“Did you square it away, Shine? Katie will meet everyone tomorrow so everything needs to be handled.” Cap wants to be sure everything will be good when Lil and Katie get to the club tomorrow.
“You missed it, Cap. Shine got up on top of the bar and declared his every lasting love. It was heartwarming.” Con is being a smartass again.
“I don’t care if he got up there and sang it as long as it is taken care of.” Cap sounds like he is ready to get out of here.
“It’s done. I’m ready to get back to Katie.” I want to be there before she turns in for the night. I’d like to talk to her.
“Let’s get out of here then. It’s been a long few days and Lil has Christmas on her mind and that means she is going to keep us busy.” Cap slaps Con on the back and the two of us head out to be with our women.
Chapter 11
Katie
I decide to turn in early, but I am just laying here thinking about what Lil said. I am determined to at least try to make this my home. I’ll feel better when I am in my apartment and working, but Lil makes me wants this. Shine makes me want it more. This may be the best Christmas in a long time. I am just trying to nod off when I hear a light tap at my door.
“Come in.” I hope I am loud enough for whoever it is to hear me.
“Hey, babe. I thought we might talk if you’re up to it.” Shine opens the door and walks in and comes to the end of the bed.
“I would like that, Shine.” I sit up on the bed, but keep the covers gathered around me.
“Do you mind if I get up there beside you? I swear it is just to talk. You can trust me, Katie.” I’m nervous but as I look in Shine’s face I know he is telling me the truth.
“Sure, if you want.” I don’t know what else to say. He takes off his boots and climbs up beside me, but he stays on top of the covers so we have blankets between us.
“Thanks, babe. How was your evening with Lil? You two are in bed early.” It’s not early for me. I look at the clock beside the bed and it is almost ten.
“This is my normal bedtime, but I am used to getting up around five a.m. I work a little before school. I did sleep most of the day. I guess maybe the wreck took a lot out of me.” I never sleep so much.
“You must need it, babe. Take all the time to get well you need. We have you now. You’re not alone anymore.” I hope that is true.
“Do you mean that, Shine?” I think about my question. “What is your real name and why does everyone have nicknames?”
“My name is Gage Lawson. Only you can call me that. When you get your cut and become a brother you get a road name. Cap gave Con and me ours. It’s what we are known as from then on and what matters. You can call me Gage. I would like that.” I like that name Gage. I’ve never known a Gage.
“How did you get the name Shine?” He is smiling. He is so sexy when he smiles.
“My favorite drink. Cap said I was always full of Shine. It stuck.” He looks like he is thinking. “Con’s real name is Billy Lee. Well, actually William Lee, but was always called Billy. His story is a true for sure. You see, he is what Cap calls a lady’s man. Cap said he could con any woman out of her panties in less than an hour. Con stuck. Do not repeat that and don’t call him Billy. He said he rightfully earned the name Con.” Shine is almost laughing. Con is hot, but he can’t compete with Shine.
“Lil said you were warning the club girls to stay away from me. They are not going to like me much. It’s okay. I may be shy, but I can take care of myself. I have been doing it a long time.” I don’t want Shine, well, Gage, to think I can’t stand on my own.
“I did, but that doesn’t mean they will listen. DaVine is the main one. I promise you, I never made promises to her or any woman. I’ve never had feelings for any woman. I am drawn to you and I am claiming you in front of the club. I did that tonight. I know you have to get used to the idea, but you are mine. I will also be sleeping next to you every night. We’ll take it further when you are ready, but I will be here from now on. I also will be kissing you before we go to sleep tonight. Just a kiss. Can you deal with that? Because I can say you don’t have much of a choice. I’m not going anywhere except next to you.” I know I should be offended by the way Gage is talking to me but I’m not. In fact, I am looking forward to that kiss. I want it. I’ve never been kissed by a man before.
“Are you sure Gage? What if I’m not what you want? I have no experience with men. I’ve never been on a date or even been kissed. I may not be able to give you what you want.” Gage looks surprised and maybe a little shocked.
“You are twenty years old, right?” I don’t know what my age has to do with it.