“I could go for the same,” I agree.
After we are dressed, we go downstairs and grab a drink. He has his arm around me as we walk over to sit down. Once we sit down, it’s like we are teenagers, unable to keep our hands to ourselves. He leans over and presses his lips to mine while his hand moves up my thigh.
He breaks the kiss and smiles as he rests his forehead against mine. “You’ve got my cock hard again.”
I giggle and toss him a wink. “I’m just that good.”
We both laugh, and I realize that we are showing some serious public display of affection. The thing is, I don’t care, and obviously, Reno doesn’t either. It feels right, and I don’t care who sees how we feel.
I like that he doesn’t hide his feelings from anyone. It feels good to be wanted in private and in public.
He kisses my cheek, and I grin.
I hope I can stay here forever.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Reno
I didn’t have a fucking clue that Valencia wanted to finish her schooling. Hell, I didn’t even know she even went to school in the first place. I guess, in a way, I’m finally learning more about her, but it’s happening at a slow and steady pace rather than all at once. Deep in my bones, I know Boss is right, even if I don’t want to admit it. The people who chased us the other night must have been going after Valencia, and I know it has something to do with her tattoo and the words that the car salesman uttered. After he spoke them, Valencia was rattled, and the more I think about the matter, the more I think this is all connected.
I’ve been sitting down at the bar with Iris and Faith for the last ten minutes, chatting with them about pointless bullshit. Valencia’s at Mamie’s right now working, and there are a couple other people there with her as well. Iris should be leaving within the hour to head in for her shift at the diner, but until then, I think the ladies want to chat it up with me for a bit.
“So, how are things going with you and Valencia?” Iris wiggles her eyebrows up and down.
“Yes, I want to know all the details,” Faith chimes in.
“Come on.” I roll my eyes at these two women, certain they think I’m an idiot. “You two can’t act like you don’t know what’s going on.”
Faith and Iris burst out in laughter. “I mean, we know a good bit, but not a whole lot . . . you know?” Iris tells me.
I give both of the women a knowing look. “I think you’re both full of shit right now.”
“We’re ladies. We’d never be full of shit.” Faith cackles, getting Iris to laugh alongside her. Ever since they’ve been part of the club, these two are literally two peas in a pod. That isn’t too surprising, though. If I remember correctly, they both came from the same small town in the South, so it makes sense why they’d be so close.
“Fine, I’ll give you something to chew on. Valencia told me last night that she wants to go back to school and finish her degree. I’m totally supportive of her idea, but I don’t know what I can do to help her bring it to fruition.” I’ve given it a lot of thought, and there’s just so much you can look up these days. Everything is accessible online, but Valencia rarely even looks at her phone.
“Why don’t you go to some local universities and get some pamphlets for her? That will help her see the options nearby. The pamphlets should even list the amenities of the colleges, as well as what programs they offer. I’m sure Valencia has some idea of what she wants to do, and you taking the time to go to different universities will only show her how much you care.” Faith goes on and on as she rubs down the bar with a rag.
She doesn’t have a bad idea, though. “Shit, you might be right.” Maybe I will head around to some local colleges and get some information. It’ll take a couple hours out of my day, sure, but Valencia will hopefully see it as a sweet gesture.
“I’m texting you the address for our college, St. John’s University, now. They have tons of programs, and we both love it there.” Iris already has her phone in her hand, doing exactly what she said she was going to do.
“Thank you both. I really appreciate it.”
“You know what you can do to repay us?” Faith questions, placing a hand on her hip.
“God only knows.” I snicker, and Faith sticks her tongue out at me.
“What’s the deal with that Drifter, guy? We know he helped you guys out the night those people were after y’all . . . but he’s staying here now?” Faith questions.
I nod. “Yeah, so he told Boss he plans on staying here for a couple of months, and she feels the club is indebted to him. So, he’s in one of the rooms upstairs until he decides to leave. Why?” I feel like there’s something more going on than their sole curiosity.
Faith looks right over at Iris and snickers. “Someone might think he’s rather handsome.”
I’m all for Iris finding a guy, but we don’t know anything about this dude. “We don’t know anything about him, Iris. Don’t do anything yet . . . at least not until you get a feel for his character.”
“I’m not trying to fuck him or anything straight away, Reno,” Iris grumbles at me and sighs heavily. “I just think he’s hot and was wondering what his story was or whatever.”
