“How about a round on the treadmill?” she asked as she started toward the back of the gym.
I climbed on and waited for her to set the distance and rate. The machine quickly sprang to life, forcing me into action. The entire time I was walking on that damn thing, I was thinking about all the wasted moments. I couldn’t stop berating myself for not dancing with Cass. I could’ve held her, felt her body next to mine, but I let that chance pass me by. Fuck. My mind was consumed with thoughts of her. I couldn’t stop wondering where she was and what she was doing. I hated the thought, but I wondered if she’d been better off since she’d left the club. I knew she was okay, but I needed to be certain she was happy. Clutch had been keeping me posted, but it just wasn’t the same. I needed to see for myself. I needed to know for myself if that light was back, even if it was just a glimmer. Realizing there was only one way for me to find out, I kicked up the speed on the treadmill and pushed myself even more. After an hour of walking, Melody led me to the pool. As soon as we were done there, she helped me back to my room. When I walked in, Maverick was talking on the phone.
“No,” he growled. There was a brief pause and then with his voice raised in anger, he shouted, “I don’t give a fuck what she said!” There was another pause and then Maverick roared, “If she leaves that fucking clubhouse, it’s your head, brother. Find her and get her ass on the fucking phone.” He hung up the phone and slammed it down on the table next to him. Fury radiated off of him as he glared down at it.
“You wanna tell me what the hell that was all about?” I asked.
“Henley,” he grumbled.
“And?” I pushed, having no idea what the hell was going on.
“She’s got it in her head that she wants to move back in with Cass until I get back home. She says she misses me and can’t sleep.”
Maverick had always been protective of Henley, but since the day she called to tell him she was pregnant, he’d taken it to a whole new level. He was on edge, worrying over every little thing, like all soon-to-be dads do. I knew he hated he wasn’t there with her. He’d never admit it, but it was hard on him. We all knew he’d been through hell when he found out from the hospital that he wasn’t John Warren’s father, but Henley had given him a second chance. He was determined not to fuck it up, and I didn’t blame him for being a little overprotective.
“I know you want her at the clubhouse. Hell, I want Cass there, but your girl’s pregnant and needs her sleep, brother. Now that Derek’s gone, there’s no threat against the club.”
“Maybe, but I can’t keep an eye on her at Cass’s place, and if something happens to her or the baby…” he growled.
I sat down on the edge of my bed, easing myself back against the pillows as I said, “If she goes to Cass’s, we’ll up the watch. Put two brothers on them around the clock. I’ll get with Guardrail and have him send Clutch and Smokey over there to keep an eye on both of them. It won’t be for much longer. We’ll be home soon enough.”
“We’re not leaving here until you’re ready.”
“I’m ready now. Hell, I’ve been ready,” I answered. “I’m giving them a few more days, but then I’m getting the hell out of here, brother. I’m tired of my life being on fucking hold.”
“Just don’t do anything you’re going to regret later. Let them help you the best they can before you hightail it out of here,” he laughed.
“I’ll give it a few more days, but keep an eye on Melody. I’m pretty sure she’s trying to kill me.”
“She seems sweet,” Maverick mocked.
“Nothing about that woman is sweet. Hell, she’s the spawn of Satan,” I groaned. “You have no idea.”
“Sara called. Wanted to see how things were going and if you needed anything. She’s planning to come by later tonight.”
“I don’t need anything,” I answered. I was tempted to have him call her and tell her not to come, but I knew it wouldn’t matter. If she was intent on doing something, she did it, damn the consequences.
It was after seven when Sara showed up with a basket full of food and drinks. After she sat it down on the table, she turned to me and asked, “Have you talked to her?”
“Who?” I asked, even though I knew exactly whom she was talking about.
“You know who. Has she answered yet?”
“Nope.”
Her eyebrows furrowed as she asked, “So, what are you going to do about it?”
“Hell, if I know,” I huffed. “I just need to get out of here so I can fucking see her.”