Inferno: A Devil Chaser's MC Romance (8 page)

Once the security upgrades were in place, Bishop felt better about starting the remodel of the garage. The crew he hired was costly, but they were known for being the best in the area. He needed them to complete the expansion quickly and needed to know that it would be done the right way. The head contractor built the existing garage, so he knew what Bishop expected from them. He wanted his place to provide restorations they all could be proud of.

As he made his way into the garage, he found Goliath and Doc working on a vintage 1946 Harley Davidson Knucklehead. The brake system needed a complete overhaul, and the owner wanted to change the paint color from teal to red. The pinstripes would be gold and black, and new fenders would be added for a clean, classic look.

“This is a sweet ride. How much longer until Renegade starts working on the paint?” Bishop asked as he inspected the bike. “He needs to be careful with that sandblaster. Some of these weaker spots will need to be done by hand,” Bishop told Doc.

“We’re almost done removing these beat up fenders, and we had to order some parts for the brake system. We’ll start the disassembly this afternoon and will be ready for Renegade to start by morning,” Doc replied.

Goliath removed the front fender and turned to Bishop, “I see that your crew has started working on the shop. Those sorry ass tarps they put up don’t block out any of that damn noise. We’ve been hearing hammering and drilling all morning. It’s gonna suck hearing all that shit for the next few months.”

“Seriously? You listen to that shit all day long. Shouldn’t be any different from what you hear in here every day. Stop bitching and get back to work,” Bishop said to Goliath. “Besides, it will all be worth it in a few weeks when you’re working on a 1967 Mercury Cougar. I just bought one up in Kentucky, and I’ll be sending one of the prospects to pick it up in a couple of weeks.”

“Yep, I’m good with that. Looks like Crack Nut got us some fancy security shit. Pretty cool stuff. I still can’t figure how such a numb nut can do all that shit,” Goliath said with a chuckle.

“Yeah, he’s got a real talent with all that computer shit. Now, if we can just get him to look both ways before he crosses the street, we’ll be set,” Bishop said as he turned to leave. “I’m heading out. Gotta check on the new systems over at the clubhouse.”

Bishop made his way to the clubhouse in search of Bobby. He needed him to use his hacking skills to find out more about Duce, so he could track every move he made over the next few weeks. He wanted to be prepared for whatever the Diablos had planned. He knew there was no way Duce was just going to let things go without some form of retaliation.

Chapter 14

Tessa

“I can’t believe the Fall Festival is next week! I really think it’s going to be the best one yet. We still need to find a few more volunteers to work the booths. Any ideas?” Tessa asked Drake and his friends.

Myles was working quietly in the back of the room when he said, “I bet I could get my dad and some of the guys to come help. Doc is great on a grill. Dad could help him do the burgers and dogs for us. I’ll ask them tonight…and ya gotta get Principal Morrison to do the dunking booth. All kinds of folks would pay big money to see him drop his big ass in that tank.”

“Myles. Really? Watch your language,” Tessa said as she sighed with frustration. “You’re probably right about Mr. Morrison, though. I’ll ask him in the morning if he’ll do it. Let me know what your dad says about volunteering. I really doubt the guys will want to spend their Saturday dealing with a bunch of kids, but it would help us out a lot if they would.”

“They’ll do it if dad tells them to,” Myles said smiling. “We’re still going to the game tomorrow night, right?”

“I think so. Do you mind that we’re all going together?” Tessa asked.

Myles looked up at her and replied, “I think it’s awesome. You’re really cool, Ms. Campbell, and I like hanging out with Drake. I think it will be fun. I’m gonna bring my football, so we can have something to do during the game. Dad said he’s taking you by the clubhouse after the game to meet some of the guys. I think you’ll like ‘em.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting them. Well, it’s almost five. Better gather up your stuff, so we can be ready when Bishop gets here.” Tessa turned her attention to Drake and said, “Hey buddy, it’s about time to go home. Let’s pick up Izzie from the sitter’s and go get some Chinese. I’m too tired to cook tonight.”

“Finally! I can get something good to eat,” Drake said with a huff. “Can I get wontons and egg rolls, too? I’m starving.”

“Whatever, just get ready to go,” Tessa said making her way to the door. “Let’s go, Myles.”

Bishop was already waiting for them in the parking lot. He was sitting on his bike talking on his phone and seemed distracted. He didn’t notice them as they walked up. The fierce look on his face showed that he was obviously ticked off.

“Just do it. I want it taken care of by the time I get back,” Bishop said grimly. He hung up his phone and growled as he put it in his back pocket. He got off the bike and walked over to her.

“Is everything okay?” Tessa asked quietly. She was curious about his demeanor, but she couldn’t resist the temptation of staring at his full lips. Heat rolled through her as she thought about the passionate kiss they’d shared a week earlier.

Bishop’s blue eyes seemed darker when he turned to face her. Her heart fluttered as his expression immediately changed. A small smile spread across his face as he walked over to her. “Everything’s fine now. Got some business with the club I’m trying to get settled before tomorrow night.”

“OK,” she replied timidly. She felt herself blush when his gaze dropped to her mouth. She hoped that he was thinking about that kiss, too.

“I’ll swing by and get you at your place around seven.”

“I can meet you there if that’d be easier. I’m sure the kids would love to take a ride on your bike, but I’m thinking that’s not going to work,” Tessa said with a coy smile.

“No, I’ll pick you up. I’ll bring my truck. It’s got plenty of room. We’ll drop off the kids after we eat. You get everything set up with Courtney?”

“Yeah, she said she’d love to do it. What about Myles? I’m sure Court would be okay with him hanging out with them. They’re going to watch movies and make snacks.”

“I already got things worked out with him. He stays with my neighbor when I’ve got stuff going on. She has kids close to his age, so they can have some time to hang while we’re out.”

“Okay. I’m looking forward to going to your clubhouse. I think it sounds fun,” Tessa said softly as she bit her bottom lip and smiled up at him.

Smirking, Bishop reached for Tessa’s arm. He pulled her close and whispered, “I plan to have all kinds of fun with you tomorrow night, Teach.”

She couldn’t help the slight shiver that went through her body as his warm breath caressed her skin, “See you tomorrow night.”

As Bishop turned to his bike, he looked back at her with a devilish grin and said, “Wear jeans. I plan to take you for another ride on the bike once we drop the kids off.”

As Bishop pulled away, Tessa brushed her arm where Bishop had held her. She was already missing the warmth of his touch. She headed back into the school to get Drake.

They picked up Izzie and their take out, and headed home. Tessa unloaded the takeout boxes on the kitchen table and made their plates. She called, “It’s ready. Get your drinks and come eat.”

Once they got settled at the table, Drake began piling his plate with more wontons, egg rolls, and sweet and sour chicken. The kid was like a bottomless pit; he never seemed to fill up. “Drake, that’s ridiculous. Where are you going to put all that?” Tessa protested.

“Mom, I’m starving! This is just my first helping. You know how Chinese food is. I’ll be stuffed for thirty minutes, and then I’ll be hungry again. Just trying to double up now so it will last longer. Besides, this stuff is awesome.”

“That’s crazy. You’re just going to make yourself sick,” Tessa warned. Drake smiled and began to shovel his food in his mouth like it was his last meal. Tessa watched for a moment, shook her head, and took a deep breath. “So, are you both okay with us going to tomorrow night’s game with Myles and his dad? They’re going to pick us up around seven, and then we’re going out for pizza.”

“I like pizza, Momma. Can I have cheese sticks, too?” Izzie asked excitedly.

“Sure you can sweetheart.” Tessa turned to Drake. “Myles is looking forward to hanging out with you at the game. It means a lot to me that you’ve been so nice to him.”

“He’s pretty cool. I don’t know much about his dad, but if you’re good with going with them, it’s fine with me,” Drake said as he took another big bite of his egg roll.

“Courtney is going to hang out with you for a while after we eat. She’s rented some movies and plans to make cookies with you.”

“Is she going to bring chocolate chip cookies?” Izzie asked as she clapped her hands.

“I’m sure she’ll bring chocolate chip. She knows they’re your favorite,” Tessa replied with a smile. When they finished eating, the kids helped clean up the dishes. Drake put up the leftovers and headed to his room for a shower. Tessa got Izzie into her pj’s and tucked her into bed.

“Momma… are you going on a
date
with Myles’s dad?” Izzie asked with a concerned look on her face.

“Yes, baby. I guess I am. Are you okay with that?”

“Yeah. I think you need to go on lots of dates. You’re pretty, and someone should take you to fancy places,” Izzie said as her eyelids began to get heavy. Just as she looked like she was going to drift off to sleep, she said, “I love you, Momma. I want you to find your prince like Snow White and Cinderella.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet, Izzie. Go to sleep, sweetie. I love you,” Tessa said as she kissed her forehead goodnight. The thought of Bishop as her prince made Tessa giggle to herself. He didn’t seem like anyone’s Prince Charming. He was more like a devil in disguise, but she couldn’t help thinking how much she liked him just the way he was.

Tessa slipped off to her bedroom to call Courtney. She needed to make sure everything was set for tomorrow night.

Courtney picked up on the first ring, “Hey there, Chickadee! You ready for tomorrow night?”

“I think so. The kids seem okay with it, so I’m feeling a little less stressed about them. I’m not crazy about being around so many people at the game for our first time out. I guess I’m a little nervous and excited at the same time.”

“It’s gonna be great. There’s nothing to be nervous about. You’ve already gotten that awkward first kiss crap out of the way, so it’s easy sailing from here. Just have a good time and the other stuff will work itself out.”

“That’s easy for you to say, Court. You’ve been on thousands of dates. I haven’t been out with anyone in almost two years, and I never really even dated Steven. We just went to frat parties and the bar. He pretty much sucked at the whole dating thing,” Tessa said with frustration.

“It’s no big deal. It’s like riding a bicycle. It’s something you never forget. In this case, it’s a motorcycle, but you get the idea.”

“Bishop plans to take me by his clubhouse after we eat. I’ve never been around a motorcycle club before. What if I say something stupid or offend one of the guys? You know how I blurt stuff out when I’m nervous. Who knows what I will say! Maybe I shouldn’t even go. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Would you just stop already? You’re totally overthinking this. Wear something hot that shows off your boobs. They won’t even care what you say when your girls are out to play,” Courtney snickered.

“Courtney, you’re incorrigible!”

“These guys are just like any other man. They have a one-track mind, so use it to your advantage. Obviously, Bishop wants to show you off, so let him. You’re gonna have a great time, but you gotta check out the other guys while you’re there. You have to find me a motorcycle hottie, too! Try to take a few pics for me to choose from.”

“Okay, you’re right. It’ll be fine, and I’ll check out the other goods for you while I’m there, but there’s no way I’m gonna take snapshots of them. Not gonna happen.” Tessa laughed. “By the way, I told the kids you were bringing a movie and cookie dough. Isabelle wants chocolate chip. And please, no scary movies this time. It took them both weeks to get over
The Watcher in the Woods
. I thought I’d never get Izzie to sleep in her room again.”

“That movie was PG and one of my all-time favorites, but you got it. No scary movies this time. I’ll be at your house around 9:30.”

“Thanks for doing this, Court.”

“You’re doing me the favor, remember? You’re gonna find me a badass motorcycle dude. Now go on and get to bed. You need your beauty sleep for your hot date. I’ll see ya in the morning, and it’s your turn to bring the coffee. I want a mocha latte this time.”

Tessa smiled as she hung up the phone. She was lucky to have such a good friend. Courtney always knew the right thing to say to set her mind at ease. Tessa curled up in her bed and reached for her Kindle. She couldn’t help but smile as she decided to try out one of those motorcycle romances she’d been hearing about.

Chapter 15

Bishop