damned. I never thought I’d see you tied down to one woman,” Chas said.
Smokey narrowed his eyes. “Throttle’s ass is sucking wind. I’m not tied down to anyone.”
Throttle laughed. “I got a real strong feeling you’re gonna be eating those words, bro.”
Biting his tongue, Smokey dug the keys out of his pocket. “I’m outta here. Later.”
Ignoring the snickers and comments as he walked out of the conference room, he made his way through the clubhouse and slipped out the back door.
As he strode toward his Harley, thoughts of Ashley filled his mind. There was no doubt he was attracted to her, and liked her more than any other women he’d dated, but that didn’t mean he wanted a woman—an old lady. Throttle’s full of shit. I’m just looking to have some fun with a hot, sexy woman. She’s going back to the city after the project’s over, and for now, she piques my interest—that’s all.
But he knew that was BS.
The truth was, he was hooked, and he didn’t know what to do about it.
With a deep sigh, he jumped on his bike and sped out of the club’s parking lot.
13
Pausing on the landing to allow her eyes to adjust to the dim light of the bar, Ashley scanned the room for Whitney. Not seeing her, she sauntered over to the bar, slid onto a barstool, swiveled around and saw Jared down at the end, chatting up a petite blonde. Remembering how he’d flirted with Nicole the night before, she rolled her eyes. I bet he does that with all the women. Men are so transparent.
She pulled her cell phone out of her purse, and sent Whitney a quick text, telling her she was waiting at the bar. She had called Ashley that afternoon, asking if she would pick her up for dinner at Blue’s Belly because her car had died the day before.
“Did you want something to drink?”
Looking up from her phone, she met Jared’s eyes. “I’ll have a glass of pinot grigio. Have you seen Whitney around?”
“She’s in the back. You two are going out for dinner, right?”
“Yes.”
“How’s your friend?”
“She’s fine.”
“Is she meeting you here?”
“No. How about that glass of wine?”
His eyes blazed with anger. “What’s your problem?”
“Excuse me?”
Without a word, he stormed off. What the hell’s up with him? He was the one who had an attitude toward me for no reason the last time I was here with Nicole. I don’t know what it is, but he rubs me the wrong way.
Returning with her wine, he set it in front of her, glaring.
“Thanks,” she murmured. “Listen, I’m sorry if I was snarky. I had a long day.”
He stared at her for several seconds. “Where’s your friend tonight?”
“Visiting a cousin in Steamboat Springs.”
“Are you from here?”
“No—Denver.”
“So you moved here?”
“Sort of.” She took a sip of her drink, then asked, “Could you tell Whitney I’m here?”
“I can’t leave the bar. And what do you mean by ‘sort of’?”
“I’m here on a temporary gig.” From the corner of her eye, she saw a customer trying to get Jared’s attention. Pointing to a tall man in jeans and a sports shirt, she said, “I think he wants you.”
“How long are you staying in town?” he asked, as if she hadn’t spoken.
“I don’t know.” His interrogation was making her uncomfortable, so she swung around on the stool, giving him her back.
“You’re not very friendly,” he gritted out..
She looked at him from over her shoulder. “And you are? I don’t like discussing my personal life with strangers. Nor do I like being grilled in an aggressive manner.”
“I was just making conversation.”
“Sir! I want to order a drink!” the customer called out.
Slapping the bar top, Jared turned and strode over to the patron.
Just then, Whitney came up beside her. “Sorry I’m late. I’ve been doing inventory and lost track of time.”
Ashley smiled, raising her glass. “That’s okay. It gave me an excuse to have a glass of wine.”
“Good. I’ll just grab my purse and we can head out.”
Finishing her wine, Ashley pulled a ten-dollar bill out of her purse, tossed it onto the bar, then quickly scurried over to the front door. The last thing she wanted was for Jared to start in on her again. I mean, who does that? He doesn’t even know me. Not only is he rude, he’s a jerk. There’s no way I’m coming back here with Nicole.
“I’m ready,” Whitney said.
Pushing the door open, they walked out into the warm spring evening.