Page 12 of Sam (Crow MC 2nd Generation #2)

“I’m not messing, beautiful. I think the ride will do you good, and I know you enjoy riding.

You’d be the only woman, other than my sisters.

” I pause because I don’t want to ruin this moment, but she has to know.

Bella and I were never a secret, but I still hesitate before continuing.

“And Bella’s been on my bike. I’d not ask you if I didn’t mean it.

Having you on the back of my bike,” again I hesitate before continuing. “It feels right.”

Ally’s smile lights up the room, and she makes no mention of my Bella comment. There’s just pure delight and happiness in her tone when she tells me, “Let me give your mum an hour or so, and you finish whatever it is you’re doing. We’ll go this afternoon if it’s still okay with you.”

Bending, I press a kiss to her forehead, holding my lips there for a second. Letting my arms drop from around her, I rub my chest again when the strange feeling from earlier flows over me. “Sounds like a plan, babe. I’ll be in to get you in an hour or so.”

“Okay,” Ally grins and claps her hands, “I’m so excited. Thank you, Sam.”

“No problem, beautiful,” I tell her as she turns and walks away. “Ally,” I call after her. Her long, dark hair swirls around her as she turns to look at me. And I’m struck once again by how beautiful she is. Ally eyes me. “Make sure you eat something,” I order her.

“I will,” she promises.

Once she’s gone, I take a deep breath and look at the ceiling. I’m not sure what to do with all these feelings flooding through me, but I didn’t lie when I told Ally that having her on the back of my bike felt right.

Taking my phone from my pocket, I find our group WhatsApp. Well, the second generation, at least.

Me—I’m taking Ally for a bike ride this afternoon if any of you want to join us.

Beau—I’ll be there.

Booker—Yep.

Brice—Sounds good.

Ben—If we can do it at three, then Carly and I can join you.

Me—Three’s fine. She’s insisting on working.

Ben—K see you at three.

Alec - ….

Bubbles appear, and I watch as Alec types, and then the bubbles disappear.

I’m not sure if I’m ready to reconcile with my friend, although I know I should.

I’ll need to see. He’s surprised me with how much he’s stepped up when it comes to Bren and Lexi.

I hope it continues. I’ve missed him, and it would be good if I could get his opinion on whatever the fuck this is that I’m feeling about Ally.

Sighing, I put my phone back in my pocket when he doesn’t type anything. A problem to be dealt with another day.

Calling through to the office, Ally answers, “Ally speaking, how may I help?”

My lips tilt at her professional tone, “Hey, beautiful, it’s me. We’ll go at three if that works for you. The rest of the boys and Carly will come with.”

“That’s perfectly fine, sir. Three p.m. it is,” she replies primly, and I chuckle.

“Is my mum in there with you?”

“That’s correct, sir.”

I hold back a groan at her second sir as my cock twitches in my pants. I’m not sure why she doesn’t want Mum to know that she’s on the phone with me. “I need your number, babe, so I don’t have to phone the office.”

“You could always come in for a booking,” she tells me, still in professional mode.

“Too lazy to walk all that way unless you’ve made coffee.”

“That’s possible.”

“Is that a yes to coffee, babe?” I ask in amusement.

“That’s a yes,” she tells me, this time more relaxed. I’m laughing but also fucking turned on. I’ve never felt this way while talking to a woman on the phone.

“I’m coming over. You’ll have to tell me why you didn’t want my mother knowing you were talking to me.”

“It’s weird, okay,” she blows out a breath. “She’s my boss, you’re my boss who’s taking me for a ride on his bike. I panicked.”

I’m outright laughing now. “Babe, you do know she’ll have seen my name on the phone when I called. We have the same line. In fact, I’m watching my mother cackling with laughter right now. She’s also on her mobile. I’m sure she’s calling Bev.”

“Ugh, she’s going to hate me.”

I’m laughing and wave at my mum, who’s beaming. “She won’t, and anyway, we were friends long before you worked for us. Stop being weird and make the coffee. I’m going to the bakery to pick up some pastries so that you eat something.”

“Okay,” she agrees. “I’ll see you soon.”

I’m shaking my head when she puts the phone down, but I’m smiling. Closing and locking my workshop, I walk to the office, stopping by Mum, who is still laughing.

“I’m going for pastries,” I tell her as she wipes tears of laughter from her cheeks. “I’m also stealing our office manager and taking her for a ride at three today.”

Mum grins at me and nods, “Okay.”

Shaking my head, I walk away. I’m at the end of our building when Mum calls out to me. Thinking she wants me to pick something particular up for her, I turn around. “I’m glad that you’re happier, son.”

I’m surprised at her words. Standing still, I take a minute and realise that I am happy. It’s been a while. It didn’t escape my notice that I’d hardly thought of Bella in the last month. The constant ache I’d carried around for the last year wasn’t there anymore.

Waving at her, I walk away, calling back over my shoulder, “Me too, Mum, me too.”

Three o’clock comes around and I walk into the office to see Ally in riding gear that must be hers because it’s got the O’Shea green on the trim and their logo on the left breast pocket.

“I asked Aunt Maya to drop it off for me,” she explained.

“Looks good, beautiful,” I tell her. And she does. It doesn’t stop the stray thought that flows through my mind, wishing that she were wearing Crow colours. I’m taken aback at the thought, but once it’s in my head, it’s stuck.

‘Fuck me. I’m catching feelings for Ally O’Shea.’