Whiskey's Second Chance

11: Choices

Kayla POV

Walking into a house full of Phoenix Riders, and seeing him there, was overwhelming. I couldn't bring myself to look at Whiskey, but my eyes betrayed me as I stole glances at his big brown eyes. Tiger looked between Whiskey and me, and saw something between us, and the urge to hide consumed me. I excused myself quickly and immediately went to my room.

I returned downstairs after the others had left, praying Whiskey had left as well. Seeing him earlier triggered a response from my body that I was unprepared for. My palms became sweaty, eyes drawn to his alluring brown eyes, and heart raced uncontrollably. I wanted to be near him, but was too scared to move towards him in a room full of people.

What is happening to me? In any other guy, their confidence quickly turns to arrogance and they disregard any form of emotions other than anger. But not Whiskey, not with me. And I don't know what to do about it.

Downstairs, Killer gave Kaitlyn a hug before Ace pulled her into him, kissing her passionately, before they both walked out the front door. Tiger stood in the doorway with plump lips, flush cheeks, and a smirk on her face. She sighed and turned to me with a glint in her eyes.

"I see it, Kayla. I see the way Whiskey looks at you, and he's never looked at anyone that way before," she pointed out.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you I knew him sooner. I should have and I just -" Tiger waved her hand, silencing me.

"No girl, you don't have to apologize to me! Whiskey is an amazing guy, and I just want him to be happy. I won't push you towards him, but I'm not blind. Everyone else...idiots and blind. Can I ask why you said nothing to me or him? He looked just as shocked as you were when you walked in," she commented.

"When people don't know who you are or who you're associated with, they show you their true colors. The Riders have made a name for themselves, but that doesn't mean you are all the same. I wanted to know Whiskey with no preconceptions. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, or him sooner," I said, letting out the breath I held the last hour.

"You're not wrong. People look at me differently when they learn who my brother is, let alone when they find out who I'm marrying!" She laughed, not upset with the choice I made.

Maybe I freaked out for no reason after all.

*****

He's here.

From the moment I heard the motorcycle pull up to the diner, I knew. It was Whiskey. He didn't come inside at first and I wondered if he would at all. But the door opened, and he made his way to his normal booth.

I finished cashing out a table before grabbing the coffeepot and a mug and walked to Whiskey's table. He watched me with sad brown eyes place the mug in front of him, and I kick myself for not telling him sooner.

I hurt him.

Opening my mouth to say sorry, but my other table asked for their check. Quickly shutting my mouth, I left and checked out the last table.

Whiskey slowly made his way to the bar top, sitting down in front of me.

"I'm sorr-"

"I kno-"

We both said at the same time and silence fell.

Unable to wait any longer, I jumped at the silence between us.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you I am living with Tiger and Killer. There was no real reason not to tell you other than fear. Fear that Tiger or you would ask me to leave. Either way, I ended up hurting you more, and that wasn't my intention. I'm sorry," I breathed out, nervously.