Truly, Madly, Whiskey(33)
Dixie exchanged a proud smile with Bear. “Why would we mind? But won’t that hinder you with the ladies?”
“Why? There are two bedrooms. It’s not like we’ll both be staying in mine.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Although, it could be interesting if I get a chick as a roomie.”
Bear laughed. “No problem. You know the rules. No drugs, no troublemakers. We’ve got babies here all day, and their welfare has to come first.”
“Dude, I know that better than anyone. Think I’d f*ck up everything y’all and Tru have done for me?” He leaned further over the counter, and his expression turned serious. “Not a chance. Family first. I will never screw that up again.”
He and Bear tapped fists.
“That’s it, bro,” Bear said.
“Before I forget, Tru told me to tell you you’re helping him with kid duty and painting the playroom at the house next Tuesday while the girls are out shopping.”
“We’re getting Gemma’s wedding dress fitted and picking out dresses for me and Crystal.” Dixie poked Bear in the side. “That means you’re free, because your girl will be busy.”
Bear loved that Dixie referred to Crystal as his girl. “Sounds good. Where are you headed?”
“Tru’s,” Quincy said. “Dinner with my baby brother and sister, then out to Luscious Licks. One day Penny’s going to realize I’m the best lick she’ll ever get.” Penny owned Luscious Licks, and Quincy had been crushing on her since they’d first met.
“God.” Dixie rolled her eyes. “You really need to come up with something better than that to get that woman to notice you. Don’t you guys know anything about romance?”
“Romance?” Bear scoffed. “This from the woman who nails guys’ balls to the wall for every little thing.”
She rose to her feet and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Romance. Flowers and chocolates and all that stuff. I may be tough, but at least I know what I like.”
Quincy headed for the door. “I’ll be sure to let Crow know romance might get him in the door.”
Bear glared at him. “Get the hell out of here before I shove that thought down your throat.” Crow was a biker they’d grown up with, and he’d had a thing for Dixie since they were kids. He had the reputation of a snake, and he wasn’t going anywhere near Bear’s sister’s grass.
Quincy’s laughter followed him out the door.
Bear dropped his eyes to Dixie, who was smiling as she scrolled through her texts. “Wipe that grin off your face. Crow’s not going near you.”
“I ought to sleep with him just to show you that you’re not the boss of me.” She sauntered around the desk with a dramatic sway of her hips, underscoring her independence.
“That’s one way to get a man killed.” Bear took his vibrating phone from his pocket, happy to see a text from Crystal.
He opened it, and a picture popped up of Crystal dressed in the sexiest costume he’d ever set his eyes on. A leather choker with an aqua charm in the center circled her neck, and a fringed suede minidress with a sinfully short hemline rode high on her thighs. Harley was in her arms, sporting a silver-studded black collar with a pink bow. She’d taken the picture in the mirror, and she had a smirky, sexy smile. The text read, Hey, biker boy. Want to come over and see your girls tonight?
Hell yes.
After a quick shower, Bear stopped by Petal Me Hard. He’d be damned if any woman would be romanced better than his girl. The pungent floral scent cleared his senses after he’d spent the day in the auto shop.
“Hey, Bear,” Isla, Bud’s daughter, called from behind the counter, where she was arranging a bouquet. “I’ll be right with you.”
“Great. Thanks.” He meandered through the shop, looking at all the flowers. He’d never bought a woman flowers before, and he had no idea there were so many to choose from.
“What brings you in?” She leaned over the vase of flowers, her thick blond hair curtaining her face.
“I’m looking for something special.”
“For Crystal?” She popped up and arched a dark brow. Her flannel shirt was tied at the waist, revealing a sliver of skin above a tight pair of jeans.
“What do you know about me and Crystal?”
She wiped her hands on her jeans and folded her arms across her chest with a sassy smirk. “What does everyone in this town know about you and Crystal? Just that every time the Whiskey brothers are out and about, you’ve got your arm around her. Word around town is that you’re taken. I assume that means something.”
That was news to him, and he was thrilled by it.
“It means a hell of a lot.”
“So you need something special. Like red-rose, I-love-you special?”
“You need a bigger hook than that to go fishing in my lake, little one.”
Isla was twenty-two and rebellious as they came, and because of her father’s relationship in the club, she was considered family. Like another nosy little sister.
“You’re no fun.” She came around the counter. “Any allergies?”
“I’m not sure, but I need something safe around kittens. And I’d like something that isn’t common. She’s unique, and the flowers should be, too.”