The Biker's Fate Chapter 51

Payton

"No?"

"No," I snapped. "I don't want to kiss you in front of anyone until we know where we're going with this. It has nothing to do with my dad. And for your information, my dad isn't like that. He knows me enough to know that if I want to date someone, it's my decision and he trusts me to make it. Brock, on the other hand..."

"Fuck," he whispered.

"I'm gonna go."

"Wait, babe." Alex grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry."

"Thank you."

"You really not gonna kiss me?"

I couldn't stop a sigh of relief as I shook my head. "Does it make you feel better to know I want to just as much as you do?"

"Doubtful," he grumbled.

I squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry if I said something earlier."

"You didn't."

"Yeah, the silent treatment the whole way home proved that."

Alex sighed. "Babe, you sayin' shit like I'm 'breakin' the cycle' drives home the fact that I'm fuckin' failin' at it."

"So I did say something."

"Fuck me, Payton. You ever not intuitive?"

"I'm paid to be intuitive," I said. "It makes me a good teacher."

He nodded. "Look. You have a charmed life, good family, fuckin' great friends—"

"And you don't?"

"It's different, Payton. My club's my family outside of Kayla and Lily. Before the club, I never had friends I could trust like you can trust yours." He dragged his hands through his hair. "I know I'm fuckin' Lily up big time. Shit, her teacher even said she's behind in her language skills and asked me if I read to her at night... like if I don't, I should be ashamed."

"And do you?"

"If I'm home... sometimes. But not always." He frowned. "I'm not breakin' any cycles, babe. I'm just makin' new ones to fuck up my daughter."

"So I hit a nerve," I observed, and smiled.

"Yeah, babe, you hit a nerve."

"Can I put my two cents in regarding Lily... purely from a professional standpoint?"

"Have at it."

"Okay, I'm not sure why her teacher would say she's behind in her language skills. Yes, she sometimes says words a little softer than other girls her age, has some difficulty saying her r's, but she forms full and coherent sentences and understands what you're saying to her, so in my opinion, she's right on track. She also has a pretty good sense of what people she can trust, considering I heard her crying for a little while in the store before she stopped and talked to me. She inherently knew I'd help her. I think her teacher is either an insensitive cow, or wants to offer up her personal services to help Lily in the hopes of getting in your pants."

It took him a second to respond but then he let out a booming laugh that filled the cab of the truck. I was so distracted by the sound, I didn't register him reaching for me until his mouth was on mine and I was melting into his arms.

I broke the kiss and dropped my forehead to his arm. "Alex."

"In less than five minutes, you've erased the fear I've had for years, babe." He stroked my cheek. "I won't apologize for kissin' you."

I met his eyes. "I was just telling you the truth. I do think Lily's perfectly fine. If she wasn't, I'd say that too."

He kissed me again.

"Alex," I said, smiling against his lips. "You can't keep kissing me when I tell you the truth. Our mouths will be permanently attached if that's the case."

"Explain why that would be a problem," he retorted.

"Just imagine trying to track down some bad guy with my mouth attached to yours."

He grinned. "Minor point made... maybe."

I rolled my eyes. "Do you need more examples?"

"I'm good." He smiled at me. A smile that went to my soul.

"I need to go," I whispered, shifting away from him.

He nodded and reached for my hand again. "Thanks, babe."

I smiled. "Not sure what I did, but you're welcome."

He climbed from the cab, made his way to my side, and pulled open the door. I jumped down and grabbed my purse, hitting the trunk button on my key fob.

"Want some help?" Alex asked.

"No, I'm good. Just have to see if Macey left a bag," I said, and peered inside. "Which she did." I pulled our shopping bags out and then closed the trunk.

"Thanks for tonight, babe," Alex said, and smiled.

"I'm always up for burgers and boats."

He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Will I see you before Thanksgiving?"

"Babe, Thanksgiving's over a week away."

"You say that like I'm not aware of that fact," I retorted.

"Yeah, you'll see me before Thanksgiving. I'll call you."

"Maybe I'll answer."

He raised an eyebrow. "You'll answer."

I cocked my head. "We'll see, handsome."

"I'm gonna kiss you, babe."

"Nope," I said even as I raised my head.

He chuckled and bent part of the way, forcing me to stand on tiptoe to reach him.

"You're a butt," I said just before his mouth covered mine.

I found the bags in my hands obtrusive, especially since I wanted to touch him, so I dropped them to the ground and wove my fingers into his hair. I was grateful it was dark, but even if it hadn't been, I wouldn't have objected. There was something about kissing Alex James that made me want more. I liked him. A lot.

I forced myself to break the kiss, dropping my forehead to his chest. He pulled me closer, tugging gently on my ponytail. I raised my head so I could meet his eyes. "You're still a butt."

He chuckled. "Told you I was going to wear you down."

"Hmm-mm. We'll see." I picked up my bags again and rifled through my purse for my keys.

"Sure I can't help you carry those?"

I shook my head. "I'm good."

"I'll wait for you to get inside."

"Okay." I smiled. "Thanks for dinner."

"Anytime, babe," he said, and I let myself inside, leaning against the door for a minute to catch my breath.

I fired off a text to my mom to let her know I was home, and then one to Macey to let her know I had her stuff. Then I locked up, set the alarm, and headed to my room with a glass of wine. Time to process.