Page 29 of Drifter (Redemption Riders #2)
I Didn’t Do That
Motown
I told my brothers not to wake me unless it was life and death. Shooter and I didn’t make it back to the compound until morning, and we headed straight to our rooms to sleep. I should have slept like a log, but I’ve been tormented by the same dream I’ve been having for the last several months.
It’s a good dream up until the point where I wake up and find that I’m alone, and the dark-haired, petite siren is not lying next to me.
It’s been nearly three months since I met Tessa.
I don’t even know her last name. I knew the second I saw her that she didn’t belong in a biker bar.
She wasn’t wearing a bit of makeup. Her eyes were the darkest brown, almost black, and she was the most alluring woman in the room.
She was hesitant to approach the bar. I was sitting on a barstool, curious to see what she’d do next.
Instead of asking for a drink, she asked for the manager.
Ruth owns the place, and I know her well.
Ruth is in her late forties and tough as nails.
She’s been around bikers all her life. Ruth lives free and plays hard.
She works harder and doesn’t take any shit.
The men who come to Suds Up are mainly regulars, and they like and respect Ruth.
They don’t cause problems, and if anyone comes in and tries to stir up trouble, any one of us would step in to help.
Not that Ruth can’t take care of herself, because she has a gun and knows how to use it.
First, she’d fire off a warning shot. Then she’d get serious.
Mind you, she’s never had to fire a second shot.
Tessa bit on her lower lip while she waited for Ruth to come out from the back room.
Several times, she looked toward the exit, clearly contemplating whether to leave.
I was surprised that she stuck it out, although I saw her jaw drop when she saw Ruth, who is an Amazon next to Tessa.
Ruth comes across as a mean bitch, but underneath, she’s good right down to her bones.
“What can I do for ya?” Ruth asked once the bartender pointed Tessa out. “If you’re looking for a job, I’m not hiring, and even if I was, they’d eat you alive in here. You wouldn’t last a day.”
Tessa blinked, stunned at first, then she finally found words. “I don’t need a job. I’m the owner of the new gift shop a few doors down.”
“Saw the window. Looks cute. But what’s that got to do with me?” Ruth replied, getting to the point.
“They were supposed to connect my phone today, but they changed it to tomorrow, and my cell died.” She licked her lips, noting Ruth’s impatience.
“Long story short, my car won’t start, and I need to call a tow truck.
Can I use your phone? Please.” Ruth simply stared. “I’m trying not to be a bother.”
“Girl, you never leave without a working cell phone. This town has lots of good people, but you never can tell, and a slip of a thing like you wouldn’t stand a chance.” Ruth shook her head and saw me sitting close. “Motown,” she called. “Time to do your good deed for the day.”
I thought Tessa was going to faint straight away when I stood and took a step closer. Her head moves back to take in my height. She’s at least a foot shorter than me.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, looking directly into her eyes, which were wide with surprise.
Ruth answered on her behalf. “Her car won’t start.”
“That’s okay. I don’t want to bother you,” Tessa began.
“Motown’s a mechanic. He knows his shit,” Ruth said, then took Tessa aside.
Ruth thought she was being quiet, but I heard it all.
“He’s a good guy. No one better in this place.
He can get your car started, and you can get home safe.
Tomorrow, in the light of day, I’ll come by and see your shop.
We can do a proper welcome to the neighborhood visit. ”
After Tessa agreed, I walked back to her car and got it started. I followed her all the way home to make sure she got there safe. I should have left her at the door. I should have been a good man and let her walk inside and then left.
I didn’t do that.