by C. M. Lally
“Sexy, especially if you place it on the front over your ‘D.’”
We both laugh at that one. “Yeah, you might be fueling something else with that, but I don’t think you want it over my ass either.”
“Shut the fuck up,” he wacks my arm with a hard punch.
“Guess that means no logo.” He flips his middle finger up at me before stepping into the kitchen.
Shawn goes right into running his business when we arrive. Tonight is the soft opening to help train the staff, and the doors unlock in a few hours. His lead hostess sets me up with small chores to do, like rolling silverware inside very big napkins. After a few hundred of those, I got pretty good at it before I was re-assigned to tasks that need muscle. It’s all in the spirit of getting it done to help a brother live his dream of being a restaurant owner.
THE DOORS HAVE BEEN open since 4:00 pm and the place is kickin’ ass. The bar is packed for drinks, and the food reviews coming back to the kitchen are outstanding. I’m pretty fucking amazed...and relieved. I know Shawn has a keen business mind, but did he hire the right chef and people to make his dream a success? If tonight is any sign of his intelligence and knack for surrounding himself with loyal people, he’s off to a great start.
I’m sitting at the bar near the entrance when Liam and Lou arrive. I gave them tickets for tonight, and I’ve been holding the best table for us for over an hour. As soon as I stand to lead them to the table, I see her. Jade. It’s hard to miss her in that red, low-cut jumpsuit with a long rhinestone bolero necklace hanging between her cleavage. She’s standing off to the side, wrenching her hands together in uncertainty, observing the crowd.
“Liam, what the fuck is she doing here? What did you do?”
“Come on, Kol. Today’s her birthday. She wants to apologize for what happened earlier.” The hostess leads us to our table. We all let Jade go first.
“It’s her birthday? Doesn’t that sound a little too convenient? She’s weaseling you for a training spot at the gym.”
Lou grabs my arm, pulling me back. “Look at her, though. She can weasel all she wants,” Lou whispers.
Fuck me. The damn jumpsuit is backless too?
“You’re just happy to have something to look at that might make your dick hard, old man.”
“At my age, you take what you can get. Now let’s eat.” Lou catches up to her with his elbow out and escorts her the rest of the way to the table. "Ladies first," he says as Liam pulls out her chair.
“Thank you, Sirs.” she smiles brightly at both of them while they take their seats.
What the hell is happening here tonight? I take my earlier statement back. She's not a weasel. She's a witch, and she’s cast a spell on these two losers.
We give our drink orders to the waiter.
Liam starts talking about having a few feelers out for a new match for me with prospects from Alabama. Lou asks some training questions about the timeline for this supposed match, while Jade and I sit in silence taking it all in. At least she’s not a chatty woman who has to rule the conversation.
I get an even better look at her in the soft glow of the table lighting. Her heart-shaped face and high cheekbones are soft around the edges, accentuating those kissable lips. Long blond hair lies across her breasts. It’s pencil straight with faint silver streaks in it. Is that natural or the trick of a bottle? Her red nail polish matches her dress, which is odd for a gym rat, but they were manicured earlier today, so I know it’s not for this dinner.
My eyes scan every inch of her face. There’s not a scar, wrinkle, blemish or freckle in sight— it’s perfect. She looks up from placing her napkin on her lap and catches me staring. Her eyebrows knit together before releasing and burying her face deeper in the menu.
Yes, I’m waiting for my apology, but that’s not why I’m staring.
Chapter Four - Jade
HE KEEPS STARING AT me. Every time I glance up from my plate, I look right into his hateful eyes. They’re so dark brown, they’re black. His name fits him well, Kol. Damn it, I wish he’d look elsewhere, especially when he’s talking to Lou or Liam. When he looks at me, I swear he sees into my soul; judging every flaw with those eyes.
It’s not a good vibe he projects either, like a sexy ‘I want to eat you’ look. It's more of an ‘I want to chop your head off and serve it to my dog’ kind of look. His eyes and hands took full stock of my body today, but none of his responses were lustful. Or at least that I’m aware of.
Not that I want him to look at me that way, but I don’t want him to kill me either. I need him to get into the gym to train.
Liam is teasing him about something that happened at a match not long ago. There, finally— a smile, and its full glory is directed at me. They only see the skin of his cheeks widen into his smile; I see his straight, white teeth, and a moment of peace in his soul. I brave a return smile at him to feel like a part of the boy’s club, but he grimaces abruptly like a flipped light switch.
The tortured man is back.
The waiter comes to start clearing away our plates, and the guys order another round of drinks. I guess the meal is over, but the social aspect of it is nowhere near being finished. “Ma’am, are you finished with your meal?”
“Yes, thank you.” I pick up my silverware, placing them on top of my plate and hand it to him.
“But you barely touched your entree. Did you not like it?
“Yes, it was delicious. I promise.” My face flushes with an unbearable heat as the waiter won’t leave the issue alone. “I’m really not that hungry.”
The men stop their conversation to listen to ours. My eyes catch the heated look on Kol’s face, and I swallow hard. Why does he hate me so much?
“I can have the chef prepare something else for you. Please allow me to bring you another entree?”
“No, that won’t be necessary. Thank you.” Every eye surrounding our table, present company included, is on me. It’s times like this I wish I could teleport myself away somewhere.
“Well, may I at least bring you a carryout tray to enjoy it later?”
“If it will ease your conscience, please do.” A shy smile spreads across his face. He has finally gotten me to agree to his evil plan of eating this meal in whole.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
As he walks away, Liam bursts out laughing causing even more people to stare at our table.
“Your Highness, is there anything else you would like the waiter to do for you tonight?” his dirty smile and innuendo turn my stomach.
“Cut it out, Liam,” Kol grinds out his words through his teeth.
“What? I was teasing her. Sounds to me like she could have him if she wants.”
“Enough,” Kol barks. The tablecloth pulls and then releases. He must have clenched it in his fist.
“Alright. Alright. Calm down. Sorry, Jade,” Liam throws his apology at me.
My cheeks flush crimson. I nod quickly, silently accepting his half-assed words, not wanting to give it any more attention than necessary. Kol’s anger is already burning through his skin to scorch me.
A tall man in a well-tailored suit and tie comes to the table and starts shaking hands with everyone, giving Kol a slight sideways bro-hug the way close men do. “Hello, Everyone. How was your meal?”
His hand grazes my shoulder as he reaches across to shake Liam’s hand, causing a heated shiver to roll down my spine. My body visibly trembled from the heat of his hand and I look up to meet the hateful glare of Kol’s dark eyes. My face tilts upward to the stranger when he extends his hand to shake mine, and dark gray eyes like a summer thunderstorm penetrate my soul. He’s chaos and calm all at the same time.
My eyes dart to Kol again when he clears his throat to speak. “It was delicious. Everyone, this is my brother Shawn, and this,” he holds his arms open wide to showcase the restaurant, “is his dream.”
A round of introductions begin. “And you are?”
“I’m Jade.”
“I hear you didn’
t eat much. Was there something wrong with what Chef prepared?”
“No. It was wonderful. I’m in training, so my diet is very restricted at the moment.”
“Well, I hope it’s not too restricted for this.” He snaps his fingers, and a few of the wait staff bring out a slice of Chocolate Torte with Raspberry sauce. Happy Birthday is written in the Raspberry sauce swirled on the plate. Our waiter places a long candle in the center, and it begins to fizzle and pop like a 4th of July sparkler.
“Oohs and ahs” fill the room from everyone seated at the tables surrounding us as they all start to sing Happy Birthday. My face blushes as bright as the raspberry sauce. Fancy restaurants and dinner with a table full of men are way out of my comfort zone. How did my day end up like this?
The singing ends, and everyone waits with bated breath for me to blow out the candle. I close my eyes and make my wish without a moment’s hesitation. They all know what I wish for, except Shawn. He’s waiting for me to take a bite of my birthday dessert.
I slide the fork down through the softness of the chocolate slice, making sure to scoop up some of the raspberry sauce with it. It’s divine, as my eyes close in complete rapture of the taste. When they open again, Kol’s eyes are narrowed and searing a hole into my lips as I chew.
“Okay, Gentlemen. It looks like my work here is done,” Shawn boasts, but before he goes he bends forward and whispers ‘Happy Birthday’ in my ear.
I push the plate away from me. My stomach churns with anxiety as I try to figure out why Kol hates me so much. Did I hurt his pride when I bested him today? Or is he a miserable gym junkie whose supplement cocktails have his hormones fucked up?
“Thanks for dinner, Kol,” Liam chuckles and pats his shoulder. “I appreciate the invitation. It was amazing. I’ll be sure and spread the word about you and your brother’s restaurant to everyone I can.”
“Yes, Kol. Thanks for the invitation. You know I always appreciate you and a night out with good company and good eatin’,” Lou drawls. Kol smiles brightly taking it all in stride.
“Thank you, Kol,” I add, keeping my words short and sweet. I don’t want to seem ungrateful for a wonderful birthday meal, but I also don’t want to add to his growing checklist of things to hate me for. His smile fades as my words tumble awkwardly from my lips.
Thank God Liam stands first. “Is everyone ready to go?” A hail of “Yes” erupts from the table as the rest of us gather our things. Liam pulls out my chair, and Lou holds out his elbow again to escort me to the car. He’s such a sweet man.
My back feels the fire of Kol’s simmering anger behind me as we step out into the night air. He’s light on his feet like a fighter should be because I don’t hear him behind me as we walk. My heels are the only noise clicking on the cement until he speaks and his deep voice startles me.
“Lou, how are you getting home?” Liam hits the key fob locks, and his Toyota 4Runner lights up.
“Mr. Liam is going to drop me off after he takes you back to the gym to get your bike.” Lou opens the door and I slide in, putting my seatbelt on as he shuts the door.
He’s coming with us. Damn. I thought he’d take a Lyft like he did earlier or find another way. I fold the cup holder down that nestles between the two back seats, placing a barrier between us.
The intensity of which his anger and hatred burn for me is hotter than lava. He’s a bully with his heated glares and controlled silence. I was raised to ignore bullies, no matter how hard it seems. It’s a power play, but he holds no power over me.
“That’s it,” I say out loud, snapping my fingers in realization. A broad smile spreads across my face. He’s testing me like an opponent.
He gets in next to me, lifting the cup holder and pushing it back into its nestled spot making the leather squeak with the force that he shoved it. Fuck, there’s goes my protective wall. Our thighs touch as he twists and turns to fasten his seatbelt. “What’s it?”
Two can play his games. Never let it be said that I don’t learn my lessons quickly and well. I turn my head ignoring him, and look out at the city lights as Liam starts the car and drives us home.
The fast pace of Liam’s driving jostles us together and apart again several times. His thigh and knee bump and brush against me casually, but I sit still. Squirming away from him is not an option.
My eyes follow the lights of the bridge coming up in front of us. My head turns toward the base of the bridge looking for the homeless couple that camp there, but I don’t see them. Maybe it’s too late for them to hold their signs.
We stop at the red light, and I lean forward searching for them. Kol pulls his wallet out and grabs a $10 bill. He rolls down his window, and the homeless man appears like a ghost.
“Hey, Barney. How are you and Ida doing?” He takes the money and shoves it in his torn shirt pocket.
“We’re good, Mr. Kol. Ida’s feet are swollen from this heat, so she’s resting.”
“Make sure you get her some water with that. You have to take care of each other.”
“Yes, Sir. I’d die for her. You know that.” The light turns, and Liam waits for Kol to finish his conversation, but the car behind us honks its horn impatiently. “You better go.” He taps the window frame of the car as his goodbye, and we speed off.
Mr. Tough Guy provides for the homeless, and he gives so often that he knows their names. I look away as he turns his head toward me. I’m so fucking shocked right now, I’m speechless, even more so than my self-inflicted silence. So he only bullies his opponents.
We pull into the gym parking lot, and I get out as quickly as humanly possible, needing a break from the heat that Kol generates. Liam opens one of the sliding garage doors to let Kol in to get his bike.
“Thanks for inviting me tonight. I appreciate it,” I say to Liam, who doesn’t respond. He’s too busy re-setting the alarm. Kol rolls out his bike with his gym bag draping across his body and stands directly in front of me as he puts on his bike helmet. The mood in the air that hangs between us is awkward. He keeps staring at me like he’s waiting for something.
I can’t figure him out, and at the moment, I don’t have the energy too. “Thanks for tonight,” I say and wave goodbye before turning toward my apartment building. Liam waves as he and Lou take off heading to their homes.
I make it to the street light and press the crossing button when Kol rolls up behind me on his bike. “Aren’t you supposed to be on the street?” I point to the sign hanging on the corner that has a big red circle with a crossbar on it indicating “No bikes or skateboards” on the sidewalk.
“Is that a rule?” he chuckles at me, showing me a smile so wide his dimples appear.
“Well, yeah. There’s a sign, so it’s a rule.” The level of sass coming out of my mouth is off the charts. I’m so irritated at him after tonight.
“I don’t do rules. And besides, I can’t escort you safely home if I’m on the street and you’re way over there.”
“Escort me? I never asked you to escort me. You’re an asshole.”
“Why do you think that? You don’t know me well enough to have that impression.” He bristles at the negative assessment I have of him, shifting on his bike.
“I’m entitled to my opinion.” The light turns, and I start to walk, but he follows. “What are you doing? Go away. I live right here,” pointing to the front entrance door.
“As I said, I’m making sure you get home safely.”
I pull my keys out of my mini clutch and hold them tightly, my anger burning through me. “Why are you acting like an ass to me on my birthday? All I wanted was to train at Rebel’s. Liam told me “No” unless I could change your mind, but you won’t give me the opportunity with your dark scowl and sinister stares.”
“My dark scowl and sinister stares? What are you talking about? I’ve been a patient gentleman tonight waiting.”
“Waiting for what?” I’m so flustered with him; I drop my keys, and when I bend over to pick them up, I give him a magnificent
view of my cleavage. Damn low-cut jumpsuit. I knew I shouldn’t have worn it, but it’s the nicest thing I own that isn’t tattered and made into gym clothes.
“Liam told me that you were going to apologize for your behavior today,” he laughs incredulously. “I should have known you had no intention of making things right.”
“What am I sorry for? Besting you, because you know I did.” My finger pokes his solid chest, sending a lightning bolt of heat up my arm and down to my sex. My uterus contracts in a hundred little bursts of micro-orgasm. What the hell? I hate him instantly.
“You cheated. Professionals don’t cheat, so that tells me you aren’t ready to train with professionals. I voted not to let you in based on that fact.”
“I didn’t cheat. I gave you my best moves,” I screech at him, choking on my last words causing my eyes to water. Damn it. Now he’s going to think I’m crying. I wipe my eyes. “This birthday sucks.” I turn around and jam my key into the keyhole and push it open.
I don’t need him, but he is my best hope of turning this dream into a reality.
Chapter Five - Kol
WHAT DID SHE EXPECT? Birthdays suck; they always have and they always will. At least she got a nice meal and a birthday cake with a candle. For a moment, I wasn't sure if Shawn had gotten my text with the place being so busy.
I wind my bike through the streets to my apartment. I hope what's-her-face is gone and left my place intact. I've had women leave my apartment in peace, and I've also had ones that have left it in pieces.
That's the problem with one-night-stands, you never know what level of crazy you're going to get until it's too late. I find the door shut but unlocked. Great. I slide the door open, and everything appears to be in order, and not broken.
I change out of my business attire and into my shorts for some floor work with my grappling dummy to burn off some of those calories I inhaled at the restaurant.
I start off with a good workout but the longer it goes, my mind drifts back to Jade. ‘I didn't cheat. I gave you my best moves.’ That statement alone tells me she's not had a great trainer.
