Chapter Eight

Hadley

Before we head to the aquarium, we stop at my apartment so I can get my sneakers. There's no way I would be able to keep up with a kid while wearing stilettos. Arriving at the aquarium, Gage turns into a mini tornado of excitement. We are constantly moving from spot to spot and looking at the same thing three and four times, but he's so happy. The day speeds by in a blur of dolphins, penguins, and other sea life. After a few hours, we find a table in the food court and sit down for lunch. The food court is outside, allowing us to spend some time in the afternoon sun and listen to the noises around us.

During lunch, we all talk to one another. Justice tells me about becoming a prospect for the club, about his brother who I now know is Beast, and his sister Grace. Gage tells me about his friend Liam whose father is Luger—another club member. He tells me about school and the puppy he recently got for his birthday.

My stories are less personal. Mostly, I talk about tattoos and my dad's car but we still manage to have more fun together than I've had in years. Sitting beside Justice with Gage across from us, I can easily see how some would assume we are a family. Laughing and joking, we're oblivious to anything happening around us.

Gage's little face lights up before he takes off running. Turning, I see him jump into his father's waiting arms before he starts talking animatedly about our day. Beside Sparrow is the man from last night, and he's glaring at Justice.

"Gotta go, Hadley. But I'll probably see you around." He hugs me and kisses my cheek before taking off.

Sparrow, Gage, and my mystery man join me at the table.

"Thank you again for doing this for us. Gage seems to have enjoyed his time with you." Sparrow smiles at his son and the look of love in his eyes is clear for anyone to see. Feeling the tears gather in my eyes, I look away. Seeing Sparrow with Gage makes me miss my father more than I thought was possible.

"It really was my pleasure. If at any time you need help and I'm not working, I would gladly do it again."

"You're a saint, chica. Estoy agradicido."

"No need to be grateful. I enjoyed it just as much as he did." Leaning over, Gage and I fist bump each other while smiling like loons. I reach into my jean pocket, remove the bundle of cash he handed me earlier, and put it on the table in front of him.

"Here's your money back, too. We didn't need it."

Sparrow shakes his head but takes the cash and puts it into his pocket. "Time to go, Gage. Gotta head home and see your momma. Say goodbye to Hadley and Wolf."

Gage scrambles from his father's lap and hugs me close. My gaze follows the man I now know to be Wolf as his gaze bores into me.

"Gracias, Hadley." Gage presses a kiss to my cheek and at that moment, I see a look of softness and longing move over Wolf's face.

"Of course, Gage."

He grabs his father's hand as he waves at Wolf before they make their way out of the aquarium.

"I just want to apologize for last night. Alcohol tends to remove my filter and I end up saying a lot of stupid shit." Apologizing isn't one of my strong suits and all through my apology, I stare directly at my intertwined fingers. Slowly, I lift my gaze toward him to gauge his reaction.

"My shirt looks good on you." He nods toward my chest.

"I'll get it back to you."

"Don't worry about it. Let's get you home."

Wolf rises from the table before moving toward the entrance. When we reach the parking lot, I see him move toward the most beautiful 1958 Harley Davidson Duo-glide I've ever seen. Matte black with chrome finishing and custom leather work. Wolf clears his throat and I look back toward him. He has a quizzical expression on his face and I wait for him to say something.

"Seems like you might be in love there, Blue." He smirks at me.

Running my hand along the leather seat, I burst out laughing. "You may be right."

He hands me a helmet as he straddles the Harley and I hop on behind him. We make our way through town toward my apartment. The fact that he knows where to go without asking me doesn't surprise me at all. The moment you get involved with a club, they tend to know everything about you, and that includes your address. The wind whips through my hair and I remember why I have always loved riding on a motorcycle.

As we pull up outside my apartment, I wish the ride had lasted longer. After unclasping my hands from around his waist, I remove the helmet and dismount.

"Thank you for the ride, Wolf. I'll have your shirt cleaned and get it back to you soon."

He stares at me like he has something to say, but simply nods.

Walking away from him, I wish he would call me back or say something. There's definitely something there. There's a mutual attraction between us. The hard-on I just saw pressing against the front of his jeans is all the evidence I need. But he says nothing as I make my way up the stairs to my apartment.