn’t consider where we were going beyond the immediate need of getting away.

“Yeah? What part?” Conley asks as he stops the car at the front lobby. He wasn’t exaggerating. The place does look sketchy. But my cash supply is limited — especially now that I’m dealing with car trouble. I can’t afford to splurge on anything nicer tonight.

“The beach,” I say noncommittally. “Thanks for the ride.”

River is already jumping out the car, his frustration palpable. And I don’t blame him. His father has treated him terribly and his childhood has been marred by watching his parents fight over custody for years. Now that a judge finally gave me full parental rights, his father isn’t just mad — he is pissed. And taking it out on River.

“Can we get food?” River says as I get out of the car. “I’m starving.”

Conley looks across the street. There’s a diner that looks popular. “I’m hungry too. Wanna grab dinner over there?”

I twist my lips. Is this man asking us to get dinner with him?

“Yeah. I want a burger,” River say, looking at me for an answer.

I shrug. “Okay, let me check us in and then I guess we can go get dinner. Together…” I shake my head, not understanding Conley’s motives,