“The way I see it, you did whatever it took to survive.” She shrugged casually. “I get it. I’ve been there, too, but life isn’t just about surviving. You have to take chances and be willing to get hurt.”
“So, how’s all that working out for you?”
A bashful smile crossed her face as she told me, “I took a chance with you when I called and asked you to the coffee shop. That night paid off, but the next time I might not end up so lucky. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to keep trying.”
She studied me for a moment, waiting for my response. When I didn’t give her one, she stood, and her smile was all but gone as she whispered, “I think it’s time for me to go.”
Damn. I could tell by that distant look in her eye I’d fucked up. Frankie was everything a man could possibly want in one beautiful, curvy, sexy-as-hell package. She was smart and compassionate. The woman had to know I was the last fucking thing she needed in her life. I was damaged goods. I was a broken soul with a heart encased in iron. There were times when I’d lose my balance, and I’d get tangled up in my knotted past, but there was something about her that made me think she could untangle those knots and set me free.
I knew I couldn’t just let her walk out without saying or doing something. If I did, I’d lose whatever chance I might have with her. I stood and stepped towards her as I admitted, “I’m trying here, but I’m just not good at this, Frankie. I don’t know if I can be the man you need me to be.”
A warm smile crossed her beautiful face as she placed the palm of her hand on my chest. “I’m not asking you to change, Roman.”
“Then, what do you want from me?”
“I want you to take a chance.”
With that, she lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to mine, kissing me softly. My hands immediately dropped to her waist, inching her closer as I kissed her back. Damn. This woman had me twisted into knots. I’d never hungered for a woman like I did for her. It was all I could think about as my tongue delved deeper in her mouth. Our tender moment quickly grew possessive and demanding, and our hands became frantic and full of need, leaving no question as to what we were both feeling. My mouth roamed over the curve of her neck as I whispered, “Stay.”
“I can’t.” Flushed with desire, she took a step back, breaking free from our embrace. “I need to get back.”
“I don’t want you to go.”
“Remember that over the next couple of days. It might help you decide on whether or not you’re willing to take that chance.”
She gave me a quick wink, then turned and walked out of the house, leaving me alone to determine my next move. Apparently, she didn’t get that I’d already made up my mind. I wanted her. I wanted all of her. It was a risk, one I hadn’t dared to take before, but if there was even the slightest chance Frankie Sullivan could be mine, it was a risk I had to take.
I was tempted to go after her, but I had to get back to the clubhouse to meet up with Hawk and Menace. I finished gathering my things and threw them in my saddlebag. When I made it back to the clubhouse, Hawk and Menace were waiting for me in the parking lot. We all got in the SUV and headed over to Smokey’s to start our shift. I’d like to say we found Grant on that first night, but we didn’t. Hell, we watched that fucking place for days, but there was no sign of him. After being there for three days, we were all starting to feel a little restless. Just as I was starting to give up hope, Hawk leaned forward and squinted his eyes. “Hold up. Is that him?”
I, too, leaned forward and was pleased to find that Hawk was right. Grant had just come out of Smokey’s and was walking in our direction. “Yeah, that’s him.”
“How’d we miss him going in?” Bear complained. “We’ve been sitting here all fucking night.”
“He must’ve gone in the back. Doesn’t matter now. We’ve got him.”
“Yeah, we need to wait and see where he’s headed.”
After several moments, it was clear he was headed to the Blue City Motel across the street. Once we were certain we were out of his view, we got out and followed him into the parking lot, watching as he entered one of the rooms on the bottom floor. We were just a few yards away when Bear turned to Hawk and asked, “We going in after him?”