“Well, hurry that the fuck up, baby,” I muttered.
I watched her ass sway as she made her way to Madison. She had those tight fucking jeans on again today, and I couldn’t wait to get her home and get them off her.
“What are you thinking?” she asked when she came back to me.
I smirked. “I was just thinking I’d be doing you a service by taking those jeans off.”
She raised a brow. “Oh, really? And how’s that?”
“They’re so fuckin’ tight, so I’d be helping you breathe properly again.”
“What would I do without you, Nash Walker? You’re just too good to me.”
Chuckling, I agreed, “I really am. Now get your ass out to my bike so I can make good on my promise to help you breathe again.”
***
Nash
I watched Velvet sleep later that night. We’d ended up spending the rest of the day and night together. I’d introduced her to more of my talents in her bed, the shower, and on her dining table. She’d fallen asleep just before eleven pm, and I was left alone with my thoughts. Not a good place to be; not tonight.
I’d tried to talk to Velvet tonight, but the words got trapped and I couldn’t force them out. She’d known, too. And the thing I fucking loved about her; she didn’t push the point. It was like she instinctively knew that I needed the time and space to sort my shit out. And with each day together, I knew I’d get there. I had that much faith in us.
I brushed a soft kiss across her forehead before laying back on the bed. I placed my hands behind my neck, and settled in for a long night. There would be no sleep tonight; I was fairly sure of that. All there would be were memories. I did it every year; dredged up the memories that should have been the beginning of many more. But we’d fucked it all up. There were no more memories to be had. And all that was left were the ghosts that haunted me.
Chapter 28
Storm ~ Lifehouse
Velvet
I rolled over and reached for Nash. The bed was empty though. Sitting up, I listened to see if I could hear him in the house. Nothing.
My feet hit the ground a moment later, and I went in search of him. He’d been off last night, and I was concerned. I found him in the kitchen, leaning against the bench with a coffee in his hand. He turned when he heard me, and I sucked in a breath at the sight of his face.
He looked ravaged.
I started to walk towards him, but he placed his coffee mug down and took a step away from me. I stopped, not sure what was happening. It was big though, whatever it was.
He spoke first. “I’ve got some club stuff to take care of today, so I’ll be busy all day.” His voice was off; ragged almost.
“Okay,” I said, carefully.
He didn’t move though, just stood watching me, warily. I wanted to go to him, to comfort him. But I knew he wouldn’t allow that so I didn’t move. I waited for him, for his next move.
Taking a step in my direction, he said, “I don’t know when I’l be finished, so we shouldn’t make any plans for tonight.” He took a breath before adding, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
That was like a slap in the face, but I knew deep down that he hadn’t meant it the way it came out. I also knew he needed me to let him go. I nodded. “Okay.”
He blinked, like he hadn’t expected that to be so easy. “Okay,” he said, and he left without a kiss goodbye. I watched him go, my heart heavy. The worst part was, I had no idea why.
***
A couple of hours later, I was dressed and at a loose end. Nash was on my mind; I couldn’t think about anything else. I’d sent him a text message but he hadn’t replied. There was something very wrong with him; I knew it in my gut. And being the kind of woman I was, I couldn’t not check in on him so I grabbed my car keys, and made the short drive to the Storm clubhouse.
His bike was out the front, and
I entered the clubhouse with a small amount of hesitation. I didn’t want him to think I was checking up on him; there was a difference between checking up and checking in, and it was the latter I was doing.