“Thanks. I’ll be right there.”

I wash my face and make my way downstairs, searching for the courage to face him. When I see him, I understand why Mrs. Contreras looked so uneasy. He’s in full biker gear, and the scowl on his face would scare anyone. Not me, though. I just want to jump into his arms.

He takes one look at my face and the scowl is replaced with concern.

“You’ve been crying,” says Captain Obvious.

“Aren’t we observant today?”

“Get your shit. We’re leaving.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“You said you needed space. I’ve given you enough time.”

“Time? I’ve been gone one night,” I point out.

“Too long. It’s time to come home.”

“Home? You mean your club with all your whores?”

“Raven –”

“Don’t. I’m not coming back as long as she’s there.”

“She’s out. I kicked her out.”

Oh? That’s something, I guess. Just one less bitch to deal with.

“And I swear I haven’t touched her since we’ve been together.”

He drags a hand down his face, drawing my attention. He looks tired. His eyes are red, the lids are drooping, and there are bags under his eyes.

“You look horrible.”

“I didn’t sleep last night.”

“I wonder why,” I reply, trying to sound indifferent.

He takes my hand and pulls me against him. I get a whiff of his cologne and go weak in the knees.

“Because you weren’t there. Our bed felt empty without you.”

Our bed. He said our bed. Then again, that’s all he ever does – talk. He says all kinds of things but won’t back them up with actions. I step out of his arms and put some space between us.

“Go home, Gage.”

“What? I’m not leaving without you.”

For once, he doesn’t seem so confident. His tone is still authoritative, but his eyes betray him. There’s a desperation there I’ve never seen before. Maybe Chrissy was right. A little time apart should help him make a decision about what he wants.

“I need more time.”

“What the fuck for? Cut the bullshit, Raven. Let’s go.”

“No. I’m going inside and I’m not coming back out. Go home, Gage.”

I let myself back inside quickly before I give in to him. Pressing my back against the door, I close my eyes and try to block out his helpless expression. I tell myself this is for the best, but I don’t quite believe it. What if this time apart does the opposite of what I hope to achieve? What if he decides he doesn’t want me anymore?

“Are you okay, sweetheart?”

I purse my lips and turn to Chrissy’s mom.

“No, Mrs. C. I’m not.”

***

“Raven, Gage is here,” Mrs. C calls up the stairs.

I put my Kindle down and get ready to descend the stairs for our daily ritual. I’ve been here a week and he’s shown up every night. Mrs. C doesn’t get nervous and scared anymore because the man has already charmed her. Not Mr. C, though. He won’t let Gage any farther than the doorstep.

Every evening, we walk around the block in silence. At the end, he asks if I’m leaving with him. I highly doubt my answer will be any different tonight. Not that it’s been easy. It kills me to walk away from him every night when all I want to do is jump his bones. My only reprieve has been the three days of bleeding I had from taking the morning-after pill. It’s stopped now so Lord knows what I’ll do when I see him.

Chris stops me in the hallway. We haven’t spoken much since I’ve been here, and I know my very presence is difficult for him.

“You’re going back to him, aren’t you?” he asks.

“We’re not broken up. I just needed to be away from him for a while.”

“A while? Next time, I may not be close by.” He cups my cheek, stroking it with his thumb as he stares at me wistfully. “Didn’t I make you happy?”

“Chris…it wasn’t you. You were wonderful.”

“Then why? Why did you choose him?”

“I just…maybe if I’d met you first, things would have been different.”

He drops his hand to his side then shoves both in his pockets. “I guess I never stood a chance then, huh?”

“Chris –”

“Go. He’s waiting for you.”

I stare at his back as he retreats, head hanging down, and it breaks my heart to see him like this.  I should leave. I can’t keep hurting him like this. First thing in the morning, I’m finding a hotel.

As usual, Gage is waiting for me at the door. I take his extended hand and we begin our trek around the block. Thinking about Chris, Gage, and everything else has me in knots. This is not how I envisioned my life. I’ve been thrown so many lemons I could make a shit load of lemonade.

“You okay?”

“Fine,” I answer. “Just thinking.”

“About?”

“Life. Where I am…where I wanna be.”

“Where do you want to be?”

He stops walking and pulls me to him, staring down at me patiently. Our eyes meet, and I know beyond a doubt he’s what I want. Wherever he is, that’s home. If I’m going to be making lemonade then he’s definitely the sugar. He wraps his arms around me and I inhale his scent.

“I really don’t know…but I do know I want you there with me.”

He holds me tighter and I swear relief floods his features.

“I will. For as long as you want me, I’ll be right there with you, doll.”

“I want you.”

He leans down and gently presses his lips to mine. It’s only been a week, but it seems like it’s been decades since I felt his kiss. His lips move slowly over mine, teasing until I grant him entrance. He moans when our tongues meet. I slip my hands under his cut and sink my nails into his lower back.

“Come home, Raven,” he begs, resting his forehead on mine.

“The clubhouse isn’t a home, Gage.”

“You wanna move into the house? We’ll move into the house.”

“Really?”

That caught me off-guard. But at least if I’m not at the clubhouse, I won’t have to deal with those bitches daily. Plus, this move is sure to open their eyes to the fact that I’m not some temporary amusement.

“Yes, really. I meant it when I said I don’t want to wake up without you. I’ve given you enough time. You need to get your ass back in my bed.”

“You’re so romantic,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“You knew that shit before you got with me. So, you coming home or what?”

“Ask me nicely.”

“Raven –”

“Ask me.”

He takes a deep breath and expels it through his mouth. His eyes lock on to mine and he cradles my face in his hands.

“Raven, I miss you. I can’t go another day without waking up next to you or coming home to you. I need you, babe. Come home. Please.”

How can a woman say no to that? Not able to find words, I simply nod. He grabs my hand and drags me back toward the house at a pace I have to walk double-time to keep up with.

“Get your stuff. I’ll wait for you here.”

I tell the Contreras’ I’m leaving, thank them for their hospitality, and hurry upstairs to pack. I can’t wait to be in Gage’s arms again. Fuck, I missed him. I shoot off a text to Chrissy then cram my stuff into my backpack. That done, I head to Chris’ room to tell him goodbye but he’s not there. I make my way back downstairs and find Mr. and Mrs. C in the kitchen.

“I’m leaving now, Mrs. C. Thanks again for putting up with me.”

“Anytime, mija. You’re always welcome here,” she says, pulling me in for a hug.

“Thanks. That means a lot to me.”

“No problem. You be careful and call us if you need anything.”

“I will.”

I kiss Mr. C’s cheek and hustle out the door before Gage loses his patience. What I witness outside will surely bring on the apocalypse. Gage. Chris. Shaking hands. Mind. Blown. I watch the events unfold in total shock. They nod to each other in that way men do, that says they have an understanding.

Chris hugs me and whispers in my ear before going back inside. “I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you.” I walk toward Gage in a daze. “What was that about?”