by Nicole James
“It’s not that. He does want to meet Papa. He wants to be able to come and pick me up and take me out on a proper date like normal people do, but we can’t do that.”
Her aunt frowned. Why ever not?
“Because Papa wouldn’t approve of him”.
But why?
Malee looked away.
Aunt Tan reached over and squeezed her forearm.
Malee stood and took her aunt’s hand and tugged her to her feet, then led her to the bay window and pointed across the street at Brothers Ink. “He’s one of the brothers who own the tattoo shop.”
Aunt Tan’s eyes moved to the storefront and the motorcycles parked at the curb. I see. So you’ve been seeing him behind your father’s back?
Suddenly, Malee put her face in her hands and burst into tears.
Aunt Tan put her arms around her, gathering her close in a hug and patting her back while Malee’s body shook with sobs. Finally her aunt drew back to look up into her face, tugging her hands away. Then she signed, It is not the end of the world, Malee. If he is a good man, if he cares about you…
“He does! I know he does.”
Then things will work out. If he is the one, then he is the one. Love comes in all shapes and sizes.
“But Papa wants me to marry a Thai boy. Lawan said so.”
Aunt Tan waved her hands as if to dismiss that idea. You cannot force the heart to go where it will not go. It will lead, and all you can do is follow.
“But Papa…”
You cannot live your life for your father. You cannot live your life for anyone but yourself. Do you understand, Malee? Because this is most important.
She nodded, her eyes searching her aunt’s. “But what will I do, Aunt Tan?”
You will come stay here with me part of the time. And you will bring that boy to meet me.
“He isn’t really a boy, Aunt Tan.”
Her aunt grinned. I expect not. Just promise me you will be careful and listen to the voice in your head. It will tell you if something isn’t right. Agreed?
“Yes, Aunt Tan.”
She pulled Malee in for another hug. Now, let’s finish our tea, and you can tell me all about him.
***
That night Max waited at the gym, the light above the red door burned brightly in the fog as midnight approached. He sat on a bench inside, his elbows on his knees, running his hands over his head as impatience and worry filled him. He stood and began to pace. The light was in her window. He’s seen it, her sign that she was coming, that she intended to meet him. But as the hours dragged on, he wondered if maybe she hadn’t been able to sneak out, that maybe she’d fallen asleep.
He’d wanted to see her so badly tonight, too. He’d been itching to take her in his arms since earlier that afternoon when they’d smiled at each other through the window. He’d been bouncing with excitement all day. But it was getting late. Perhaps he should just drive by the alley, see if she left a note…
The door opened, and he whirled.
Malee pushed the hood of a blue rain slicker back, her eyes searching the dimly lit cavernous space, until they landed on him. And then they were both moving toward each other to meet halfway across the room, flying into each other’s arms.
He clutched her to him, breathing in her scent, and then took her head in his hands, his mouth coming down on hers. And the long wait had been worth it as she met his kiss with an eagerness of her own, melding against him, clutching at the fabric of his charcoal gray thermal shirt where it stretched between his shoulders.
His hands pushed the slicker off her shoulders until it fell to the floor.
One of his hands slid down and around to the small of her back, pressing her soft curves closer against him. He only hoped he wasn’t being too forward, but he knew his actions conveyed his sexual desire, frustrations, and an age old drive to possess that was imbedded in every red-blooded man in his sexual prime.
His worries were silenced as she responded with just as much desire, her response as primal as his.
It made it just that much harder to reel himself in with a steely control he made himself assert.
His hand slid down over her perfectly shaped ass for just a moment before he broke the kiss and put a few inches of space between them. He pressed his forehead to hers, sucking in air.
Her sweet answering pants brushed across his chin, and he wanted nothing more than to drink from those lips again, but he forced himself to refrain. He put a hand between them and signed, I was afraid you weren’t coming.
“I had to wait. My father was up late. I had to sneak down the fire escape.”
His eyes pinned hers with a look that told her he wasn’t too happy with that. Don’t do anything dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt.
“I won’t.”
Promise me, Malee. No more fire escapes.
She tugged on his hand, and he let her pull him to the bench where they sat beside each other.
“I have something to tell you.”
He searched her eyes. Something good, I hope?
She nodded, smiling. “Maybe I won’t need to sneak out the fire escape again.”
Good. Is that what you had to tell me? He frowned.
She shook her head. “I’m going to be staying with my aunt a few nights a week.”
He pulled back an inch. Across the street from the shop?
She nodded. “It’s good. Don’t look so worried.”
But…
“I told her about you.”
He stood suddenly, running his hands over his head as he took a step, then whirled back to her to sign. What did she say?
“She wants to meet you.”
Does she know what I do?
She nodded.
Does she approve of me? Of us?
“She wants to judge you for herself.”
What did you tell her about me?
“I told her you are kind to me, that you are a good man, and that you make me happy.”
He smiled. I make you happy?
She nodded, but then seemed filled with uncertainty. She stood and approached him. “And do I make you happy?”
He took her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. Finally, he released her to sign. Yes. You make me very happy. He pointed to the stupid grin on his face. Can’t you tell?
She laughed.
Do that again.
“What?”
Laugh. It’s a beautiful sound. His eyes moved over her face. You’re beautiful. Did I tell you that?
She shook her head.
He took her hand and sat on the bench, then pulled her to him, grabbing her around the waist until she was sitting on his lap, facing him, her knees around his hips. So beautiful.
He kissed her. When he pulled back this time, he signed, When do I get to meet her?
“Tomorrow?”
He nodded. Okay. I want to kiss you again. I want to more than kiss you. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help it. I think about you all day, wanting just to see you. Do you feel the same way?
She nodded and ran a finger lightly across his eyebrow, down the side of his face, across his cheekbone, skirting the top of his beard, and down to his mouth to stroke his lips. She stared at them a long moment as if they hypnotized her, and then she bent her head and replaced her fingertip with her lips.
When her mouth came down on his, he let her take the lead, promising himself he’d keep a tight leash on his urges and go at her pace. His head tilted back as she ate at his mouth. Her hands roamed over his face, his neck, and his shoulders.
The kiss was part sweet and part seduction in a way he was finding Malee was so good at, whether she realized it herself or not.
His arms tightened involuntarily around her small waist, and he felt her pelvis thrust against him. Hell, she probably didn’t even realize she done it, but his body was answering, his cock hardening beneath her. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and he longed to touch them. He broke the kiss, unable to help himself as his head dipped, his
mouth brushing kisses along the cleavage peeking out above the scoop neck of her soft gray T-shirt. Her nipples hardened, the nubs clearly visible through the paper-thin fabric of her shirt and bra.
Her head fell back, and her arms tightened around his head, pulling him closer. He ran his hands up her rib cage on either side, longing to cup her small breasts in his big hands and brush his thumbs over those erect nipples.
He hesitated, and her head came down, their eyes meeting. Her hands slid from his head to cup each side of his powerful neck. He watched her expression as he slowly, firmly smoothed his palms up, taking the soft globes in his hands. Her mouth parted, and he squeezed. Her eyes slid shut, and her head fell back again as he brushed the nipples again and again. His mouth found the soft skin of her throat, just under her ear. He sucked, nipped, and licked until her body writhed against him. He wrapped his arms around her, one hand smoothing up her back, his fingers threading into the hair at her nape while the other slid low to cup her ass. His mouth followed the graceful curve of her neck, returning to her cleavage, his nose pushing aside the fabric of her tee and his tongue following the lace edge of her bra. The hand at her ass reached up to pull the neck of the shirt down, and his mouth closed over that taunting nipple right through the fabric of her bra.
She bucked against him, and the moan that escaped from her mouth made his blood rush like a heat wave through his veins, and his heart beat so strongly he was sure she could feel the pulse pounding in his neck beneath her palms.
God, he wanted more. He wanted to lay her out on the bench, the mat, anywhere. And that’s when he knew he had to stop. Because if she let him have more, he’d take it. He’d take it all.
He pulled back, his lungs drawing in deep bellowing breaths. Her head came down, and their eyes met. His jaw clenched, and her hand slid up to cup his cheek. She knew. She saw the control he was exerting for her, and she smiled, pressing her forehead to his.
He laughed, and she did, too.
It was the tension release they both needed.
He hugged her, stood, setting her on her feet, and signed, I’ll drive you home, okay?
“So soon?”
It’s after midnight, baby.
She grinned. “I like when you call me that.”
Baby?
She nodded.
He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose, then bent and retrieved her slicker, holding it out while she slipped her arms in. Then he led her out to his truck, holding the door for her as she climbed in.
When they arrived at the alley and he put the truck in park, they both moved into each other’s arms with no hesitation. The kiss was hot and could have led to more, but they both knew they were playing with fire. Things were escalating. He knew it, even if she didn’t.
He broke off to sign. Goodnight, sweetheart.
She gave him a bright smile. “Goodnight, Max.”
As she exited from the cab of the pickup and dashed up the alley, he watched her go. He hoped things went well tomorrow with her aunt. It would give her some much-needed freedom, and perhaps this sneaking around could end.
Chapter Fourteen
Max crossed the street, carrying the small white pastry box, and entered the nondescript brown and glass door. It creaked as he slowly shut it. He glanced around at the tiny ground floor entry. His eyes took in the old black and white tile and the two bronze mailboxes in the wall of the hundred-year-old building. He climbed the steep staircase to the second floor and knocked on the door on the left with the shiny brass number one attached.
Malee opened it, a bright smile on her face. She pulled him inside, giving him a quick peck on the lips before turning to an elderly woman who sat in an armchair. “Aunt Tan, this is Maxwell O’Rourke. Max, this is my Aunt Tan.”
The woman rose and moved toward him, her hand extended, a smile on her face. “It’s good to meet you, Maxwell.”
Max shook her hand, returning her smile. “I’m glad to meet you, Mrs.…”
She waved her hand, dismissing his formality. “Call me Aunt Tan, please.”
He nodded and extended the white box. “Aunt Tan, Malee told me these were your favorites.”
Aunt Tan took the box tied with white string and gave Malee a mischievous look. “She did? Well, we must have some.” She gestured to a small dining table covered with a lace cloth. “Please, sit.”
They moved to the table, and Aunt Tan set the box down and signed to Malee as she spoke. “Please, dear. Bring us some plates, and we will enjoy these while we talk.”
Max watched her retreat to the small kitchen while he pulled a chair out for her aunt, who smiled up at him.
“Why thank you, dear.”
He sat next to her. “Malee was so excited when she told me you’d come to town.”
“Malee is very special to me.”
“She’s very special to me, too,” Max replied, wanting to make that clear. He didn’t want to waste time beating around the bush. “I want you to know I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
“That is good to know. Her father is a traditional man, set in his ways, but he loves his daughter. He wants the best for her.”
“So do I.”
“But that doesn’t mean he always knows what is right. What you do for a living—he would not approve.”
Max looked down at the table and slid his palm over the lace. “I suppose he wouldn’t.”
She reached over a hand and laid it on his forearm. “I have nothing against what you do, dear. I am just trying to explain. My brother’s way of thinking isn’t always right.”
“But he is her father.”
She let go of him. “Yes, his is, and he is protective of her, perhaps overly so. Malee is a young woman now. She must have the freedom to experience all that life has to offer. My brother cannot keep her locked away because he is afraid she will get hurt.”
“I understand his fears. Sometimes the world can be a cruel place.”
Her eyes met his. “Yes, that is true.”
“But I want you to know I’d never hurt her… or allow anyone to hurt her.”
She nodded. “That is good to know, because I’m going to trust you with her today. I expect you to treat her with respect.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She waved her hand. “Pfft. Ma’am! Don’t call me that. It makes me feel old.”
For a moment, Maxwell thought he had offended her, until she turned her twinkling eyes to him and grinned.
They both chuckled.
“Understood,” Max agreed.
Malee returned and set a plate in front of each of them. Her eyes immediately shot to Max’s, the questions plainly written on her face. She wanted to know what she’d missed and if they were getting along. Max smiled and gave her a wink. She exhaled, her relief clear as her eyes dropped to her aunt’s happy expression. “Coffee?”
They both nodded, and she disappeared into the kitchen again.
Aunt Tan studied Maxwell until finally he asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking what beautiful children the two of you would have.”
His brows rose, but he knew her game, and that little tidbit wasn’t about to scare him off. He grinned. “I think you’re right.”
She chuckled, reached over, and pinched his cheek.
***
An hour later, Max had Malee by the hand and was leading her across the street toward his shop. They were sneaking away for a rare day together, and he didn’t plan to waste a moment of it. He had so much he wanted to show her. But first, they needed to make a quick getaway. Not that anyone would probably notice, but her brother did make deliveries, and he could come up the street at any moment. He paused next to his bike, and she gave him a questioning look as he pulled a helmet out of his leather saddlebag and held it out to her.
“We’re taking the bike?”
He nodded. Unless you don’t want to. You’re not afraid are you?
She shook her head, giving him a look that a
lmost dared him to say that again. He couldn’t help but grin back at her.
“Where are we going?”
I have a lot I want to show you.
She took the helmet and fastened it while he did the same. When she was through, he tilted her chin up and signed, Hold on tight, okay?
She nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
***
The motorcycle was parked rear wheel to the curb. Malee stood back as Maxwell threw his leg over, lifted the big bike off its kickstand, and fired it up. Then he jerked his head to the side, motioning for her to climb on.
She did, wrapping her arms tight around him. A moment later, he twisted the throttle and pulled out. They drove slowly through town, pausing at light after light, and it gave her time to get used to the feel of the powerful bike beneath her.
She couldn’t hear the roar of the pipes, but she could feel the vibrations. When they were finally out of town and on the open road, Max let the engine loose, and the bike surged forward. Malee tightened her hold, and Max turned his head to the side for a moment, showing her the curve of his grin as he glanced back at her.
She gave him an answering smile filled with her excitement. The wind washed over her, whipping her face with the cool afternoon air. She could feel the temperature change as they moved from long hot stretches of sun-drenched pavement to dips in the hills where the cold air settled.
Malee loved everything about the ride, from the exhilaration of speeding along the open road to the freedom she felt in leaving the town, the restaurant, and all her responsibilities behind her. She was free to spend an entire day with Maxwell, and she intended to enjoy every moment of it.
Too soon, Max was slowing down to make the turn into a drive. She held on tight, enjoying the opportunity to be pressed close to his body and have her arms wrapped around him.
They bumped up a long gravel and dirt drive toward a big farmhouse. There was a large three-car garage set back a ways. Set off to the side was the framework of a new home under construction, although she couldn’t see any laborers currently working on it.
Max brought the bike to a stop and cut the engine. She hopped off, looking around as he dropped the kickstand and stood. She asked him, “Where are we?”
