Page 5

CHAPTER FOUR

MADALYN

I shield my eyes, taking in the outside grounds of the library. It looks amazing.

Beautiful colored bunting is hanging between the lights and poles, balloons are set up, and there are tables and chairs all around, to accommodate each section of the activities.

We made sure that people have places to sit in the sun and in the shade. We even have a baby and toddler area that is completely under a canopy.

Darian and a few of the volunteers help people in some of the areas we set up, while I make sure that the drinks and snacks are all loaded up. To say that local businesses stepped up is an understatement.

Art supplies, crafts items, food, drinks, and so much more have been donated.

This summer program will be two days a week for the rest of the summer every Tuesday and Thursday. It was apparent that we did not have enough donations to cover every day, and it would be unfair for every business who donated so much to be out of pocket.

“We did good,” Darian says as she steps to me, slinging her arm around my shoulder.

We both smile with pride. Today looks like it is already turning out to be a success.

It makes my heart and soul happy seeing children enjoying the outdoors. In this day and age it seems that most kids, even the younger ones, are fixated on the technology that is available. iPad kids as Georgy calls them.

“I love it.” Laughter fills the air, along with chatter from parents who enjoy the sunshine while watching their kids play.

Parents need to enjoy the little things also. Kids take up so much time that some people get lost in it all. Everyone needs something nice and light in their life. This summer program is not just for the children but also for the parents who need a break from the daily grind.

It’s heartwarming to see parents relaxing and enjoying the sunshine while their children are entertained and engaged in creative activities.

It’s days like these that remind us of the importance of taking time to appreciate the small moments, to step away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Darian and I have worked hard to ensure that there is something for everyone. From arts and crafts to physical activities, we made sure that parents can unwind and enjoy themselves knowing their children are safe and happy.

We go our separate ways, to check to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

While walking around, giggling catches my attention, and I smile seeing two young kids playing with the large dominos set. I love this game because it helps with learning numbers, patterns, and also colors.

Standing watching the kids play is a man who is clearly the sexiest man I have ever laid eyes on. Standing over six feet tall, dark as night hair that is shorter on the sides than the top which has a natural curl to it. His dark trimmed beard frames his jaw, adding to the sexiness.

He smiles wide when one of the children gets something right, not afraid to offer them praise. He could be their father, but then that would mean there is a Mrs. Hottie. Damn.

I could hope that he is maybe the cool uncle; I can dream, right?

He’s dressed in dark jeans that look well worn, biker boots, and a black T-shirt under a leather vest. I inch closer, making sure that it does not look too obvious that I am checking him out.

I sit at a table with some kids as they make some paper airplanes, keeping the little family to my left. The smile slips across my face seeing the giant of a man high five the little girl, and fist-pump the boy.

My eyes graze over his body, taking in every inch, until my eyes widen seeing the patch on the leather vest.

Vice President.

He turns to collect the two backpacks off the floor, and a gasp slips free seeing the large skull on the back on his vest, along with the words Rugged Skulls MC.

Shit, he is one of the bikers we have been told about. I have had my lifetime fill of bikers. Keeping clear of him will be a big task if he keeps bringing the children here. Double shit.

“Ohh, look, we can make paper hearts.”

“I want to make a plane,” the boy calls out.

I blink at what the kids just said. Shit, they are coming to where I am sitting.

Shit. Fuck.

Thank God, I swore in my head and not in front of these innocent children. I can only imagine parents coming to report to me that their children started swearing after one of my events.

I sit stunned that the man I was just ogling, now sits across from me as his kids sit on each of his sides. My body freezes as he looks at me, making eye contact and a smirk slips across his handsome face.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” I squeak, so I clear my throat as he chuckles and I try again. “Hi.”

“Do you have kids here?” he asks me.

Shaking my head, I reply. “No. I am one of the organizers.”

His eyes flash open, his smile widening.

“Well, hell, girl you have done one hell of a job. Kids and their folks are loving it.” He looks around, taking in all of the enjoyment.

Pride swells in my chest at his words, but my pussy flutters at his smile. It is crazy that this man can have that effect on me with just a few simple words. Nope, be strong, Madalyn, do not let his words into your head.

I bet he charms all the ladies, even Mrs. Hottie.

“Thank you. I own the event planning business along with my friend, who is around here, also helping out,” I say.

His gaze scans the area like he is looking for Darian, and my stomach twists at the thought of him seeing her and falling to his knees, which has happened before.

I was always the friend on the side; like the movie said, I was the ‘Duff.’

His gaze comes back to me, then he smiles down at something the boy says.

I take in his features and there is no way that I cannot take in every inch of his ruggedly handsome face. I spot the little scar that sits under his jaw, causing a clear line in his beard.

I wonder how he got that.

That beard would feel amazing between my legs, scratching at my sensitive skin. My body heats up and it is from the thought of him and not the Arizona sun.

He looks like a bad boy.

Hell, he is a bad boy biker and I know all about bikers’ reputations with women. Lived it, do not want a repeat.

Nope. Not going to happen, but he is yummy, though.

Most of the guys I have dated have all been stuffy, and by the book, but that was because of what happened to the one bad boy biker I did date. So I thought that white-collar men would be better. Boy, was I wrong.

“Do you have any kids at all? A man, maybe?” His voice breaks through my thoughts.

“I’m sorry, what?”

He smirks and holy hell, that is sexy.

“I asked if you had kids, or a man, but with the way that you are looking at me, the way that your eyes have dilated and you licked your lips, I can say that either you have no man at home, or he is seriously lacking in the bedroom department.” He winks, making my cheeks heat up.

“Oh, fuck she blushes too. The name’s Target.”

I quickly scan the table, seeing that we are alone. When did the children leave?

“Madalyn. Target?” I question.

“Club name.” I nod in understanding.

“Where did the children go?”

“They went to grab a drink. Took the other kids with them.” I nod.

“I have no children, or a man,” I quickly reply to his earlier question.

“That is good to know, babe.” The way he says ‘babe’ and his lips curl into a smile…

“Why is that good to know?”

His grin widens, as he leans his forearms on the table, drawing my attention to how strong they look. I take in the leather braided bracelet he is wearing, and the blue beaded one also.

“It is good to know because when I ask you out for a drink, there are no obstacles stopping you from saying yes.” He winks and I blush again.

No man like him has ever paid me attention before unless it was to get to Darian.

“I think you have misty eyesight, Target.”

He chuckles and the sound makes my breasts tingle. Shit.

“No, I can see clearly, babe. I see the beauty sitting across from me.” I scoff at his words.

My head tilts to the side, taking in him watching me watch him and I have to ask the question that is burning in my mind.

“Is this some lame attempt to get closer to Darian?” I scoff.

“You would not be the first and I can only imagine that you will not be the last, but I can tell you now that it will not work. Darian can find her own men; she will not stand for men using me to get to her. So give up now,” I rant, which to my surprise makes him laugh, and lean back in his seat.

My chest heaves, but damn it feels good to get ahead of the wave.

He says nothing for a few seconds, then he pushes to his feet, moving around the table like a lion stalking his prey. My widened eyes follow his every step as he comes to sit next to me and I take in how his jeans fit snuggly to his thick, powerful thighs.

When he sits, his knees brush against my thigh, making me gasp. One of his hands goes to the back of my chair, while the other snakes along the table, caging me in of sorts.

I can smell him and I almost groan at the leather, oil, and cinnamon scent that invades my senses.

“No fucking idea who Darian is, babe. I am not a man who beats around the bush; if I want something, I get it. No games, no playbook.” He moves closer.

“Any man who uses a woman to get into bed with another is no man, he is a boy trying to play a man. and baby, I am all fucking man, there is nothing boy about me. Have a drink with me and I will show you.”

My breath hitches at his closeness, my nipples tingle and get hard beneath my ribbed camisole and his dropped gaze notices, making him smirk on a satisfied grunt.

“Cocky much?” I blurt out, my eyes widening at my sudden word vomit.

He wags his eyebrows. “Oh, I am plenty cocky, if you know what I mean.”

“I do not believe you, Target.” I cross my arms over my chest, drawing his gaze to my breasts that are now pressing tightly against the material of my shirt.

“Oh, believe me, beautiful, I have plenty cock to share with you.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Oh, it is hard just from the way you are looking at me.”

Before I can toss a retort at him, the children he was with come running past us.

“Mommy is here.”

“Mommy, yay,” gets called and his gaze snaps to the two kids he was with earlier.

He looks down at the table, pulling a piece of paper toward himself, writing down a phone number.

“Call me if you want that drink or something harder.” He pushes to his feet, taking the heat and manly scent with him.

The two children run toward am expensive looking SUV where a stunning blonde woman sits in the front seat as Target loads the boy and girl into the back.

The adults talk, smiling brightly at each other, before he leans into the car window and kisses the woman on the lips, making my tummy sink into the grass.

He is married.

He flirted with me and he is fucking married here with his kids.

Why are men such assholes? Crushing the piece of paper in my hand, I get to my feet, turning my back on them and walking toward the library where I can cool down in the air conditioned room.

I drop the now ball of paper into a nearby trash can as I go.

There is no way that I will ever get involved with a married man, no matter how hot he is.