Search Me(41)

Maddox started to open his door, but I grabbed his arm. “But I’m underage.”

He shrugged. “West’ll smooth it over.” My continued apprehension caused him to make a frustrated noise in the back of his throat. “Look, princess, I’m sorry it’s not the Four Seasons, but with Jensen’s men snooping around, hotels are kinda out of the question.”

His sudden attitude caused me to snap, “And just where are we supposed to sleep? On the pool table or behind the bar?”

Maddox gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. “West said there’s a room upstairs with a bed and a bathroom that we could crash in. Free of charge.”

I didn’t want to contemplate what the so-called accommodations might look like. I released a sigh, realizing with armed men tracking us and a treasure to find beggars couldn’t be choosers. “Fine, let’s go.”

“Jeez, don’t hurt yourself saying thanks for finding us a place to unwind and sleep,” he grumbled as he slammed the door.

Rolling my eyes, I slung my purse over my shoulder and then hoisted the Cherokee Lore book into the crook of my arm. He came around the front of the truck with a sour look on his face. “I’m sorry, okay? I really appreciate you hooking this up for us.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. In the vast scheme of things, I don’t think Jensen and his men would even think twice about us being holed up in a biker bar.”

Maddox laughed. “No, I don’t suppose they would.”

We started across the parking lot. “So this West guy—you were in the Army together?”

“Nah, we ended up in the same VA hospital. He actually did a tour in Afghanistan—roadside bomb took him out of commission for a while. He’s doing much better now that he’s home and working for his old man.”

“And does this West have a first name?”

Maddox shrugged. “He’s always been West to me.” With a short laugh, he said, “He’s probably got some fruity first name he’s ashamed of like Terry or Sebastian.”

He held the door open for me, resting a hand on the small of my back. The tiny gesture was comforting, but I would have preferred his entire arm around me. Hazy rings of smoke filled the air, stinging my eyes and making me cough. Through my clouded vision, I saw several of the booths and tables were filled. Even though it wasn’t yet Happy Hour, some men in trucker hats lounged at the bar, nursing foamy beers.

A tall, lanky guy with shaggy dark hair stood under a neon Budweiser sign, cleaning glasses with a rag. Even from where I stood, I could see the shrapnel scars on his neck. The sight of us caused his face to stretch into a wide grin. “I’ll be damned! Look what the cat dragged in.”

Maddox’s hand dropped from around me as he reached out to pump West’s hand. “It’s good to see you again, man. Especially outside that shithole of a VA hospital.” He then turned to me. “Lane, this is my buddy West I was telling you about.”

West eyed me from head to toe before grinning slyly at Maddox. “Pickin’ ‘em kinda young now, aren’t you?”

Maddox grimaced as I blurted, “Oh no, we’re not together like that.”

West snorted. “Yeah, like I haven’t heard that one before.”

Rolling his eyes, Maddox argued, “She’s nineteen, ass**le, and we grew up together. Her dad spent some time with Maudie.”

West didn’t seem to buy Maddox’s explanation. With a wink, he leaned in over the bar. “Can I get you something to drink, sweetheart? Maybe some milk?”

Maddox gave a frustrated grunt. “Listen, man, just give us a break. The last twenty-four hours have been pure hell.”

“Lemme guess. You knocked her up, her parents hate your guts, and now you’re on your way to Ringgold, the elopement capitol of the world this side of the Mississippi?”

Blood rushed to my face. “Excuse me?”

“Lane, he’s—” Maddox began.

“Do I actually look pregnant…you…you ass**le?”

West shrugged. “Takes a while to show.”

I jabbed my finger at Maddox. “I haven’t had sex with him in three years!” I shouted over the music. Just as I finished, I realized the jukebox had shut off. My statement echoed around the room, causing the truckers to turn around and stare at me. “Oh God,” I moaned, burying my head in my hands.

“She’s serious, man. We…” Maddox scratched the back of his neck and grimaced. “We hooked up before I left for Basic, but nothing else now and we’re sure as hell not heading to elope,” Maddox said.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry.”

I jerked my head up. “I would hope so.”

“You can’t fault me for thinking it though. I mean, old Mad Dog Diaz here was known for being quite a ladies’ man.”

I glanced over at Maddox to find his eyes wide as saucers. He frantically shook his head at West while giving him a pleading look. “Did you just call him Mad Dog?” I asked, enjoying watching Maddox squirm.

West grinned. “Oh yeah. He practically charmed the scrubs off of every nurse in the hospital.”

“Dude, do us both a favor and shut the f**k up!” Maddox growled.

“Okay, okay, point taken.” West held his hands up in defeat for good measure. “Why don’t you let me make it up to you with a free lunch?”