“You just can’t find a good Italian woman like her anymore. She’s one of a kind. I guess that’s why I put up with all of her shit. We only get one momma, right? What’s a man supposed to do? You know?”
Realizing for the first time that he was actually talking about his mother, pissed me the fuck off. “I wouldn’t know. My mother died when I was a kid. I’d say you’re lucky to have her,” I told him as I turned my head away from him, ignoring whatever he mumbled under his breath. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Henley jumping up and down. Her hips jerked from side-to-side as she pumped her fists in the air, obviously celebrating her win over the game. Watching her made me feel lighter somehow, an unlikely diversion from the darkness that usually consumed me. After several seconds of prancing around in the corner, she suddenly stopped and slowly turned her head, peering around the room. Her lips pressed together as she checked to see if anyone had seen her little victory dance. When her eyes locked on mine, she bit her bottom lip. Her mouth slowly curved into a bashful smile as she shrugged her shoulders, acknowledging that she knew I’d seen her. I turned my head and looked away in disbelief.
I sat there for a moment, trying to clear my head, but I couldn’t stop myself. I don’t know what exactly triggered it… maybe it was that goofy little dance or her adorable smile, but she’d just done something no one has been able to do in months. Henley Gray just made me smile. Fuck.
Chapter 8
Henley
?
What is it about those green eyes that captivated me? It just doesn’t make any sense. Of course, he’s absurdly good looking, with his shaggy brown hair and perfect body, but it’s more than that. When I looked at him, I saw something that I just couldn’t explain, and it made me want to know more about him. I wanted to know the demons he was fighting… why there was such hurt hidden behind those beautiful emerald eyes.
“Would you like a beer or something?” Boozer asked me, being a gentleman as always.
“No thanks. I’m good.”
“How about a game of pool?”
“Trust me… you don’t want to play pool with me. I’m beyond terrible. It would be like Chinese torture to play against me. Besides, it’s been a really long day. I think I’m just going to go crash for the night.” I could see the disappointment cross his handsome face when I turned him down. I would’ve suggested playing a game of darts, but I was exhausted. I just wanted to crawl into bed and forget this day ever happened.
“Maybe some other time, then,” he said with a kind smile. “Just let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks Boozer. I really appreciate it.” I patted him on the arm and headed over to tell Cassidy that I was going to bed. She was clearing the empty bottles off the counter top as she talked to a couple of the guys sitting at the bar.
“How’s it going Lee Bug? Haven’t seen much of you tonight. You making it okay?” she asked as she busied herself behind the bar.
“Yep. Hanging in.”
“Good. Sorry I haven’t been able to spend more time with you. I’ve been swamped over here. Ellie couldn’t make it in tonight, so it’s just been me all night.”
“Cass, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry over me,” I assured her.
“Can’t help myself. You’ve been through a lot today,” she said with concern. “I still can’t get it out of my head. Those guys could have…”
“Don’t. Nothing happened. Nothing is going to happen to me. I think it’s silly that I am even here. I should be home waiting on my final grades to come in, not hanging out here with the Hell’s Angels.”
“Henley, don’t say shit like that! You know better than to disrespect these men, especially in their own damn clubhouse. You need them right now. They’re the only ones who can keep you safe, and you need to appreciate their…”
I held up my hands in surrender and said, “You’re right. You’re right. I’m a jerk. I’m sorry. I’m just tired. It’s been a hell of a day, and I just need to get some sleep.”
“Cotton had a couple of the prospects bring your stuff over from the apartment. I gave them the list of things you wanted, and they set up everything in your room.”
“Wow. Well that was nice of them. I’ll be sure to thank them tomorrow,” I promised.
“And you should know…” she started, but paused to look around the bar before she continued. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but someone broke into our apartment. When the guys got there, the entire place had been ransacked.”
“What the hell? Who would have done something like that?” I knew the answer before the question ever left my lips.
“They didn’t say for sure, but I’m positive it was the guys that tried to break into your car.”
“What were they expecting to find in our apartment?” I asked as my heart began to pound nervously against my chest.