like you’re not there. Hawk—our VP—can be abrupt and dismissing, but don’t take it personally. Third, don’t ask any questions. If I join them and we’re talking together, don’t come up and try to join in. Don’t interrupt to ask or tell me something. I’ll try to stick close to you the whole time, but in case I have to talk with my brothers, don’t come over. You got it?”
“I think so.” She tapped her head, acting as if she was trying to retain what he’d said.
“I’m not fuckin’ around, this is serious shit. Let me go over it—”
Raising her hand, she stopped him. “I got the gist of it. I’m to be seen, not heard, but being invisible is best.”
Smokey narrowed his eyes. “I forgot one thing—don’t be a smartass.”
“With your friends, no problem. But I make no promises once we leave Willy’s.”
Grumbling something inaudible, he grabbed her hand and walked to the front porch. Holding the screen door open for her, she stepped inside and into a small foyer.
From the back of the house, she heard raucous voices, and she glanced at Smokey. Letting go of her hand, he took the lead, motioning for her to follow.
Military memorabilia, and various types of guns, decorated the walls, paired with paintings of motorcycles and the open road. A stone fireplace, several plaid-covered couches, a wet bar, and one of the biggest flat screen TVs Ashley had ever seen completed the room. Standing near the bar were several guys wearing Insurgent patches on their vests. One of them, an older man with blue eyes and blond hair, tinged with strands of gray, was staring at her. Unnerved, she grabbed Smokey’s hand as he walked toward the group.
Wait, was I supposed to do that? Does he want me to go with him or hang back? This is complicated as hell. Smokey didn’t pull his hand away, so she went with it and stood silently by his side as he greeted his friends.
The older man was still looking at her. “Who’s the lady?”
She almost extended her hand and introduced herself, but stopped. He was asking Smokey the question, not her.
Smokey tugged her forward. “This is Ashley.”
“Why is she here?” a tall man with striking blue eyes asked. His features were hard and stern, as if chiseled from the finest marble.
Holy shit. I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side, or any of them for that matter. There was enough testosterone in the air to suffocate a bear.
“She’s the marketing manager of Zach’s firm, IMG. She’s helping me with some advertising.”
“Again—why the fuck is she here?”
“When Willy called, she was with me. You got a fuckin’ problem with that?” Smokey said, his tone icy.
Stiffening, she held her breath. The tension between them was so thick, she feared they’d start throwing punches any second.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed a tall man with wiry gray hair and bushy mustache heading their way.
Coming up to her, he extended his hand. “I’m real glad to meet you, young lady.”
Startled, Ashley stared at his hand, not knowing what to do. When Smokey gently nudged her arm, she reached out and shook it.
“Ashley, this is Willy.” To Willy, he asked, “How was the trip?”
“Real good. The tourists haven’t invaded the state yet, so we had the mountain passes and canyons to ourselves.”
As they chatted, the uneasiness between Smokey and the blue-eyed biker dissipated. Zach wasn’t exaggerating when he told me about the Insurgents. I’d say it’s a good thing Willy came when he did.
“Ashley wants to talk to you about hiring a couple of teens from the Mount Vista shelter.”
He turned his attention to her. “I’d be open to that.”
“I’m a volunteer at the shelter. There are a few boys I have in mind. Smokey has someone too.”
A big grin broke out over Willy’s face as he grabbed her hand. “I’d love to hear about them. But first, I want you to meet my buddies.”
As he guided her away and over toward his friends, Smokey turned back to his club members. Not one of them looked her way, so she focused her attention on remembering the crazy road names of Willy’s biker friends. After several minutes of answering their questions, Willy gave her a tight hug.
“I’m mighty happy right now. I’ve been waiting a long time for Smokey to bring a lady around.”
Not knowing what to say, Ashley smiled.
“Do you want a beer? A shot of whiskey?”
“No thanks. I wouldn’t mind a Coke if you have