Free Banger's Ride: Insurgents Motorcycle Club (Insurgents MC Romance Book 5) by Hot Tree Editing, Chiah Wilder

darkness sleep brought.

Chapter Seven
    F riday night had finally arrived, and Belle was excited to go out and have a night on her own. After work, she took Ethan to his friend Luke’s house for a sleepover and dropped Emily off at Chelsea’s house, where she’d spend the night. Belle spoke to Chelsea’s parents just to make sure everything was legitimate so worrying about Emily wouldn’t ruin her night.
    Satisfied that her kids were settled in, Belle rushed home to get ready before Holly came to pick her up. After showering and applying her makeup, Belle put on a black skirt a couple of inches above her knee, a black fitted sweater with silver metallic threads running through it, and mid-calf black boots with round silver studs, buckles, and a chunky three-inch heel. She checked herself out in the full-length mirror on her closet door and thought she didn’t look half bad. It’d been a long time since she’d dressed up to go out on the town. Having a free night felt like going on a vacation to her, and she may need a couple of margaritas to loosen her up, but she planned on having a good time. When she heard Holly’s car horn, she fluffed up her hair, grabbed her evening bag, and went out to meet her.
    Belle could see the bright yellow sign with the black lettering which read Burgers & Beer Joint a couple blocks before Holly turned into the restaurant’s parking lot. The lot was almost full, and several people milled in front of the restaurant. Belle and Holly entered through oversized glass doors, and the heat from the kitchen surrounded them. The restaurant looked like a modern, urban eatery, with its glossed oak hardwood floors and red brick walls. Rich brown leather booths and wooden tables were scattered around the restaurant. Large planters of green plants and dried branches added warmth to the place. A long, wooden bar, complemented by bronzed barstools with rust leather cushions, was the focal point. There were ten beer taps pouring the best locally brewed beers from Colorado and New Mexico. Overhead, classic rock tunes played, drowned out by the din of chatter, clanging pots and pans, and raucous laughter.
    The place was packed, and the wait was thirty minutes. Belle and Holly went to the bar and ordered a couple of beers. After she took a sip from her mug, Belle looked around the restaurant. “This doesn’t look much like a beer joint. When you told me were going to a beer and burger joint, I expected some hole in the wall.” Belle laughed. “This is the fanciest burger joint I’ve ever been to.”
    “I know. The name gives you a different impression from the inside. This is a new place. Just opened three months ago. I heard the burgers are awesome.”
    Half an hour later, Belle and Holly were shown to their table. Holly ordered a simple cheeseburger, and Belle ordered one of the signature burgers made with cream cheese and sliced pickled jalapeños.
    “Scorpion called me today, and he talked a lot about you. You know, I think my brother has the hots for you.” Holly brought her beer to her lips.
    “Isn’t it weird for you to call your brother ‘Scorpion’ when he’s been ‘Craig’ your whole life?”
    “At first, it was, but he’s been going by Scorpion for a long time now.” She shrugged. “I guess I’m just used to it. Anyway, my brother can be a sweet guy. I know he comes off as being a badass, but he can be nice to the people he cares about. I know he really wants to get to know you better.”
    Belle wasn’t sure what to say, so she took a slow, long pull on her beer as she formed her answer in her head. “I’m sure your brother is very nice.” Not. I think he’s a real jerk. “But I’m not interested in dating anyone right now. I have so much going on with work and my kids that I don’t have any energy left over for anything else. The timing just isn’t right.”
    Holly stared at Belle, making her feel uncomfortable. She fidgeted in her chair and pretended to be engrossed