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

time with her and Ethan, but I have to work. Most of the time, I have to pick up overtime to make ends meet. It’s just the way it is. I just wish she understood what I’m doing to keep our family together.”
    Banger reached over and held her hand, squeezing it lightly. “When they’re young like that and going through whatever teenagers go through, they never understand. Give it some time. When she gets older, she’ll know what you did for her and her brother, and she’ll love you even more for it.”
    “I hope so.” Belle gently stroked Banger’s cheek. “Thanks for listening. I needed to unload. I gotta get back. My break’s over.”
    Banger nodded. “Best damn pot roast I’ve had in a long time.” He winked at her.
    Smiling, she said, “Glad you like it. I love cooking for people who really enjoy what I make. It just seems like every time I see you, you make me feel better.”
    With that, Belle went back to the kitchen, pulling out vegetables from the refrigerator and chopping them to prepare for the next morning.
    After she was finished, she bent over to pull out a sack of potatoes from the cupboard when she heard a low whistle. She jerked up and spun around, her eyes falling on Banger, who was leaning against the doorway, his hungry gaze slowly riding up her body. “That’s what I like. A beautiful woman with curves I can hold onto.”
    Belle blushed as she pulled her dress down then crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t used to male attention. Scorpion gave her attention in a creepy way, but with Banger, it was different. It didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. His attention made her stomach flutter and her core tingle.
    “I don’t think you’re supposed to be back here,” she said.
    “What I should and shouldn’t do has never stopped me.” His deep laugh skimmed over her, leaving goose bumps in its wake. “I just came by to say that I’m taking off. I gotta go back to the club. I want to see you again. When’s your day off? I’d love to take you out to dinner and spend some time with you.”
    “I’m off on Friday, but already have plans with Holly.”
    “What’s your next day off?”
    She smiled. “Sunday, but I’ll be busy with my kids. It’s just really hard right now for me to make any plans outside of my family and my really good friend. I’m sorry, I wish I could offer more. The timing just isn’t right, I guess.”
    Banger narrowed his eyes. “I gotta go. Later.” He turned around and walked away. When he left the diner, he didn’t give a backward glance.
    Belle felt a terrible ache in the pit of her stomach. Why did I just turn him down? She wanted to be with him, but she was terrified of being hurt by another man again. She didn’t trust men anymore, but with Banger she felt comfortable, even though she barely knew him. She deserved some time to herself, especially since she’d been so stressed with her daughter. Thinking about Emily made her heart sink. How could she even think about going out with Banger when her home life was in such disarray?
    Belle sighed and started peeling the potatoes.
    *     *     *
    Banger rode to the clubhouse, the icy night air whipping around him. He was madder than hell, and he couldn’t wait to down a few shots to cool his fire. What the fuck was her problem? He knew she was attracted to him, but damn, Belle had some shit going on that she didn’t want to share with him. Why the hell he was bothering with her, he didn’t know. Maybe she was still in love with her dead husband, but the way she looked at him told him she was ready to love again. Something was holding her back, and he should just move on. He didn’t need that kind of shit in his life. Damn, Belle was complicated, and not at all like Grace. With Grace, they’d seen each other, were attracted to each other, and fucked like rabbits six hours after meeting. None of this complicated bullshit.
    Banger entered the great room at the clubhouse, the heat and