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Boo.

Jake cursed under his breath as he stood. “I’m sorry, sweets, I gotta go.”

“Everything okay?”

“Some shit’s been goin’ missin’. Lots of little stuff mostly. But now a part I need to finish a job, that’s gotta get done like yesterday, is gone. Havin’ to stay on a creeper for ‘Inappropriate Hard-on Time’ is seriously makin’ me run behind schedule.”

“Oh no, woe is you. I’m so sorry, I’ll try to be less desirable,” I joked, trying to ease the stress I could see settling on his face.

“Somehow I don’t think you’ll be successful. Especially now with your lips so swollen. Fuck. Okay, I have to go. Right?”

“Oh, I dunno, it’s just your livelihood and your company. Who cares if it goes under.”

“Good point.”

I backed up against a wall as Jake stalked toward me. “Ah, I was kidding! Go, go, go. I hope it goes okay.”

“I’ll figure it out. Come in later and see your boys. See me. Consider that an order from Mr. Bossy Pants.” He pushed against me and kissed me hard, hot, but way too short.

Oh yeah, some risks werewayworth taking.

*******

Two days later, I walked into Hyde through the garage. I was greeted with loud catcalls and whistles because of my outfit. These turned into proclamations of everlasting love when they saw the homemade cinnamon rolls I was carrying.

When I didn’t see Jake, I went into the break room to put the thick layer of cream cheese icing on the rolls. I was finishing up when I heard someone approaching. I glanced over anticipating one of the guys. Instead, I saw a woman looking just as surprised to see me.

Wearing a cropped tank top that strained across what I was fairly certain were fake boobs, a pair of almost indecently short jean cut-offs, and motorcycle boots, she was obviously a biker. In fact, if they ever made a Biker Barbie she could be the model it was based on.

Her blond hair had crazy volume, making me think she was responsible for a much larger ozone hole than I was. Her face was heavily made up and looked very rock ‘n’ roll night time.

I was all for rock ‘n’ roll at any time, and had been known to push the limits of acceptable glam, but even I knew this was not the best look.

Even still, she was a definite biker babe.

I had a meeting at the bank later that morning, so I was dressed almost the complete opposite of Biker Barbie. I was wearing a tailored black pinstripe skirt with a matching short vest and a fitted red button down tucked in underneath. I'd added some rocker flair with my favorite pair of back seam black stockings and a pair of shiny, black sling-back pumps. The front of my hair was up in victory rolls and the back was down in soft waves.

What’re they gonna do, re-deny my loan?

My eye makeup was more subtle since I’d gone with a bold red lip stain. It was all a trade-off. Otherwise I’d end up looking less ‘rocker’ and more ‘Krusty the Clown’.

“Sorry, didn’t know anyone was back here. Jake," she said, drawing out his name while her eyes swept over me, "said I could come back and use the bathroom,”

“It’s down the hall to the left,” I said, going for polite.

“Oh, trust me, I know. I’ve been here a few times with Jake. After hours, of course…”

In addition to one’s hair always being worn up, my mother had other clear ideas on how a lady should act. Most of the time I tuned her out. Today I was grateful that something actually stuck.

Never let your emotions show.

“Okay then. Have a nice day.” I turned back to finish the cinnamon rolls.

“So, whose are you?” She moved into the room just enough to lean against the counter in the corner.

Because of the size of the room, there was still distance between us. Even so, when I caught the calculating look in her eyes, I had the overwhelming urge to step back.

Wayback.