“Hey, Dawson,” I chirp.
“How y’all doing? Everyone treatin’ you right?”
“So far.”
His gaze lands on Angelina. “How are you doing, darlin’? You comfortable here? Need anything?”
“We’re fine,” she answers without looking up.
I don’t think Dawson’s used to women ignoring him. His gaze shifts to me. “Logan’s coming back for the CMAs, right?”
“Yup. I’m nervous he won’t make it back in time but he swears he will.” Now I’m missin’ Logan something fierce.
“So, I can’t borrow you for the night again,” he teases.
“Afraid not. We’re all still going together, right?” As far as I know, Dawson has the limo and all that stuff arranged. I wouldn’t even know where to start.
Angelina sets her pen down and glances up at Dawson.
He smiles so wide, his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Would you like to go with us?” He circles the air between the three of us. “Save me from being Shelby and Logan’s third wheel?”
“Oh, that’s a great idea!” I gush, grabbing Angelina’s arm.
Her gaze swings between Dawson and me. “Are you sure? There must be hundreds of women who’d be thrilled to go with you, Dawson.”
Well, shoot.
The easy smile slides off his face. “I’m sure there are. But I’m askin’ you.”
She glances at me again. “Okay. Sure. I’ve never been to anything like that, though…”
Dawson stares at her. “Your parents never took you to any—”
“Dad almost never goes to any industry events.”
“Well, it’ll be fun.” He adjusts his hat again. “I, uh, realize I’m springing this on you at the last minute. And you probably weren’t planning…I know a place…local. I’ll get you set up for a dress and everything.”
“You don’t have to do that. I can dress myself.”
“I insist. Really.” He nods at me. “Same place Shelby’s going. You two can make a day of it.”
“All right,” Angelina answers slowly.
“Great. Thank you, darlin’.” He rests his hand on the doorknob. “I’ll leave you to it.”
After he closes the door behind him, I squeal in delight. “This will be so much fun.” My happiness fades at Angelina’s furrowed brow. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She forces a smile. “You’re right. It’ll be fun.” She taps my notebook. “Let’s get back to work.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Rooster
Church is uneventful for once.
Rock and Z keep the meeting brief.
Most of the guys leave, heading straight for the kitchen.
“What’d you need to ask me, Rooster?” Z asks from his end of the table.
I eye my remaining brothers. Kinda didn’t want an audience for this.
Fuck it. They’re gonna bust my nuts over this one way or another. Might as well get it over with now.
“I’d like to patch Shelby when we come home for Chaser’s anniversary party. Think you can get that ordered for me by then?”
A huge grin spreads over his face. He seems way happier than I expected, considering the way he’d reacted to the earlier marriage talk. “Fuck yeah, Rooster. You know that’s the VP’s job, though, right?”
“Well, I didn’t think I should order my own shit, so—”
“I’m fucking with you. Yes, Patty loves me. I’ll have it for you when you two come home.” His smile fades. “You asking for a vote too?”
“Not right now. I talked to her about it. She’s fine with—”
“You did?” Z asks.
“Yeah.” I jam my hands in my pockets. “One of the guys came onto Shelby when we were at Deadbranch’s clubhouse.”
“Christ, seriously?” Z slams his palm against the table. “After the shit that went down the last time you were there, he fucked up again?”
“Wasn’t really his fault.” I explain the way it went down but Z doesn’t seem convinced.
“Digger’s been having more and more issues there.” Z shakes his head. “He’s put himself on Priest’s radar.”
“I think so too.” I clear my throat. “Anyway, I talked to her about what the patch means, the officer patches and what they mean. The vote. She understood.”
Z shrugs. “Doesn’t sound like she’ll be around here much to worry about it.”
“None of our girls would ever make her feel bad if she doesn’t have everyone’s patch,” Dex says.
“I know. I still wanted her to understand all the different aspects.”
“You know she has my patch, bro.” Jiggy’s solemn expression matches the offer.
“Yeah, I know.” I squeeze his shoulder. “Thanks.”
“We’re different charters but I’d still like to give her mine,” Dex adds.
“Thanks, brother. I appreciate that.” I reach over and shake his hand.
“Well, now it seems less special if I give her my clover,” Murphy says.
Dex laughs. “Snooze, you lose.”
“I’ve only met her like twice, bro.” The apologetic note in Z’s voice can’t be missed.
“That’s why I wasn’t asking for a vote.”
“Wrath’s spent time with her,” Murphy says, throwing a smirk at Teller, “but he’s stingy with his votes.”
“Nah, he just enjoys busting my nuts,” Teller says. He lifts his chin at me. “I haven’t spent enough time with her either, brother. Sorry.”
“Seriously, it’s fine. I appreciate it, though, Teller.”