I had hoped he would feel that way. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. I'm honored that you will be a part of the future of the club."

"Me too," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But, Woods, if we're gonna do this, then should you stop calling me sir. Makes me sound old. I bang chicks younger than you, son."

I might not have been able to smile but I was amused. "I'm sure you do," I replied.

"That was pretty damn funny. What's wrong with you, boy? I can't seem to get you to crack a smile."

I didn't want to talk about Della with Dean. He wouldn't understand. Like he said, he was with a different girl every night. "Personal stuff. I'm working through it."

Dean rubbed his chin, then tilted his head as he looked at me too closely. "It's a woman. That look is always caused by a f**king woman. Don't bother denying it. I can see it all over your face."

I didn't admit it but I didn't deny it. Instead, I dropped my eyes to the table and shifted through some paperwork. I had a contract Dean needed to sign and we needed to discuss his monthly salary, not that he needed it.

"Who is she? What did she do? She getting under your skin and you're ready to run, or has she already got you on her hook and she's trying to let you go?"

I pulled out the contract and took my pen and pushed them across the table. "Neither. I need you to sign the contract saying everything we discuss about the club is confidential. Your salary is listed as well."

Dean didn't lean forward and take the paper. He was still focused on me. He started to shake his head and let out a low whistle. "Woods motherfucking Kerrington is in love. Damn, it's in the water down here. I need to get my ass back to LA. You young boys going manic over one pretty little girl. There's lots of fish. Lots of f**king beautiful fish. Why worry about one when you can have 'em all? Brunette on Monday and a redhead on Tuesday, twins on Wednesday, a blonde with big ole titties on Thursday, an Asian beauty on Friday, and her sister on Saturday, then on Sunday is when you get you one of each and have one big-ass party all damn day. No need to get wrapped up in just one."

This was very similar to a speech he'd given us one summer when Rush had taken us on a road trip to see Slacker Demon in Atlanta. We had, of course, been granted backstage access and hung out with the band. It was Dean's life. I had thought it was a lonely life back then. Now that I'd had Della, I knew it was a lonely life. I wasn't interested.

"Just want the one," I told him.

"She must be special," he said, and leaned forward to pick up the pen. "I'm not signing my life away or adding you to my will, am I?" he asked.

"No, just agreeing to keep the club's business confidential."

"I don't need the money. Put it in a trust fund for Nate. Have Rush set it up."

I'd expected as much. "Yes, sir"---his head snapped up---"I mean, Dean," I said, correcting myself.

He nodded. "Better." Then he stood up and slapped his hand down on the desk. "Looks good on you, boy. Looks real good on you," he said, then turned and walked out of the office.

I had Dean. Now I needed to make my next call.

Della

Braden threw open the door and wrapped her arms around me in one swift movement. I dropped the bag I was carrying and hugged her back just as fiercely.

"You're here! I missed you," Braden said as she squeezed me one more time, then pulled back and glanced over at Tripp. I didn't miss the appreciative gleam in Tripp's eyes as he took in my best friend. Braden had big, round, cornflower-blue eyes and long, dark curly lashes. Her brown curls were completely natural. I had been coveting them for years.

"Braden, this is my friend Tripp. Tripp, this is my best friend, Braden Fredrick."

"And I'm her husband, Kent," Kent said as he walked up behind Braden. I smiled over at him. I felt like I should apologize for Tripp and I was suddenly glad he was going to stay in a hotel. Braden loved her husband but when Tripp wanted to be a charmer he had it down to a science.

"It's nice to meet both of you," Tripp said with a knowing smile. I should probably have pinched him.

"Y'all come on in," Braden said, stepping back.

"I have plans this evening so I need to head on out. I'll be back when you're ready to leave, Della," he said, and winked at me. He was being cute on purpose.

"Okay. Go drink beer. I think you need it," I told him, and he laughed before turning and going back to his bike.

"He drives a Harley?" Braden asked, peering at him as he walked away.

"Stop it before Kent goes out there and tries to beat him up," I whispered, and stepped inside, letting the door close behind me.

"What? Kent knows I love him. I was just looking. I'm curious about who you've been riding all over the place with these past two weeks."

"Sure you are," Kent drawled, grabbing her ass before pressing a kiss to her mouth. "I'll go make some coffee," he said, then walked toward the kitchen.

When Kent was out of hearing distance, Braden grabbed my arm and pulled me into the living room. "Okay, how are you? How are your night terrors? Are you and Tripp getting along okay?"

"As good as can be expected, the same, and yes."

Braden frowned. "I need more info than that."

I sighed and sat down on her sofa. "I miss him. I miss him so much. But he's better without me. Even he knows he's better without me."