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“But you didn’t get to?—”

“We can discuss this another time,” he cuts her off.

Didn’t get to what?

Finish?

Come?

What didn’t he get to do?

I’ve had a crush on Hayden for as long as I can remember. He’s a boy who takes what he wants and isn’t shy around girls.

He’s never made a move on me.

I know he doesn’t see me like that, so every time I’m in one of these situations, I hide my jealousy. I hide how much it fucking hurts to see or hear about him being with another girl.

We drop Gloria off. She slams the door. Hayden sighs but says nothing else.

Aspen is passed out by the time we get back to their house, the alcohol and whatever else she took taking its toll. We sneak her inside and tuck her in, and then he walks me to my front door.

“I’ll sleep on the floor in her room,” he assures me, tucking a curl behind my ear. “I’ll keep an eye on her. Who knows what the fuck that dickhead gave her.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling like the worst friend.

“Not on you, you didn’t know. It’s on her. She fucked up,” he replies, dipping to kiss my forehead. His lips linger, and my eyes close of their own accord, just enjoying the feel of his mouth on my skin. “You did the right thing texting me. Get some sleep, baby.”

He doesn’t leave until I lock my door. Not only is he the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen, he’s also a gentleman.

Hayden Rhodes might not know it yet, but one day, he’s going to be mine.

LU

Thirteen Years Later

“Bones, who is that?” I ask, staring up at the stage. I haven’t been able to take my eyes away from him—short brown hair, tall, muscular build, and a leather cut that says he’s a patched member of the Serpents of Chaos Motorcycle Club. My gaze touches the ink on his arms and drops to the silver rings that cover his talented fingers. He’s singing about love and loss, and I’m both saddened by his lyrics and turned on by the man himself. He’s somehow familiar. I’m so drawn to him, I’m about to do something I rarely ever do—I’m going to make the first move.

“That’s Haze,” Bones replies, grinning. “He’s our treasurer and local heartthrob.”

“Haze, huh? I’m going home with him tonight,” I declare with a smirk. I’m tipsy enough to announce this to Bones instead of keeping it to myself like I should have.

Bones laughs and tips back the rest of his beer. “You’ll have to fight off a few to get there… unless you don’t mind sharing.”

My lips curve upward. “I’m an only child. I don’t share.”

I have another shot before I walk up to the stage. Ora, my best friend and co-worker at the bakery I own, has disappeared with her man, War, leaving me to my own devices. She’s the reason I’m here at this biker party in the first place. I haven’t always been known for making the best decisions, but when I glance up into the most handsome face I’ve ever seen, and amber eyes look down at me, recognition hits me.

He’s familiar.

Could it be?

No, this isn’t him.

It’s just the eyes.

The song ends, and Haze puts down his guitar, standing in front of me. “Hello,” I purr, offering him my hand.

He stares down at it for a moment before taking it, his gaze not leaving mine. Closing the space between us, I press my free palm against his chest and look up at him. At five foot nothing, he towers over me, but as my soft body presses right up against his hard one, there’s no missing what I want from him.