She slid across the bed. “I need to go home.”
He slid his feet into his shoes before holding his hand out to her. “I’ll take you.”
Willa slipped her hand into his, and he helped her rise to her feet. He steadied her while she slipped her shoes on. Then she followed him from his bedroom, down the hallway, and to the door that led outside.
She pulled back when he would have opened the door. He placed his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to his side.
“The wreck has been cleaned up,” he said, letting the words silently tell her Ria’s body had been removed.
“Where is she…?” Willa’s voice broke, but she managed to keep from shedding any more tears. Her aching heart felt as though she didn’t have any more to give.
“Knox buried her in Cash’s family cemetery.”
Willa liked the thought of her dog not being alone. She saw the sun in the sky. “What time is it?” Her voice broke despite her best efforts.
“It’s morning. You slept through the night. Do you want to go to the diner and get some breakfast?”
“No.” The thought of food made her stomach heave.
Lucky led her to his SUV.
“I can take my van,” Willa protested as Lucky opened the passenger door.
“Get in. I’ll see that your van’s at your house by lunch.”
She sat down, letting him shut the door. When Lucky had gotten behind the steering wheel and pulled out onto the main street, Willa closed her eyes tightly.
His hand took hers in a tight clasp. “We’re past the spot.” His low voice gave her the courage to open her eyes.
“I saw Lily and Rachel at the church store yesterday before…”
Lucky’s mouth tightened. “They heard the crash. Thank God Rachel was there. She wouldn’t let Lily out the door. Rachel had to push her back. She said they didn’t see anything.
“I’m glad. I wouldn’t want Lily and Rachel to have that in their head.”
Lucky pulled into her driveway, bringing the Yukon to a stop. “Like it’s in yours?”
“I keep seeing Ria, she saved my life.” She was wrong; she did have more tears left. As another one found its way down her cheek, Lucky wiped it away with a tender smile.
“Yes, she did.”
“Do you think she knew I was coming back for her?” Willa’s voice broke.
“Yes, I do.”
“What do I tell the kids when they call and ask about her?”
“Tell them she found a better home.”
Willa agreed it would be kinder to not tell them. Besides, the dog would eventually slip from their memories as they made new ones.
“She was the only dog I ever had.”
“I can get you another—”
Willa vehemently shook her head. “I don’t ever want another one. She can’t be replaced.”
Lucky stared down at her with a look she didn’t understand. “No, she can’t.”
Willa didn’t think he was talking about Ria anymore. Taking a deep breath, she reached for the door handle.
“Willa?” She turned back to him. “Will you go out with me tonight? We can go to dinner at King’s.”
Willa’s heart gave a lurch before she made herself calm down. “I’ll be fine, Lucky. I don’t need you to take me out to dinner to make me feel better.”
“Ria isn’t the reason I’m asking you out. I want to go out like a normal couple.”
“I don’t know…”
“Willa, you almost died yesterday, and there wasn’t a fucking thing I could do to prevent it. Please just give me a chance. That’s all I’m asking for now. Can you do that?”
“I can do that,” she said softly, unable to resist his husky entreaty.
“Good. I’ll pick you up at six.”
“Okay.” Willa slid out of the SUV then watched as he pulled out until he turned the corner back to the church.
She might be making a mistake by going out with Lucky, but she was done running. This time, she was going to stand still and see what happened.
*
Lucky walked through the front of the clubhouse. He had called Viper after he had dropped Willa off to ask for the club meeting, and now the members were waiting for him in the packed kitchen.
Viper was standing in the TV area with the other six original members as Lucky walked up to them, coming to a stop. He reached into his pant pocket, pulling out two sets of bike keys, handing one set to his president.
“Lucky…” Viper’s eyes went to his hand.
“My cut is in the saddlebag.”
“Brother, don’t.”
“I can’t be a brother and have Willa, too. I love her, Viper. I always have.”
The club members were silent, listening to every word.
“It doesn’t have to be either. You could choose both,” Shade spoke up.
“Yes, it does. For me to have Willa, it does.”
Lucky heard the women in the background crying.