Moving On (Rolling Thunder #7) - P.J. Fiala Page 0,27

she didn't want this moment to end so soon. There'd be plenty of time to beat herself up later.

"Mine, either." She took a deep breath, breathing in Chase and their mingled aroma. "I want it to last just a bit longer."

"Then stay tonight. I'll get you home in plenty of time for work tomorrow."

Chills ran down her spine and she quickly replied, "I'd love that."

Her response earned her his lips on hers once again and his body moving closer to hers. Perfection.

18

The following week passed slowly. Chase's schedule consisted of work, Veteran's Ride planning, going home and falling dog-ass tired to sleep only to start it over again. He missed her. He missed LuAnn. Her smile, her new even demeanor. Of course, her body. He'd thought about calling her a hundred times but then someone would interrupt him, or he'd have to finish something up. It didn't help that he felt awkward calling her from Rolling Thunder. He could take the shit he'd get, but he just didn't need the bullshit right now.

Ryder hollered from the shop door, "Chase, there's a guy on the phone who wants to talk to you. He won't give his name, says it's important."

Setting his wrench on the work bench, Chase walked to the shop office while wiping his hands on the shop rag permanently tucked into his back pocket. Entering the office Ryder nodded to him, and whispered, "Persistent fucker." Then left the office so Chase was alone.

Picking up the phone and pushing the button on the blinking light on the phone, he answered, "Chase Matthews."

"Chase this is Gil Jones with Chief's Cycles. I've wanted to touch base with you for a while now. One of my guys, Derek, met you in Sturgis last year and he told me about your mad skills with bike designs. How would you feel about coming out here to my place in Colorado and chatting with me about working for me as my head bike designer?"

His mind went blank for a moment. What?

Finally finding his voice, Chase responded, "Wow, first of all, I'm flattered, but is this a joke?"

Gil laughed; his deep belly laugh sounded genuine. "No, Chase, this isn't a joke. My place is growing by leaps and bounds and Derek is a huge fan of yours. He's showed me some of the designs you've created. Before you say anything more, I know you largely work with JT and I also know that JT shared some of the bikes you created on your own with Derek while they had a few beers. I know you have talent. I've looked up a couple of the bikes you built and looked at them myself in person. You have incredible skills and I'd love for you to work for me here in Durango."

Chase sat hard in the desk chair that faced a large window which peered into the shop. Employees of Rolling Thunder, his friends, were out there working. The shop was neat and clean, his friends were friends for life. He hoped.

"I have to tell you I'm flattered, Gil. But, it has never occurred to me that I'd leave here one day. Dog has been like a father to me."

"I do understand, but let's be real for a moment. JT is Dog's son. He's the Head Designer there and it wouldn't matter if you created the best damned motorcycle in the world, you'll never be Head Designer at Rolling Thunder. Blood is thicker than water as they say. And that is nothing against Dog or JT, it's just the honest to God truth."

Shoveling his hand through his hair, Chase stared out the window. It was certainly intriguing but...

"Thank you so much for thinking of me, but I just have to decline. I'm set up here, own a house, family, a girl, the works."

"I'll leave it at this, Chase. Think about it. I can take care of getting your house sold. Your girl can come here and work either at Chief's or somewhere else if she wants. We have jobs. You never know how things will change, so let's just say we'll touch base in a few weeks."

"Sure. That sounds good and thank you."

"You bet. Talk to you soon."

The line went dead, and Chase's head spun. That was out of the blue.

The door opened and Dog walked in.

"Chase, the Garrett's called and are wondering if things are on schedule with their bike. Can you give me an update?"

Guilt washed over him as Dog stood before him. He didn't initiate that