The clearing of someone's throat is what forces us to separate, but I don't get very far because Dimitri pulls me in closer to his chest. He glances over his shoulder and rolls his eyes when he sees who it is.
"Tray," I ask muffled into his chest.
"Gee, how'd you know," Dimitri says sounding sarcastic. "Who else would stop me from kissing my gorgeous girlfriend?" Butterflies flutter in my stomach whenever he calls me gorgeous or his girlfriend. I hope these feelings never go away.
"What yeah doing," Tray asks trying to sound innocent. I glace over Dimitri's shoulder and by the spark in his eyes he know exactly what we were doing.
Dimitri turns so he can face Tray and his blue eyes narrow to slits. "I was going to try to convince Skylar to order ours to go so we could have some alone time on the bus, but now you can explain to the rest of the guys why they are forced to listen to her screaming in pleasure." He ends his rant with a gloating expression as though he has won. Dimitri really is handsome when he's all fired up. I highly doubt Tray doesn't have something smartass to say. This is Tray we are talking about.
"More like screaming in fright from seeing your naked ass," he retorts. I hide my smile behind my hand. Yep something smartass.
"Alard I can't wait for the day you find your version of Skylar because I plan on making your life extremely difficult," he explain in a no nonsense voice.
Wanting to save the future Mrs. Alard from having to deal with Dimitri especially since she is going to have her hands full with Tray I add, "Dimitri even if Tray hadn't of interrupted us I would have still said no."
"No? Why," he whines. I can feel the start of his excitement pushing against my lower belly and my inner muscles clench at the knowledge. Tray sticks his tongue out at us.
"Because I want to talk to the guys about what happened and I have something else I want to discuss with everyone," I tell him patting my hand against his cheek.
"Fine," he says dragging us into the building and not once checking back to see if Tray was following.
When we enter it takes a minute for my eyes to adjust to the dimmer lights. Dimitri scans the room seeking the rest of our party. They are located at a few of the table in the back of the room. He makes a beeline to them and pushes me into a seat.
"You good Dimitri?" Ryder asks.
"Dude you look like you're sucking on a lemon," comes Mason's retort.
They give each other knowing glances when Tray joins the table and returns their eyes to the menus.
"We were waiting for you guys to join us. Even though Mason didn't want to," Lucan explain.
"Sure throw me under the bus," Mason says throwing his hands up in the air.
"With pleasure. Hell I'll even throw it in reverse and run you over again." Lucan tells him taking a drink of his water. Mason throws some sugar packets at him till Ryder reaches over and sets them out of his reach.
"Is it always like this?" I ask Aubree looking over my menu at her.
Do I really like really really want to commit myself to them? I guess it would be kind of similar to teaching in a way. I would still have to lay out expiations and procedures. They act more like children then men so I would still be working with children. Only thing I don't have to do is prepare lessons that I would have to teach though I'm sure there will still be those teachable moments. I feel like I'm grasping at straws comparing working with Steel Wolf to teaching. Who am I trying to kid yes I still want to go through with this.
She answers without taking her eyes off the menu. "This is tame compared to how it can get. Enjoy it while you can. Even though you are a part of the group they are still trying to be on their best behavior."
Bring it on boys.
I glance around the restaurant and am happy to see that no one is paying any attention to us. Aubree was right truck stops really are the best place to go into and stay hidden. They also seem to be enjoying the time of it just being them and not all the extra people that tend to follow them.
An older waitress comes to our table and takes our orders. I don't miss the glint in her eyes when she sees the rockers. Though I don't think she knows who they are. More like she was enjoying the view before her. Not that I can blame her.
Once she leaves I feel like I'm under a microscope because six pairs of eyes gaze at me unwavering.
"So who's going to be the bad guy?" Mason asks. Bad guy? Are the about to tell me that they don't want me around? My eyes darted from face to face searching for hints as to what they were thinking.
Lucan hits him upside his head, "way to go jackass. With that comment you sir are the bad guy." Mason looks at me sheepishly and with downcast eyes.
Dimitri reaches for my hand and I hold on for dear life.
"I don't understand," I stammer meeting Dimitri's concerned gaze. He raises the hand he was holding and kisses it.
"Mason if you are trying to ask, but not ask why Sky was so upset earlier that's not how you go about doing so," Dimitri says with a shake to his head. "For being a self proclaimed ladies man you sure don't know how to talk to women."
"Oh I get it now," Mason says and then whispers, "she's on her time of the month."
This time Aubree stares daggers at him and I watch her pick up her fork. Ryder reaches over to place his hand on her and shakes his head, "not worth it Aubree. He won't learn."
Tray's laugher floats around the table, "dude I may have never been in a relationship before, but even I know to never say anything like that. And I have said plenty of stupid shit."
Wanting to put an end to this I say, "no Mason I'm not on my period. But when I am you owe me a tampon and chocolate run."
He starts to slide down his chair, "do I have to?"
"Either that or I'll release Aubree on your ass." Ryder inputs.
"Fine," he says crossing his arms in front of his chest and pouting. Everyone laughs at Mason.
"Since the guys wont ask I will," Lucan says softening his eyes, "what happened Sky? Aubree called Dimitri in hysterics and we were all worried about you."
I sigh and launch into my story, "I got a call from the school district I work at."
"That's right," Tray interrupts, "you're a teacher. That's hot." He holds his hand up to fist bump Dimitri. "You don't have to act out the fantasy you get to live it." Dimitri does not return the jester instead he shakes his head. Tray lowers his fist, "I've taken Mason's spot at being the bad guy haven't I?"
Everyone glares at Tray, but I laugh knowing he was only trying to lighten the mood. Tray catches my attention and winks. He's really going to make someone very lucky when he's ready to stop the games and settle down. Just don't know how long that is going to be. He has his own demons he needs to sort out before he can open his heart to someone else.
Continuing with my story I say, "like I was saying," I pause for a second to glare at Tray, but laughter dances in my eyes, "the Superintendent called me to basically force my resignation. But of course they did it in a professional manner and didn't come out and stay it directly. Instead they said they couldn't guarantee my or anyone at the schools safely while I was dating Dimitri. So because of that it would be better if I didn't return in the fall."
"What that fuck," Ryder says loud enough for us to gain some curious glances from the other customers.
"They can't do that," Lucan adds sitting back in his chair, "that's against the law," he thinks for a moment then glances at Aubree, "right Aubree?"
"I believe so. But I don't know the laws for Illinois," she informs him in a calm tone. She has put on her professional hat. "Don't you have a union to protect you?"
I nod my head, "I do have a union."
"There you go. Go to them and demand they do something," Lucan says throwing his hands up in the air. "Problem solved."
Dimitri leans his elbows on the table, "only one problem with your idea. The union was on the phone as well and basically told her to take the deal and that they agreed with the terms."
Mason stand from his seat toppling it over, "Aubree put the tour on hold we have some asses we need to go kick!"
Not sure if I should laugh or cry at his offer because he would do just that if I asked him to. These guys are fiercely loyal to those they deem family.
"Mason sit your ass down," she says pointing as his chair. "The tour isn't being paused and no one is kicking any ones ass."
"But they hurt Skylar," Mason mutters picking his chair up and sitting back down.
"Mason as much as I appreciate the offer I support Aubree on this one." Don't need them getting in trouble over me especially since I've come to terms with what has happened. He searches my face checking to see if I'm lying to him. I offer him a smile.
"I tried to get her to call a lawyer, but she refuses," Dimitri says aiming a scowl my direction. "Baby you needs to do something to get your job back."
I'm amazed he has yet to ask me to talk to Aubree about becoming her assistant. He was adamite about it before and now not a word. Nor has me mentioned anything about the fact I don't have to leave him come fall. Maybe he only said anything about the job before because he knew I would say no. I thought for sure one of the first things out of his mouth would be about how I don't have to leave him. Yet he has said nothing.
I clench one of my hands in a fist trying to find some control of my thoughts before I fall apart again. I've cried enough today to last a lifetime and I do not want to lose it inside the restaurant. Dimitri searches my face with distressed eyes. I know he's trying to figure out what I'm thinking and not wanting him to know I keep my face carefully blank. If he doesn't want me around fine, but I won't let him see me cry over him again.
He reaches out to touch my cheek, but I shift away from him. His eyes seek answers from mine while I stare up at him. We are broken from our bubble when Tray slams his hands on the table drawing everyone's attention.
By the hard look in his eyes I know the carefree Tray is gone and in his place is the serious Tray. "Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Tray there's nothing more to be done I already agreed," I tell him placing my hand on his arm.
He glances at my hand for a moment then turning his frown on Dimitri, "Skylar that's not what I was talking about." He called me Skylar he hasn't called me Skylar in a long time something is wrong and by the way his eyes are following Dimitri this has nothing to do with my past employer. "That was aimed at Dimitri." Called it!
Dimitri stands facing Tray his eyes blazing with anger, "what's your fucking problem?"
Tray stands as well and takes a tight grip on the back of his chair, "you. Dimitri. You."
What has gotten into Tray? I have never seen him this angry before. Everyone tenses in their seats waiting to see how this plays out myself included. Why is Tray getting into Dimitri's face?
"What the fuck did I do," he asks taking a step closer to Tray, "Other than support Skylar with everything and try to help her figure out a way to get her job back."
Lucan and Ryder stand from their seats and position themselves near Dimitri and Tray. They kept their eyes trained on them watching for the moment they would need to step in. At this point we have become center of attention. I pray this doesn't end up on the internet somewhere.
Tray laughs, but not his normal laugh this one holds a darkness to it. "What you want an award or something? Good job Dimitri," he says his voice dripping sarcasm and clapping. "You played the supportive boyfriend to a T. But if you had really been watching you would have noticed the moment you mentioned how you tried to convince her to get her job back her eyes took on a haunting look. Have you once asked her to stay?"
Dimitri glances down at me and then away. His shoulders slumping in defeat, "no." He then stands up straighter and defends himself. "Only because I didn't want her to feel like she had to. She loves teaching. My dream already took away her privacy and I didn't want this to be another thing taken away from her."
Tray narrows his eyes at Dimitri, "bullshit."
"Excuse me," Dimitri snaps.
"Bullshit," Tray says slower. "I'm sure on the surface you feel that way. But Dimitri you've always been good at talking the talking." He shakes his head and gets louder with each word. "All we have heard over the years is you cry about missing Skylar and wishing how things could be different. And the minute," he pauses to rub his forehead as though he is in pain and lowers his voice. "The minute that door swings open what do you do." When Dimitri doesn't answer Tray continues, "you slam it shut."
"I don't know what you are talking about Tray. I've been in this since we decided to try again."
Tray shakes his hand at Dimitri, "just forget I said anything. What do I know about relationships," he says resuming his seat.
Dimitri sits down and tugs my chair closer to him. He starts to bounce his leg under the table and I place my hand on top of it to calm him. Lucan and Ryder retake their seats, but keep an eye on Dimitri and Tray. Aubree shoots Tray a worried frown. Then we fall into an awkward conversation not wanting to bring anymore attention to Tray's bizarre outburst. Neither Tray or Dimitri join in both lost in their own thoughts. The tension between them was so thick I was suffocating sitting in the middle of them.
The food arrives and a silence falls over our table while everyone eats. My phone beeps with an incoming text and when I check it see Vanessa was texting me.
Even thought you don't love me anymore because you now have that sexy rocker to occupy your time I thought you would like to know your boy is doing well, but missing you.
I'm sorry I still do love you! I've been meaning to text you its just I don't seem to ever have a spare moment! I promise I'll call you soon. I have news I need to share! I miss him too.
Are you pregnant?
Ha ha no I'm not.
Okay. Call soon!
Before I forget here's your handsome boy!
She sends me a picture of Renegade and of course when I was looking at it is when Tray peeks over my shoulder.
"Why are you looking at a picture of a horse," he asks with a raised brow.
I glace at Ryder remembering his warning of not letting Tray and Mason know I ride, but unsure on how to get out of this. Lying wasn't an options even thought I really wanted to. Maybe he wouldn't make a comment because our relationship was now different. "His name is Renegade," I say not wanting to chance Tray saying something he shouldn't.
"Okay," he says more as a question then realization flashes through his eyes. "Is he yours?" I cringe while I nod my head. "Why bestest best friend you've been holding out on me." He leans across me to slap Dimitri on the shoulder.
So now he's back to calling me bestest best friend? Not that I'm complaining because it was really weird when he called my Skylar. He also seems back to his goofy self. Tray has to have light switches controlling his behaviors. In all my years in both my personal and professional life I have never met someone who can swing from one side to the other so quickly.
Dimitri's head spins to glare at Tray. I jump in before they get into another argument. "Tray just found out I ride."
"Dude is it true," he says the next part in a whisper, "cowgirls do it better?"
Dimitri's eyes takes on a mischievous glint and he wiggles his eyebrow as he leans forward to talk to Tray, "you have no idea. The muscles used for riding are the same muscles she uses when she..." I cover his mouth with my hand before he could say anything more.
Not more than fifteen minutes ago these two were at each others throats and now Dimitri is disclosing information about our sex life. I will never understand the workings of the male brain and they say we are complicated. Thankfully they are no longer fighting because I would hate to see the mess of a show it could create. And now that we were back to being ignored by the other customers I planned on keeping it that way.
"And you will stop right there is you ever want to experience that again," I hiss at him.
Dimitri leans back with a smile, "sorry man. My lips are sealed. The lady has spoken."
Tray turns to me and shakes my shoulders whining, "bestest best friend you have to know more girls with horses. Help a brother out here!" He taps on my phone, "how about the girl you were texting?"
"Vanessa?" He nods his head briskly. "You've already met her. She was my friend who wasn't in a relationship."
He digs though his head for the memory, "I remember her. So what you're telling me is I had a chance to experience this for myself and instead I want home with someone else."
"Seems so," I tell him patting him on his shoulder in comfort.
"No," he cries. "Why didn't you tell me before you and Dimitri left?"
"Didn't realize it was that big of a deal," I say sitting closer to Dimitri hoping he would save me from this conversation.
"Well I know how you can make it up to me?" At my raised brow he continues, "hook me up with someone else you know that rides."
Dimitri joins our conversation and says dryly, "I'm sure you could get Addison to sleep with him and you wouldn't have to try all that hard."
"Perfect! Bestest best friend you now have your mission to get this Addison girl to sleep with me! We could even come up with a code name!" He rubs his hands together in glee.
"oh joy," I groan.
Originally I was going to have Skylar bring up taking on the job as Aubree's assistant, but the guys had a different path they wanted to take. And not to mention I was as shocked as you over Tray's anger towards Dimitri. Wonder what could be brewing there? I also think Dimitri and Skylar should talk about the possible future they now have before she brings it to the group. Happy reading!