VOLUME THREE: HOLIDAY RISK* Spencer *Every once in a while, life takes a crazy, random array of events and turns them into something wonderful.Other times, she takes your life, spins you around, throws you in a new direction, and then kicks you in the balls.I've obviously pissed her off. There's no other explanation for why I'd find myself in this tiny apartment on the outskirts of small town USA, Pelican Bay. With a boss whose brain has been overrun with testosterone after finding what he considers his soulmate. Or the roommate who sees it as her life mission to eat every single thing in my apartment.The smell of fried chicken permeates the second floor hallway, and increases as I walk past the Johnson's apartment door."Boss, Tabitha will cut off your nuts and serve them to you as supper if you put a camera or GPS in her car."Ridge, the owner of Pelican Bay Security and my delusional boss, laughs at my reasonable assessment. I don't know how he's survived the grow
* Joslin *LOCAL MAN BRINGS RESCUE DOG HOME TO PELICAN BAYEight men celebrating a bachelor party in Kentucky each went home with a surprise—puppies!This past October, Kenny Jacobson and his groomsmen got together at a cabin in southern Kentucky to celebrate his upcoming nuptials. On their third morning, they noticed a stray dog outside their rented cabin."She was scrawny and shaggy-looking, but a sweetheart," said Will Perkins.Swayed by her soulful eyes, the men gave her food and water. They were soon rewarded with her wagging tail.Later that evening, Lucas Hewitt heard whining in the woods. He followed the sound to where he found six hungry pups.Their beer fund quickly turned to dog food money as the men worked to clean and care for the mother and her babies. They washed, fed, and prepared beds for them in the already-crowded cabin.But the rescue didn't stop there. When the bachelor party was finished, the groom and groomsmen all took home a puppy. Seven dogs fo
It's doubtful. I can't imagine this big guy sitting on Facebook watching a live video in anticipation of scoring a piece of clothing. It would take hours."No, it's okay." Have I said "okay" five hundred times in this conversation? I think so. Get a handle on yourself, Joslin. He may be hot, but his dog ruined a fresh pair of holiday leggings.While a piece of my legging blows in the breeze, his clothes aren't disheveled in the least. Except for his lack of a warm winter coat, he's the image of put together. My large black Columbia coat hides the upper half of my body, except for the hat and mittens I shoved in my pockets when I entered the store. Because I'm sane and wear a jacket in the winter."She's only a few months old, and all my attempts to train her have been ineffective. It's another six weeks before they start the next puppy training class, and I'm pretty sure she's going to chew me out of a house before then." He puts Frankie back on the ground but keeps a firm grip o
I'm a moron. There's something wrong with me. In my brain. For real.Sitting in my house with my cell phone in hand, I'm cute and witty and fun. Put me in live-action situations where the cute guy is standing across from me, and I make a reference to Netflix and chill. I'm aware of this fault in my DNA, but for some reason, the general population has allowed me to continue talking to people.That's why, five minutes after returning home from the pet store, I did something stupid.I texted Spencer.Because I'm a moron.I asked him over for a movie and dinner...tonight.At my place.In the back of my brain, I thought he'd be busy, and we'd plan something for next week. It would give me time to prep, pick out an outfit, work on some lines, and generally try to become less of a moron.But no. Spencer, who does not know I'm a moron, said he'd be right over.Did you catch that? He said he'd be right over.BE RIGHT OVER!As in, there will be a hot guy in my house momenta
Me hiding in my closet underneath a pile of blankets is probably not the chill part of tonight's plan.This is why I should not be allowed to text guys. I'm too reckless. I agree to stupid things."What did you decide on?" I ask hesitantly. Please no horror movies. Oh God, what if it's Cujo?"I called my sister in Texas, and she suggested this." He pulls out a DVD case from behind his back.I use a few seconds to puzzle it out because I'm pretty sure DVD cases are too big for a man's back pocket. Unless he's hiding a massive fanny pack back there, that case has been down his pants.A place I hope to one day become acquainted with. I'm way too wrapped up in thoughts of where this case has touched to give it my attention, but I sneak a peek at the cover. Looks harmless enough.A simple white background with a cute couple on the front, a big, fluffy Labrador retriever right smack dab in the middle. What could go wrong?"So what is it you do, Joslin?" Spencer asks, now starti
I've either fallen into a case of extremely bad luck or Spencer is the absolute worst at dating. Is there a test to determine if someone has bad luck? If I search the Internet long enough, I bet I'll find something. You can find everything on the Internet."I really appreciate you coming along," he says from somewhere on his side of the truck.I tilt my head back and forth to try and get a clear view of his face before I answer, but Frankie's head fills the space, so it's no use. "Of course.""This is probably not what you had in mind when I asked you for a date.""Not exactly, no." I'm willing to bet money no girl in the history of the world would have imagined this scenario.Frankie leans over and with her big, wet, prickly tongue, licks all the way up my cheek."Frankie."I wipe her slobber away with the back my hands. "How could I say no?""We'll get Frankie's shot taken care of, drop her off at home, and then you and I can have the entire night together. I just cou
"Thanks for serving me dinner." Spencer cuts off another large bite of his chicken.I shrug while looking down at my plate. It's a chicken breast with some broccoli from a frozen bag on the side. "After the lunch you made, this is no big deal."Spencer takes another bite of his chicken and moans while chewing. I've never had a man moan about my cooking before.We ate lunch in his apartment, and while it was only a sub, it was a delicious sub. All the ingredients were there: tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, cucumbers, and olives. Total perfection. One of those subs you could make at home yourself but are always too lazy."That's where you're wrong. I didn't make lunch. I pulled out what Anessa sent me home with last night.""Oh." One million thoughts run through my head as my fork stops its projections to my mouth. Have I spent the last two days hanging out with someone dating the new town baker? What about Bennett?Spencer crams another bite of chicken into his mouth like he's not
"I can't believe you work at the hospital but have never been to Spuds."The county hospital is set between the towns of Pelican Bay and Whitecap. "During a shift, there's only time for delivery. I'm always too tired after to eat at a sit-down restaurant.""Shit, I keep forgetting you finished a long shift. Are you sure you're awake enough for this meal?""I'm fine. Working tens is a standard. I've been doing it for years." His concern is cute but totally unneeded."Well, if you get too tired and want to head home, let me know.""Spencer, I'm fine." I reassure him for probably the fiftieth time tonight. I'm not going to fall over and pass out from exhaustion. Maybe I should find his persistence annoying, but it's actually nice to have someone looking after me for a change.I haven't had a night out on the town in forever—since my last boyfriend, Thatcher, and I broke up over a year ago. Dating an EMT who reported to the same hospital I did was difficult. When we both had th
ElliotFive years later"No, sweetie, we only get one puppy today." I squat getting on the same level as my daughter, Brandise.The round ball of fluff she squeezes onto with all her might so he doesn't run away licks her across the face and she giggles. "Daddy, they're twins just me and Bray. They have to stay together."My eyes flick back and forth between each dog. One held in the tight grip of Brandise and the other being sized up by my son. Their mother, Harley, a woman who took too long for me to figure she meant everything stands between the two of them with her lips pinched together not helping me in this situation. She's left me out in the cold on my own.The two puppy siblings look alike, but in my eyes every Yorkie looks the same. How can you tell them apart? The puppies my babies held both had a lighter colored face than Rocky, but other than that they were big puffballs of fur."Sweetie, Rocky only needs one brother," I try again hoping to talk sense into her.
Elliot's steps are slow but sure as I hold open the bakery door to let him get through the space. Once he's cleared the way, I stand beside him in case he needs me for support as he makes his way to the first table in the busy sitting section. You wouldn't expect a shoulder injury to cause issues walking, but with each movement his body makes, his shoulder sways with the force and his face grimaces.It's too soon for him to be up and moving, but I couldn't make him listen to reason.He finds his seat and plops in it heavily, the chair legs scraping on the tile. The people around us stop what they're doing and turn before a small round of applause starts from behind the bakery counter and then picks up including people from every space in the bakery. Elliot turns to the noise, catching everyone in their adoration, and scowls until the clapping fades."Cupcakes for everyone," Anessa says smiling from her spot at the counter. "Especially for our new hero."Elliot's scowl deepens.
Dominick releases a breath and sucks in another one as if preparing himself for this new life. "Are you positive? Because there are very eligible bachelors in my club. A brother could keep you safe."I don't argue with him that Elliot kept me safe. Well at least until he got shot, and no one can blame a man for that. He literally stuck his body in between me and a loaded weapon. How much more could he have done?Plus I could never live life in the club again. Now after experiencing life on my own. "Yeah, and then they'd cheat on me or go to prison."Dominick shakes his head. "My men aren't that way. They love hard and deep. I changed the club here, Harley. It's different from how we grew up in Colorado."There's honesty in his words, but it will never be enough to bring me back. "Elliot is mine."Dom shakes his head once, admitting defeat. "Fine. Onto topic two. I met your father," he says father accusatorily like I've been keeping something from him.Which, in a way, I hav
Without warning there's another harsh pop in the air like someone shooting off a firecracker, and then red blossoms in the middle of Pete's forehead. His body falls back hitting the ground once again. The thud is too far away to hear, but I swear my body feels the vibration.Holy fuck.My ears ring from the gunfire as men pool around us each of them yelling things back and forth. It's coordinated chaos. An ambulance with its lights flashing speeds over the highway."That man took three bullets to the chest," Huxley mutters to himself shaking his head. "I haven't seen anything that crazy since Thailand."... The steady beat of Elliot's hospital machines lulls me into a restless sleep as my head rests on Elliot's hand."Harley," a deep voice whispers in my ear, shaking my shoulder. "Har."In a start my head pops up and my eyes search Elliot's face, but his hand still rests underneath my head, a pool of my drool sticking between his fingers."Still drool, huh? I wouldn't
"Dominick won't pay anything for me," I lie.Pete laughs. "Don't want money. I'm looking to trade you for a free get-out-of-town card. If he won't offer me his protection, you'll be a going away gift to my men. They're upset with having to leave. I'm sure you understand.""What?" Fear causes me to choke out the word as a hundred images flash through my brain of what he could mean, but only one is sick and depraved enough for this man.He smirks. "They'll love you if the Impaler doesn't."I fall to my knees against the back of his seat. "No, please don't." I'd rather he shoot me now than do what his smile promises. He means I'm to be a sexual gift given to his men and passed between them. I'd never survive. Sure, Dom trained me in basic self-defense skills, but my mother sheltered me from club life so I only heard the evils of the world through others. Until now, I never once felt concern for my safety. Not the way I do now.The cargo van travels on the highway, passing a bill
"Stand up, Fucker."Elliot scoots away from me as I claw deftly on his leg trying to hold on and keep him close. He turns, not making any sudden movements and puts his body in front of mine to shield me once again from the nasties of life."Let's not do anything drastic, Pete." Elliot takes a step forward with his hand held out defensively.I twist seeing the old man wearing a pair of board shorts, a blue Hawaiian shirt with palm trees, and flip-flops on his feet standing in the middle of the beach. He resembles a tourist who belongs in Florida not a man running a drug ring in Pelican Bay. He sneers at me taking the tension from Elliot for just a moment and waving the gun in his direction as if either of us could forget it's there."She's the only one who can name me. Without her I can pick up shop and start somewhere fresh and there's nothing you can do about it. You guys don't have shit on me.""You're standing in the middle of a public beach during the day, Pete," Elliot t
He flinches as of my question has hurt him, but I'm the child who didn't have a father. "I got out early for good behavior and I looked up your mother. I learned what happened. Sorry about your loss," he says. The words are stagnant as if he knows what he's supposed to say but struggles with the meaning. Yet, something in the inflection makes me believe he means each one. His eyes turn soft, possibly remembering his time with my mother.My life has never been cupcakes and cookies, but the last month has been indescribable except for the word surreal. First, I had no father, then I picked up a club president for a stepdad, lost him, and now gained back the original. What is happening to my life?"What will happen now?"My father shakes his head and stares at me with a touch of a smile tweaking his lips. "I'm out of the club life. Plan to take the straight and narrow from here on out."I hold back the cringe at his promise. It's one I've heard from club brothers my entire life. E
Elliot shakes his head, his fingers curving around the handle of his gun. His face pinches together as if he has so much to say, but is staying silent for me.Until he doesn't anymore."Would someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on?"He's not the only one looking for answers. "Me too. Mom said you died in a motorcycle crash. Drove your bike over a mountain ledge one night." She hadn't said he'd been drinking, but I've filled in the blanks for myself as I aged.My father's teeth come together hard making a gnashing sound I hear even from my position. "Yeah well. She thought it would be better than the true story. Easier for both of you to move on rather than wait around on me living only a half-life.""Then what is the true story?" After my mom left Dominick's dad, it was the three of us together. I always believed we never hid any secrets from one another.My father shakes his head and stares at me but looks past me as if he's reliving the memories himself. "She s
My gaze and thoughts flip to the back door, but I'm too far away to reach it before he could shoot me.The man is younger than Pete and not the person I saw put a bullet in someone earlier this month, but he's old enough to be my father. His skin is leathered and wrinkled as if he's spent a lifetime in the sun. His jeans are loose and a leather jacket lacking any MC cut is wrapped around his body. Not a Bloodhound.I stand next to the kitchen island breathing heavily while trying to come up with an escape plan as the two of us stare at one another unmoving.He speaks first. "Now, Harley, is this any way to greet the old man who named you?"His words scatter in my brain, startling me into paying attention, all my plans of escape lost. "Excuse me? My father named me."It was one of the few stories I had of the man who shared such a brief relationship with my mother. "He wanted to pay homage to the best...""Damn motorcycle company the US has ever seen," he finishes my sentenc