Page 75 of Ridin' True

“Oh. Okay,” I murmured, our conversation suddenly more serious than I anticipated. “That’s not a small decision. I mean, we can make it work if you need the extra hours.”

“I don’t. Someone suggested I’ve been payin’ too much child support. Pocketing a little more change these days,” he said with a shrug. “Workin’ the bar was mostly just somethin’ to do when I didn’t have the kids. But the bar and the garage aren’t the only ways a Stallion can earn an income. Make more off the books, anyway. I’ll be fine.”

I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes at him. It was the second time he’d mentionedunofficialStallion business. The other night, he saidmostof their work was legit—but I was still in the dark about the rest of it. “Do I even want to know what that means?”

“Doubt it,” he replied with a crooked smile.

I reminded myself the Wild Stallions were no longer trafficking drugs or women. For now, I supposed he was right. I didn’t need to know more.

“Right. Okay. We should go.”

I squeezed by him, and he followed after me, chuckling softly under his breath.

Our trip to the grocery store was enough to addshoppingwith my manto the list of things that weren’t so bad about our current arrangement. And even though it meant I was going to have to build the charcuterie board with an audience, I kind of liked showing up for girl’s night on the back of Jed’s Harley. It made me feel like one of them.

Jed walked me to the door, helping me with my loot. I may have gone a little overboard, but I couldn’t remember how long it had been since I had a real girls’ night, and I wanted to go all out.

“He—oh, wow,” Tess muttered, cutting off her own greeting at the sight of the grocery bags. “So, when you saidbring the charcuterie, you meantbring the charcuterie.”

“Yeah. I hope you’re hungry,” teased Jed.

Tess smiled as she placed both hands over her still barely noticeable baby bump. “I’m growing a human. I’m always hungry.” She then stepped out of the doorway and insisted, “Come in, please. The kitchen is yours. Seriously, anything you need, have at it.”

Jed and I made our way inside, headed for the kitchen island. Like Jed’s place, the layout of the house was open—the living room, kitchen, and dining room one big, accessible area. I couldn’t help but notice the view out the sliding glass door that led to the backyard. It was gorgeous, even at a glance.

“Lex?” muttered Jed as soon as our hands were free.

“Hmm?”

He got close, really close, and reached for my chin.

“When you’re ready to ride, just call,” he said softly.

I nodded as much as his hold would allow, but he wasn’t done.

“You let loose and get drunk, all good. I’ll come in the cage.”

He’d come in the cage.

I reached up and pinched the front of his tee between my fingers, pressing onto tiptoe. I was having a tough few days. There was a lot on my mind, and he knew it. It’s why he made sure I came twice that morning. Why he pushed the cart at the grocery store without complaint. And his comment just now was my proof he understood, and that meant a lot to me.

“Thanks, papi,” I murmured.

“Have fun,” he said before touching his lips to mine.

He lingered only long enough to sneak a taste, and then he let me go, headed for the door.

“Bye, Wrangler,” Tess practically sang.

“Later.”

We both watched him go before Tess turned to me with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.

“Okay, I thought you two holding hands was awesome, butthat—that was better. I love it when a badass biker goes soft over his woman. He issointo you.”

“I hope so,” I laughed, unpacking the groceries. “Because I’m so into him, too.”

“Knock, knock,” said Jenna, letting herself in. “Winnie’s right behind me. Whoa,” she guffawed as she approached. “Why do I suddenly feel like I’m about to get a master class on how to build charcuterie?”