Wiping her eyes, she nodded again.
“Let me put it on your finger.” He slipped the ring on her finger. “It looks good on your hand.” Sniffling, she held her hand out and moved it around, the stones catching the light.
“You okay if I hug you?”
Another nod.
He pulled her close and she buried her head in the crook of his neck, her body shaking, his skin damp with her tears. “Are those happy tears, babe?” With women, he couldn’t be too sure.
“Yeah.” She sniffled. “I’m so damn happy I don’t know what to say except I love you and want to be with you forever,” she sputtered.
He raked his fingers through her hair. “That’s cool ’cause I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Have a few kids too.”
Laughing, Kimber pulled back a little. “I just got engaged. Don’t have me barefoot and pregnant too soon.” The glow from the fireplace lit up her face and made her blue eyes sparkle.
Heat stirred within him as his gaze traveled over her, taking in every bit of her. She’d never been so vulnerable and sexy as she was at that moment, and he loved her for trusting him with her forever.
“I just love this ring. I can’t believe you picked it out by yourself. Did Cara or Belle help you out?”
Throttle poked her playfully. “What? You don’t think I have good taste?”
“I know you do. You chose me.” She winked at him.
“I’m gonna smack your ass for that. And no one helped me pick out the ring. I knew it was perfect for you the minute I saw it. Now give me your lips.”
Kimber pressed into him and he devoured her mouth with his. That night he’d give it to her rough and nasty, the way he knew she loved it. Warmth spread through him. I’m getting married. Fuck. He never figured he’d be hitched, but since Kimber had come into his life, he couldn’t picture it any other way.
And that suited him just fine.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Wheelie
Wheelie stood in the corner of the living room at Hawk and Cara’s house, sipping a glass of whiskey while he watched Sofia talk with Cherri. Tigger’s arm snaked around her waist and the glow from the colored lights around the Christmas tree brightened her pale skin. Dressed in a red dress that hugged her body just right, Wheelie thought she’d never looked prettier as she did at that moment. Every few minutes, she’d glance sideways at him, but she never made eye contact. She couldn’t.
“Dude, you’re fuckin’ obvious,” Throttle said as he passed by him.
Wheelie took another drink from his glass and kept staring at the woman who’d been the main feature in his thoughts for the past few weeks. A couple of times he saw Banger’s brows furrow when he looked his way, but Wheelie didn’t give a shit. He just couldn’t keep his eyes off Sofia, she looked like an angel.
“Do you want something to eat or are you gonna stand in the corner sulking like a goddamn teenager?” Throttle asked.
“I’ll get something. Did Kimber like the ring?”
A grin cracked over Throttle’s face. “She fuckin’ loved it.”
“When’s the wedding?”
“She wants to have a summer one so we decided on next June. Remember Brenda from Ruthie’s?”
“Brenda? Who’s she?”
“The waitress with the big tits.”
“The one Tigger’s always got a hard-on for?”
“Yeah. Anyway, Rags and me were in there a few times last week and each time we were there she came over to the table and asked about you. She’s got a thing for you, dude. You need to go over there and sit at her station.”
“She’s not my type.”
Throttle exhaled loudly. “You gotta move on. Sofia’s taken. You haven’t been with the club girls for the last few weeks. I know what you’re feeling, but she’s a brother’s old lady. You—”
“Fuck, man. Will you leave it alone? I know the damn score.” He pushed away from the wall and walked into the kitchen.
“Do you want a plate?” Kimber asked as she handed him one.
“Thanks. Nice ring.”
Kimber’s face shone. “I think so too. I love it.”
“You guys know how to make our hearts soar,” Addie said as she placed two deviled eggs on her plate.
“Do you want me to fix you a plate?” Cara asked, placing a pot of tomato sauce down on the counter.
“Thanks, but I’m good.” Wheelie placed some food on his dish, his eyes reverting back to Sofia. This time she was in front of him, and their gazes locked. Tigger was talking with Jax, and for the space of a held breath, it was only them, a heated longing in her green eyes.
“You need me to refresh your glass?” Hawk’s deep voice broke their connection.
Wheelie shook his head. “I’m good.” The ice clinked as he brought the amber-colored drink to his lips.
“I’ll take some more,” Tigger said, holding out his glass. He turned to Wheelie, his gaze unfocused. “I heard Brenda’s got the hots for you. What a lucky sonofabitch. She’s totally stacked.”
Wheelie glanced at Sofia’s taut face. Licks of anger rode up his spine and he clenched his fists. If the fucker doesn’t shut up, I’m gonna deck him.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say with your wife standing right next to you. Show her some respect,” Cara said, her hands on her hip.
Redness mottled Tigger’s face. “You show me respect. You don’t tell a brother shit.” Sofia stepped away, fear etched on her face.
“You’ve had too much to drink, so I’ll forget I heard what you said to my wife,” Hawk said. “This is a get-together for the brothers and their old ladies. I’m not gonna tolerate any disrespect in my house. What you said was shitty to Sofia. Cara called you on it before I had a chance to.”
Tigger stared intently at Hawk then at Cara. Sofia stood stiffly off to the side. From the way she watched the situation, Wheelie knew she didn’t want it to escalate because she’d feel the brunt of Tigger’s anger and frustration later on when they were alone.
“This is a damn party. Crank up the music,” Jax said, his hand clasping onto Tigger’s shoulder.
Tigger turned to Wheelie. “Where’s your old lady?”
That’s it. Before Wheelie could react, Banger said, “Some of the single brothers are here ’cause they’re friends with Hawk. I’d like some more of your spiked eggnog, little lady.” He handed his glass to Cara.
“I wanna show you some pictures of the new Harley I’m thinking of buying,” Jax said to Tigger.
The mention of a Harley lessened the strain between Tigger and Wheelie. He pulled his focus away from him and smiled at Jax. “When you buying it? I’m gearing up to get a new one.” He followed Jax to the study.
“Me too. Mine’s been acting up too much. Kimber suggested I look into getting a new one,” Axe said as he joined them.
After Tigger left, the tension lifted, and Wheelie went over to Cherri and Sofia.
“I just don’t want him to be pissed when he leaves tonight.” Sofia’s soft voice fell on his ears.
“Jax will get him talking about motorcycles, and you know how these guys love their Harleys,” Cherri replied.