Champ & Lauren: (Crusaders MC #2.5)
L. Grubb
Acknowledgments
Firstly, I want to thank my amazing cover designer, Clarissa Wild - www.boomingcovers.blogspot.com - for designing my AMAZING cover. I love it. And because perfection is her middle name, she’s made it that way. Amazing talent and an amazing friend.
I want to thank my amazing friend, Sheila Kell. She’s been absolutely fantastic and has helped me so much with getting this book to get it as close to perfect as possible. She’s a valued friend and much like family to me. Without her this book would probably be a complete mess. Thank you! (FANTASTIC AUTHOR too!)
Kelly Hamley, you’ve supported me since I first started writing and without the encouragement you sent my way, I would never of even got passed the first book! (AMAZING AUTHOR too!)
My STREET TEAM, Bonnie Mancuso, Rosie Snowden, Mary M. Sembera, Lisa Morgan, Emma Parrott, and everyone else, thank you so so much for all your support, even before reading my work you showed untimely support and I will be forever grateful.
Amy-Beth, you’ve been awesome since I started writing and your faith in me is awesome. Thank you so much! (AMAZING AUTHOR too!)
Keren Hughes, by far my #1 fan! You’ve been nothing short of fantastic to me, making me swag, designing my bookmarks and telling me how much you love my book. Both of them seeing as you read this one as I wrote! I love ya to pieces,
remember you’re like a sister to me. Xx
Chloe Vincent and Amie-Leigh Spear, you’ve supported me like hell and I love hearing how much you loved my book. You know how shit I did in school yet still believed I could do it! <3
My mum, Jacs Dugdale, for supporting me in my adventure into writing, who is reading this book now to give me criticism that only she can.
My auntie Liane, you’ve inspired me so much! When you wrote your first book, I knew I wanted to follow in your footsteps, and here I am! Thank you for always believing in me.
Lastly, My little princess. Sofia. I love you so much baby girl, you inspire me everyday to be a better person, to not slip off the deep end. I love you unconditionally and I love watching you grow into your own little person. You battle your severe eczema with so much pride, that I envy you for your not letting other kids pick on you because of you face, and how brave you through you asthma episodes. I love you so much, princess. <3 Here’s to our future! raises can of coke
Chapter 1
Lauren
Walking along the sidewalk and pulling my thick coat tight around me to fight off the biting wind, my thoughts run to what the hell to get Champ for Christmas. I have two weeks to find the perfect gift. What the fuck do you get a biker who has all he needs? I’ve been to the mall, I’ve been to eight different shops, yet nothing jumped out at me. I’m at a loss and getting more and more frustrated.
LA rarely gets cold, but when it does, it’s fucking freezing. Removing a glove from my left hand, I reach into my purse for my phone. Alexis will be able to help, she fucking has to before I lose my damn mind.
My numb thumb swipes across the iPhone’s screen, unlocking it quickly. Hitting speed dial one, I bring it to my ear and pray to the Gods that she answers.
“What’s up, chick?” she answers the phone all chirpy and shit after four rings.
“I need help. Like, now!” I screech down the phone at her. I move to the side of the sidewalk to let people by, people throwing me dirty looks. I ignore them and get ready to beg Alexis more.
“With what?” she asks dubiously. “If it’s anything to do with…”
“I need to find a present for Champ, but I’m fucking clueless. Help me here!” I interrupt her. I pull my hair with my free hand, frustration radiating off me. “Please, Alexis? I know you’re six months pregnant, but help a girl out here.”
Her laughs resonates down my cell, making me frown. “What’s so fucking funny?”
“You! You always know what to get people and shopping is your middle name.” She continues her chuckling before calming enough to ask, “Where are you?”
“The Grove shopping mall,” I sigh before blowing out a breath.
“Give me ten minutes. I’ll meet you at the entrance,” She hangs up which makes me scowl at my cell. I hate it when she fucking does that!
I make my way back to the mall, and stand like a lemon, freezing my ass off. I shove my glove back on and rub my hands together in hopes of warming them up. Ten minutes is going to feel like a damn lifetime,
***
“Lauren!” I hear my name called and look to my right, spotting a waddling Alexis heading my way.
“About damn time, woman! Do you realise how cold it is out here?” I say to her, pulling her in for a hug. Her bump moves against my stomach and I get kicked which makes us howl with laughter. Every freakin’ time.