Stand Off (Predators MC 2)

“Take a picture of his face when you do. I could use a good laugh.” Casey threw a blanket over the ripped mattress. It was going to have to do until she could get another one.

“I’m going to head back to the club after I put these in the dumpster. You need anything before I leave?” He paused in the bedroom doorway.

“No, thanks.” Casey stared at the large man in her bedroom, trying not to remember that it was only last night they had been together intimately. “I’m sorry for using you, Max. I hope it didn’t get you in trouble with your friends.”

“Ice and I have been together a long time, and he knows I didn’t know what you were up to. We’re cool.”

Casey knew he was lying. She had placed a wedge between Max and the Predators. Belatedly, she wished she had used Stump for her plans. She didn’t want Max held personally responsible for her actions.

“I’m glad.” Casey pretended to believe him as she followed Max to the front door. As he was about to step through the doorway, she laid a hand on his forearm. “If I could explain, I would, but I can’t.” It was the best she could give him, though she wished she could give him more. He deserved at least an apology from her.

“That’ll have to do for now, won’t it? Trust me, Casey; no one wants to fix what you did more than me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she promised, dropping her hand.

“You do that.” Max carried the bags out, leaving her behind.

Casey was tempted to run after him and tell him everything. Instead, she closed the door behind him, shutting him out the way she did everyone.

* * *

“Can I borrow one of your pens? Mine have all run dry.”

Casey smiled as a potential new customer for the bank walked away with her new bottle opener.

“Sure, here you go.” Casey handed the woman the ink pen then brushed her hair back from her face.

She wished she could switch places with the woman. It was hot, and the blonde’s booth was more in the shade than hers was. Several more people stopped at her booth for the freebies she was giving away at the large street concert that had taken over a section of the city.

“Thanks, I’ve already gone through three of them. Hi, I’m Penni.”

“I’m Casey.” The two women smiled at each other before their attention was grabbed by the passing crowd. It was beginning to get dark before they had a chance to talk again.

“Here, take a T-shirt in place of your pen. I’m sorry, but it’s as empty as the rest.”

“Do you need another one?” Casey offered, reaching down to her table for another one to give her.

“No, thanks. A co-worker of mine is bringing me some more. I’ve signed all the CDs, anyways, so I’m good.”

“You signed Kaden Cross’s autograph?”

Penni waved her hand airily. “Had to. My boss doesn’t give autographs, but I have to keep the fans happy.”

Casey laughed for the first time in a week at the woman dressed in jeans and a tight Kaden Cross T-shirt.

“He doesn’t mind?” Casey asked.

“I live by the motto, ‘Don’t tell when all you’re going to get is shit for the trouble.’”

As a large group came to a stop at Penni’s table, Casey was busy with a woman who was determined to take an extra bottle opener for her daughter. When she looked up, Max and the rest of the Predators were observing her as Grace moved behind the table with Penni.

“I’m sorry I’m late. Ice talked me into fixing him lunch before he would bring me.”

“From your face, that’s not all you were giving him.”

Casey couldn’t believe the belligerent expression on Penni’s face with the Predators surrounding her table en masse.

“Cut it out, Penni,” Grace reproved her.

While Penni made a comical face at her friend, Casey couldn’t help watching the table. The blond woman was eye-catching and had the personality to match.

“Why aren’t you wearing the T-shirt I gave you?” Penni asked Grace.

“Because I wasn’t going to let my wife have another man’s picture on her tits,” Ice spoke up.

“Until you have some T-shirts printed with your face on them and someone who wants to buy them, she can wear Kaden’s.” Penni took one of the T-shirts off the table and handed it to Grace who put it on over the shirt she had on.

Casey expected the shit to hit the fan; therefore, no one was more shocked than her when Ice gave in.

“As soon as you’re done working, that comes off.” He pointed at the offending T-shirt.

“Yes, Ice.” Grace leaned across the counter and planted a kiss on her husband’s mouth. “Go scare some small kids while I work.”

“I think you should go back to teaching. She’s wearing off on you.”