Lucky Ride (Men of Valor MC)

I smile and then answer her question. “I do, actually. It happens to be my birthday, and everyone celebrates, so it’s like the world’s having a party with me.”

“That’s so cool. You’re really pretty.” Kids are the most honest beings, so it brightens my morning.

“Thank you, and you’re adorable. How old are you?”

“Six.” She puffs proudly.

“Going on twenty,” Dr. Ramirez scoffs, followed by a chuckle before taking a drink of his black coffee.

“Daddies are always worried about their girls growing up too fast. It’s nice that Heather has help, but I’ve never seen you in town,” Mrs. Ramirez says.

“Don’t mind her. It’s where this one gets her curiosity from,” the doctor says.

“I’m not from around here. I came to stay with my cousin for a bit while I figure out my next steps.”

“Well, it’s nice to see new faces in town.”

“Thank you. I’ll be over there if you need anything.” I step away from the interrogation, which is the most I’ve gotten since I arrived. Even my maybe-boss hasn’t questioned anything. He’s taken Cara’s at her word, which surprises me. I love Cara, but she’s changed a lot and doesn’t seem the type of person to take at face value. I’d already realized that she’d been selling us the good life she has, and that’s not even close to accurate. My parents would be afraid if they were here to see the situation I’ve gotten myself into. I’ve lied to them twice since I arrived. It’s not something I do, but I couldn’t get out of their inquisition quickly.

I make it out unscathed with the Ramirez family and a nice tip. I’m tired by the time my break comes. My feet ache, having been off them for so long. I haven’t waited tables in two years. “Hey, here’s a sandwich. Take a seat and have something to eat,” Ernesto says, handing me a plate in the kitchen.

“Clover, come in here, please.”

“Coming.”

“Bring your food. Don’t forget a drink.” I enter his office with a drink and a plate. When I get to the door, he takes my plate and sets it on his desk. “This is what you’re eating?”

“Yes. Is there something wrong? Am I not supposed to eat?”

“No. Not at all. Eat all you want. I’m just saying it’s a plain club sandwich.”

“I wasn’t really that hungry, and Ernesto gave it to me.”

“Well, you’re doing well. I’ve been watching on the cameras.”

“You monitor the cameras?”

“Most of the time, no, but since you’re doing a test run, I figured I would check them out.” He shuts the camera screen down and sits across from me. “How’s your first day?”

“It’s good.”

“Yes? Are your feet hurting?”

“No.”

“Don’t lie to me, Lucky.”

“They’re a little sore. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve done this, but I can still do the job,” I say, pleading, setting the sandwich down.

“Relax. I’m just checking on you. Eat your food. After you’re done with your shift, I want you to come back in here and fill out your paperwork.” He takes a drink from his cup of coffee, but his dark chocolate eyes never leave mine. “I said eat, Clover.” He doesn’t realize that he makes me nervous—and not the afraid kind, but rather the sexually charged nervousness that makes my heart race and my mind do summersaults. The butterflies in my stomach are dancing as if they’re doing a mating call. I manage to take a bite of the sandwich and moan. It’s better than I expected it to be, considering it’s nothing special. Most diners can make a club sandwich, but I’m starving. The low rumble coming from across the desk catches my attention, and I open my eyes to see Logan staring at me.

“I’ve got some things to check on; finish your food and put your feet up for the next twenty minutes.”

“That’s longer than my break.”

“Did I stutter, Lucky?” He’s out of his seat with his clipboard in hand, resting it in front of his jeans. Is it wrong of me to think he’s hard and hiding it? Is Heather right?

“No, sir.”

“Clover,” he growls.

“Sorry—Logan. Thank you.” He nods and then walks out of the office, closing the door behind him, trusting me to be alone in his office. I eat my food and then lean back for another five minutes. I’m more than relaxed with five minutes left, so I decide to head back to work. Dropping my plate off in the kitchen, I see Logan loading the dishwashing machine.

With his head down, he says, “You still have five minutes, Clover.”

“I have to use the ladies’ room,” I say.

“Fine.” I exit the kitchen and head to the bathroom. I don’t really have to go, but I do because it’s going to be another two hours. I’ve only been here for five hours so far; eating seems to have given me that boost I needed, or maybe it’s seeing the way Logan is looking out for my well-being. When I finish washing my hands, I do a quick once-over before stepping back out onto the floor.