Page 19 of The MC’s Surprise (Bikers and Babies #4)

Sierra

I t felt a little awkward borrowing Vegas’s clothes.

I could’ve avoided this if I had just accepted his offer to bring me home to change, but I didn’t want to waste several hours of his day driving me around.

He had plenty to do here and probably more with the crew when he got home.

But the worry in his voice when he practically begged me to let him help had me wavering, and then he had to be all sweet and stroke my face like I was something precious.

I didn’t stand a chance against that kind of pull.

Which meant here I was, standing in the bathroom down the hall from the breakroom, staring at my reflection in a college sweater stretched over my baby belly and the most comfortable sweats known to man.

He also had gym shorts in there, but my teeth were chattering, so I bypassed those for the sweats.

My hair was still drenched, despite me wringing it out over the sink, so I finger combed it and braided it over one shoulder so I looked a little less like a drowned rat like Charlotte so helpfully described me as.

My flats were still soaked, but there was nothing I could do about that.

I drew in a breath, bolstering myself for a day of looking completely unprofessional, only to drag in the heavy scent of Vegas’s cologne.

I pulled the sweater up, took a big whiff, and let out a dreamy sigh. Even his gym clothes smelled good.

The door to the bathroom opened, and I dropped my hands, hurrying to gather my wet clothes.

The woman who walked in, one of the hotel staff, didn’t notice me being a creeper sniffing the boss’s clothes, so I considered myself lucky and hightailed it out of there and back to the breakroom.

I hung my clothes in my locker, hoping they’d dry by the time the day was over.

Vegas’s door was shut when I passed by, so I assumed he’d finally gone back to his office. I was about to head for the laundry room, since that was where Charlotte wanted me, when my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Yes, I’m looking for Sierra Martin.”

Blinking a few times, I frowned at the number on the caller ID. I didn’t recognize it. “Uh, this is her. May I ask who’s speaking?”

“My name is Doris Fieldman. I got a message from you about a possible charity event.”

“Oh!” I’d completely forgotten. After a week of not hearing from anyone, I just assumed they weren’t interested.

“Yes. I tried calling before, but I got no answer.”

That was strange. I hadn’t had any missed calls. “I didn’t receive any messages.”

“Perhaps my assistant wrote down the wrong number, then. She’s hard of hearing and sometimes struggles with that kind of thing. No matter. I read your proposal. I’m concerned about it being run by a biker gang. My gardens aren’t really a place for… those sorts.”

My spine stiffened automatically. I’d been hoping to have something like a garden party to entice some of the wealthier people in the community to see the crew in a better light.

Skylar said it’d be fun to see the guys dress up for once, and that they could play nice for one dinner if Prez said they had to behave.

I went to a charity event in LA when my company was doing well, and it was really fancy and drew a big crowd.

I was starting to think my idea was off the mark now.

“They’re not a gang. They’re a club and they’re trying to help the community through outreach events. A charity event would both help the crew and bring in more money for your–”

“That’s nice, dear, but I don’t really want rowdy groups here. I’m sorry, the answer is no.”

It took considerable effort not to yell at her for being so close-minded. I was only halfway successful at keeping my snark to myself when I questioned, “I have to ask, if you weren’t interested in working with us, why did you even call?”

The woman scoffed, her tone turning condescending.

“Some of us know how to run a business, dearie. I don’t rely on emails to deliver news like the newer generation.

Besides, you seem like a smart girl. Your proposal was well put together.

I was going to suggest you find another company to represent.

I could use an assistant with your expertise.

It's hard to find a good assistant nowadays.”

Probably because you’re a stuck up old bitch, I wanted to reply. I didn’t, instead gritting my teeth while I forced out a polite, “I appreciate that, but I’m good where I am.”

The woman harrumphed, clearly not happy about my response.

I wasn’t sure why she thought she’d get anywhere with me after turning down my proposal, but she kept going, arguing that she paid better and young women shouldn’t associate with hooligans and thugs.

Listening to her put down the crew pissed me off, and I finally couldn’t bite my tongue anymore.

“No offense, but even if I didn’t have a job already, I wouldn’t come to work with you.

I don’t waste my time with people who discriminate based on appearances.

The Dirty Devils are a good crew filled with kindhearted men who just happen to like riding motorcycles.

They deserve better than working with narrow-minded people like you.

Good luck with your assistant search and please, lose my phone number. ”

“Well, I never–”

I hung up without listening to her rant, lifting my phone to smash it on the floor, I was so pissed. I didn’t notice Vegas standing behind me until he grabbed my wrist and rescued my phone from near doom.

“Hey, hey. You okay?”

I jumped almost a foot into the air, nearly tripping over my own feet in surprise. Whipping my head around, I scowled at him. “Holy crap, you scared the shit out of me.”

A smirk ghosted across his face before his face fell into a blank mask. “I’m guessing that was someone who wasn’t interested in working with us?”

Making an irritated noise, I waved my hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter. I realized while we were talking that the idea I came up with wasn’t going to work anyway. I’ll think of something better. Don’t worry about it.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Vegas shook his head slowly. “You don’t have to keep doing this, Sierra. It’s obviously upsetting you and you have to take care of yourself and the baby. The crew can take care of itself. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened.”

He sounded so dejected, and it made my heart ache. It couldn’t be easy being part of the crew and being unable to do much of anything to help stop the harassment. I moved closer to him, putting my hand on his chest.

“Vegas, I told you before, I want to do this. You and your crew deserve to be treated better. It isn’t right that you’re being hassled about something you guys aren’t involved in.

People should know that already. It's not like this crew is new to the area. What’s it going to take for you to believe that I want to help? ”

His hand pressed against mine on his chest, and his eyes were soft when he stared down at me. “I’m sorry. Things have never been this bad before. You’re already under enough stress with the baby, and I keep wanting to step in so you don’t have to hear the bullshit people say about my crew.”

“I’m a big girl, Vegas. I can handle shitty people’s comments,” I said, giving him a reassuring smile.

“Besides, we’re too good for that old bat and her crappy gardens, anyway.

This is a motorcycle club. We need to fit the charity to you guys…

” An idea crossed my mind, and I tipped my head as I thought about it.

“What about a motorcycle rally? It’ll give people the opportunity to get to know the crew in a more familiar setting.

Things like live music and good food will draw in the crowds and if we can get the local businesses on board, a portion of the proceeds will go to charity.

My dad’s best friend sells refurbished bikes.

They work on them together sometimes. I’m sure he’d donate a portion of his sales.

And Circus can do a show to get donations.

It fits the crew way better than a fancy party and if we do it at the end of all the other outreach stuff, it’ll give people a chance to meet you guys and get to know the crew that’s been working so hard to help the community. ”

When I glanced back up at Vegas, his eyes were searching my face like he didn’t fully understand me.

“What? Bad idea?”

“No.” His grin was slow, but proud. It did funny things to me.

I couldn’t remember the last time someone was proud of me.

“No, that’s an amazing idea. It’ll take a lot of work, so I agree that we should do other things first, but it’ll be a nice way to finish things off.

I just…” He hesitated, turning to face me, and his eyes dropped to my lips.

I sucked in a sharp breath, wondering if maybe he was going to kiss me again, but before he could make a move, Charlotte came into the staff hallway where we were standing.

We both leapt apart like we were electrocuted, and I felt my face flush as I unconsciously ran my hand over my belly.

“Justin, do you have time now to go over that event I’ve been brainstorming? I’m thinking it might need the both of us.”

“I, uh…”

She came right up to him, grabbing his arm and tugging a little. “Come on, Justin. I need you,” she pouted.

My stomach soured and I edged past the couple, heading for the laundry room.

I paused in the hallway and pulled up a shared document on my phone that Skylar and I made notes on when we had free time to work on the club stuff at work.

I didn’t want to watch Vegas fawning over Charlotte, and I masked my expression when he agreed to join her.

I needed to keep my head on straight. Vegas and I weren’t a couple, and going on a date wasn’t going to change that.

This was a fling for him; at least while Charlotte wasn’t giving him the time of day.

I was still his second choice. I needed to remember that.

When she called, he’d come running, and I didn't want to be left heartbroken when he did.

Just a fling, nothing serious. I could handle that. Maybe.

My self esteem may be shot after my LA debacle, but I wasn’t ever going to be someone’s second choice. I wasn’t that desperate.