Inside, the atmosphere is wild. The TVs are all playing different sports while the jukebox plays classic rock. Club girlswalk around serving drinks while a few man the bars as well. What is wild is how packed it is. There is barely room to move. Ridge moves me in front of him and cages me in his arms as he guides us through the crowd to where the VIP section is. As soon as I see Aspen, I pull out of his arms and run into hers.
“It’s crazy in here,” Aspen yells to be heard over the noise.
“It is. This is one hell of a reopening,” I call back to her.
She nods, pulling me over to where she, Kim, Lisa, and Maggie are sitting. The guys are all chatting around the little section they have roped off for us.
“This is better than we hoped for. I guess word got out about the real reason the bar burned down, and people decided to show up. Panther has been talking to people all night because they want to thank him for the good the club has done for them. I guess this is their way of repaying it,” Maggie tells me.
“Wow. I mean, the community is great, but this is more than anyone could have expected. Are we even meeting code? It seems like too many people,” I tell them.
“The guys are slowly getting people to leave. By the time we realized how many people were here, it was too late,” Kim adds.
“How is everything else going with all of you?” I ask.
Kim gives me a small smile. “Making it.”
“Surviving,” Lisa echoes as they give each other a sad smile.
“Things are good with Panther. We are really interested in you. I see you have your jacket on,” Maggie teases.
“Yeah. Wolf and I are great as always. Tell us more about you and Ridge.” Aspen leans forward, prompting the rest of the girls to do the same.
“Why are you so invested in our relationship?” I laugh.
“It’s like reality TV. We have nothing better going on in our lives at the moment, so let us live through you.” Aspen steeples her hands like she’s begging.
I roll my eyes at her. “I don’t know what you want me to say. We are married. It’s going well. Really well, actually.” My cheeks blush as I remember the way he brought me to pleasure over and over again last night. “I think we are past the rocky parts and onto the honeymoon phase.”
“She’s glowing. I told you he would keep her satisfied.” Kim holds out her hand.
Lisa and Aspen slap money into her palm.
“I’m sorry, what?” I ask.
“We had a bet going. Lisa and I thought it would take longer for him to give you that dopey smile. I said another month. Lisa thought you would hold out three,” Aspen admits.
I turn to Maggie, but she holds up her hands.
“I did not participate. It is none of our business what you get up to. You will share what you want to share, when you want to share it.”
I snort. “This is exactly the type of bet I would have taken. What did you say, Kim?”
She smiles. “Oh, I said he would get it right on his first try and that you wouldn’t be waiting months. I’m surprised you made it as long as you did. The way that man looks at you? It’s fire, girl.”
I glance over my shoulder and find the man in question looking at me. I can see what she means. The way he eyes me is like I am his most prized possession, and he cannot wait to devour me.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I will be right back,” I tell them without looking at them.
Ridge gives me a questioning look. I nod my head toward the back, which makes him smile.
“Where are you going?” Aspen teases.
I look back to her. “None of your business.”
Then I leave the girls behind as I push my way through toward the back of the bar.
I’m looking around for the bathroom when a door suddenly opens, and I’m snatched backward. I gasp, but a hand slaps over my mouth.