Chapter 1

ONE

SMOKE

The sky is painted orange and purple as the sun rises over the ocean, and you can hardly tell where the sky and water meet on the horizon. It’s fucking breathtaking. Over the last several weeks, I’ve gotten used to watching the sun come up each day over the water.

Mornings and me have never agreed, but ever since we headed south, I’ve traded in my night owl ways and become a morning person. It’s offered me a level of peace I didn’t know I needed. The guys seem different too. I think they needed the change as badly as I did.

Then again, I’m sure once we settle and set up shop, we will fall back into our old ways. A tiger doesn’t change its stripes after all.

As soon as we left Boston, we headed south along the coast. We stopped in Virginia Beach for a week or so. While it was nice, it wasn’t for us. It felt too close to home for comfort. Then we headed to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We stayed there for three weeks. It was a beautiful place, and the vibe was nice. We seriously contemplated staying there but decided to keep going with the thought that we could always turn back if we wanted. Bear really wanted that one because he loved the wild horses that ran along the beach. Who would have thought that the big man would have a soft spot for horses of all animals.

It didn’t feel quite right, though. That restless feeling still lived inside me.

Our next stop was Myrtle Beach and Charleston in South Carolina, which were quick nos. We stayed a few days in each, but the people there were not ones we would want to deal with.

So we set off again in search of a home. Georgia held no appeal for us as we drove through, but once we passed into Florida, I felt like we were getting closer.

After a short stint in Jacksonville, we realized that we needed somewhere less busy. The convenience of a city feel, but with a slower vibe to it. Mac suggested heading south. He wanted to visit Miami, but I’ve heard horror stories from South Florida. It doesn’t seem like a place I would enjoy much.

Instead, we decided to head west.

We set out with New Orleans in mind, only for the weather to turn to shit, making us call it a day with three hours left in the drive. We ended up pulling over and finding a hotel. We weren’t even paying attention where we were until the woman behind the counter told us.

Pensacola, Florida. Home of the Blue Angels. Their beach was voted number one in the state for the fifth year running.

She went on and on about places to visit and eat. It helped that Gunner was being flirty with her. She didn’t even seem to mind the cuts on our backs.

It was enough to pique my interest, and I spent most of last night doing research on the place.

It’s on the smaller side compared to some of the other places we stopped. It’s a military town with the Naval Air Station located here along with many other military bases within two hours surrounding it. That could pose an issue for us, but then again, if we mind our business, they will mind theirs.

The more I looked into this place, the more I liked it.

That’s why when we woke up this morning, I told the guys to book a few more nights before we take a ride out.

Riding around town gave me the vibe I’ve been searching for. There’s some hustle and bustle, but for the most part everyone moves slowly here. It’s chill. No one is in a real big rush to get anywhere.

The weather is nice for early spring. It’s a little chilly, but not bad enough to sideline the bike for the season. From my research, I know it can get into the twenties, but even with that low of a temperature, it rarely snows. The most snow they’ve gotten is some flurries that melted before it touched the ground.

While not ideal, it is year-round riding weather. The only downfall is how much rain they get in the spring and summer. That and the threat of hurricanes.

Still, I don’t find that deterring me.

I think we found our home.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that,” Gunner says, nodding toward the sky as he comes to sit next to me.

I look over at my best friend and smirk. We both look out of place compared to the other beachgoers. He’s wearing his black boots with jeans and a T-shirt with his cut over top, just like me.

I turn back to the ocean. “Me either. Fuck, the sound of the waves is different than Boston too. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do.”

“It will be a nice change of pace not having to put our bikes up for the winter and having to dig our way out to do anything during the winter.”

“I fucking hate the cold,” I say, making us both chuckle.

“You and me both. What do you think of this place?” he asks as if he already knows the answer.

“I like what I see. It’s far enough from home, but still on the East Coast. You?”

Far enough from my brother, but I don’t say that out loud.

He squints off into the distance. “The sand will take some getting used to and the heat, but so far I don’t mind it. There are plenty of sites to see.”

I laugh as he watches another bikini-clad woman walk past. Seems the women here prefer swimwear that rides up their asses and barely covers their tits. Perfect for the brothers.

“What about the guys?”

Last night, the guys ended up out on the town. The storm passed quickly, leaving them plenty of time to get to know some of the locals. When I went to wake them up this morning, some of them still had company. It seemed like they had a good time, but I haven’t had time to truly talk to them about it.

Now they are playing beach volleyball with some young-looking women.

Gunner smirks. “They approve. Let’s be real, Smoke, they will be happy no matter where you pick.”

“Hey boys,” a woman coos as she walks by with another woman.

“Ladies,” Gunner says as I nod.

“Tabbi, you can’t hit on every guy you see,” her friend scolds her as they pass, making us chuckle.

“Ready to head out?” I ask as the colored sky starts to turn blue without a cloud in sight.

I can already feel the temperature rising by the way my shirt sticks to my back.

“Yeah, let’s go find somewhere to eat.”

“Works for me. Let’s ride for a bit and check things out.”

I stand and wipe the sand off my ass. Gunner wasn’t wrong when he said the sand will take some getting used to. The shit clings to everything.

Who knows, maybe I’ll invest in a pair of shorts and flip-flops.

Gunner gets up and follows. He calls out to the brothers, making them abandon their game much to the women’s disappointment. I laugh as they try to entice the boys to stay. They don’t pay them any mind, though.

We get on our bikes and drive. We ride through Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, and into Pensacola. Morning traffic starts to pick up but clears once on the north side of town. A sign catches my eye as we cruise.

Pensacola Realty.

I point to the exit and get off. When we reach the building, I shut off my bike.

“Why are we stopping here?” Gunner asks as he shuts off his bike.

“Well, if we are going to stick around, we should probably find a place, don’t you think? Figured we could see what this place has listed. Tell the boys to go get us a table, and we will meet them there.”

He nods, relaying the information. While researching, we found this little local place called Grover’s that is supportive of the biker community. They even hold a bike night every week. We figured we would check them out.

When Gunner comes back, he smiles. “Let’s go get us a place.”

Kelly

Scrolling through the listings, I familiarize myself with the local properties for sale. I took this job several months ago after getting my real estate license, hoping to gain some mentorship, but so far all they see me as is someone who can answer their phones and pull things for them. Still, I like knowing what’s available, just in case. It’s my own way of learning.

The door opens, and I look up. My breath catches as two attractive men walk in wearing motorcycle boots, jeans, and leather vests. They look like the type of guys you wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alley. Or maybe they are exactly the type you would want to run into, depending on the circumstances.

“Hi, welcome to Pensacola Realty. How can I help you today?” I cringe at how high-pitched my voice comes out.

Seriously, Kelly, pull it together.

One of the men tries to hide his smile while he lets the other take a step ahead of him. The first man was handsome with his dark hair and a beard that could rival Santa’s if it was gray. The one who steps forward, though, is in a league of his own. He has dark hair as well, but his is shorter, just longer than the military cut most men in this town prefer. He also has a beard, but it’s clean and cut closer to his face. It gives him a bit of a dangerous feel. He moves closer, pulling off his sunglasses and hooking them in the collar of his shirt. Then there’s his eyes. They are dark brown, but it feels like I’m losing myself inside them as I stare at him. I can’t even focus on anything else.

“Hey, dollface. We’re looking for some commercial property.”

Even his voice is sexy. I feel flustered as I look up at him.

I offer him a smile as I stand. “Of course, let me go get one of the agents who are in today to help you.”

“What about you?” the man asks as I turn to go.

“Excuse me?” I look over my shoulder.

“Can you be our agent? Have your license and shit?”

“I do…” I start, knowing I need to pass him off onto someone more experienced.

I don’t want to, though.

“Then we want you.” He leans against the counter, smiling at me.

It’s such a nice smile. I swear I will melt into a puddle right there.

“Are you sure? The other agents have more experience,” I tell him honestly.

“He’s sure,” the other man says as he leans against the wall.

Taking a deep breath, I walk around the reception counter. “Okay then, well, my name is Kelly. Let’s go to the conference room.” I open my drawer, grabbing my personal laptop before leading them down the hall.

“I’m Jax, but most call me Smoke, and this is my buddy, Gunner,” he says, pointing to the other man.

Jax. A fitting name for an attractive man. While Gunner is also attractive, it’s Jax who pulls me in. I’ve never thought I had a type, but if I did, it would be him.

“Nice to meet you both,” I say as I feel my cheeks heat. Once we are all settled in, I ask, “Can you tell me what you are looking for exactly and what your budget is?”

Before Jax can tell me what he’s looking for, one of the senior agents, Barry, walks out of his office, diverting to the conference room when he sees me in there with the two men. I’d like to say it’s because he is worried for my safety, but the truth is he is an asshole. He wants the sale for himself. I barely hold back a groan when I see him. He’s my least favorite agent in the company, and he blames all of his problems on someone else. The dude wouldn’t know what accountability is if it bit him in the ass. I hate these damn glass conference rooms.

“Hello gentleman. How can I help you today?” Barry says with a slimy smile.

“We’re already being helped,” Gunner says gruffly.

Barry’s smile wavers. “Oh, by who?”

“By Kelly,” Jax deadpans.

Barry laughs as if Jax just told him a joke. “Kelly is new to the game. I’m sure you would rather have someone with a little more experience under their belt. I’d be happy to help you.”

“We’re good,” Jax tells him.

Barry huffs and shoots me a dirty look before marching out of the room. We watch as he makes his way back to his office.

“Sorry about that. I thought the conference room would give us privacy, but you see how well that works here,” I say, my cheeks burning from embarrassment.

Suddenly, Jax’s hand is covering mine. I look up, getting lost in those eyes again.

“Don’t apologize for him. He’s not worth it.”

I swallow hard, nodding, “Thank you. What was it you were looking for exactly?”

He pulls his hand back, and I miss the touch immediately. To distract myself, I pull up my browser, ready to enter his criteria in.

“We need at least ten acres and one shop that would work for a garage. Ideally, it would have a house or maybe another building we could turn into living quarters.”

I nod as several properties come to mind. Before I can say anything, though, I’m cut off.

“Kelly, where are you?” my boss, Frank, yells from his office.

I sigh. “In the conference room.”

I watch as he leaves his office and heads toward us.

Frank steps inside the conference room with a frown. “Why are you in here instead of at your desk?”

I smile weakly. “These men came in looking for some property.”

The corner of Frank’s eye twitches. “Lovely, how about you go and grab a senior agent to help them?”

“That’s not necessary, we want her to help us, and if you have a problem with it, we will gladly find somewhere else to do our business,” Jax says before I can respond.

Frank looks the men up and down and sneers, clearly unimpressed with the idea of doing business with them. “Then maybe that’s for the best.”

Jax raises a brow. “Are you really willing to lose a potential customer who has an unlimited budget, and who’s willing to pay cash all because you don’t want a woman to be the agent?”

I duck my head and hide my smile.

He figured my boss out in less than five minutes. The man is a traditionalist who thinks women belong at home, raising children and taking care of the house, not in the workplace.

“Unlimited, you say?” Frank says with intrigue in his voice.

“Yes,” Jax tells him.

“We’ll pay more for a faster closing too,” Gunner adds in.

Frank claps his hands. “Well then, I’ll let Kelly get to it. If you need anything or change your mind, my office is down the hall.”

We fall silent as Frank walks away.

Thank God. I truly thought he would put up more of a fight for these men to use a different agent, but he didn’t, and now I can prove to him, hell, to all of them, that I am more than a pretty face who can answer phone calls.

I can do this.

“Sorry about that, now where were we?”

“Do they always treat you like that?” Gunner asks.

“It’s nothing,” I lie as I pull up a property I think they might like.

“Kelly.” Jax waits until I look up. “Never let a man treat you like you’re less than because of what you have between your legs. Demand respect from these men, understood?”

I nod and swallow hard.

Easier said than done.

“Good. Now tell us about this property,” Jax says as he leans back in his chair, getting comfortable.

Taking a deep breath, I push down my nerves. All I have to do is sell these men a property. How hard can it be?