Page 27 of Bones

I have lost my mind.

I am a hot-biker drunk.

It must be a thing because only now that he’s not around me, can I think clearly.

Muttering to myself about how I must have severely neglected my sexual needs for too long, I’m cleaning out some of the kennels at the shelter when Pyro steps inside.

“You’re back.” He smirks, Bruno walking in behind him without a lead.

“I am. Are you going to adopt him?”

He glances down at the dog. “I’ve already got three dogs.” He tilts his head to the side. “But honestly, I am considering it. He’s a good boy.”

“He is.” I smile, putting the mop down and pushing my hair off my face with the back of my palm. “Thanks for driving all the way to the cabin to check on me.”

His blue eyes assess me before he nods. “No problem. It was out of character for Bones to suddenly vanish. I know he had a few people worried.”

“His brother?”

“Yeah, and everyone else. The club brothers and the old ladies were all concerned.”

“Old ladies?”

“Yeah, that’s what we call the taken women,” he explains, putting Bruno back inside his now-clean kennel and locking the door.

“Oh.”

I need to read more motorcycle club romance so I can stay up-to-date on all the lingo.

“Do you need any help?” he asks, glancing around.

“No, this is my last one, but thank you. I’m going to head home after this.”

“I’ll wait for you and walk you out,” he offers.

“Okay.”

We walk side by side to my car, and when I unlock it, he opens the door. “So are you and Bones together now?”

“No. I mean, he’s taking me out for a date on Friday, but we aren’t officially together or anything,” I explain in a rush. “I told Nate I wanted a little time to think about everything.”

“Nate?” he asks, his brow furrowing.

“Yeah, that’s his name.”

“And Bones told you to call him that?” he asks, sounding surprised.

“Yeah, that’s what he told me his name was.” He must have missed that at the cabin.

“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath, disappointment flickering in his eyes. He closes my door for me and takes a step back. “Get home safe. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here after work.” I flash him a smile and a wave, and then drive home.

It’s never bothered me before, living alone, and not really having any close family or best friends that live nearby.

Until now.

Nate’s number in my phone burns through my pocket.