by Lea Hart
Looking down, she saw her hands disappear inside his. His skin was hot, and she foolishly felt like he would take on the world if she asked. It had been true when they were kids, and she figured the protector in him had only gotten more powerful. Steel sharpened steel, and she knew his time in the Marines had made him about as strong as could be. “Tina recently graduated from Tulane and has a shiny new law degree that she wants to try out. Guess she figured she could get her boyfriend indebted to her, get a little experience, and maybe make a name for herself.”
“Except it’s not really working out that way. Is it?”
“Nope. Right now, there’s a lot of muck being thrown around. If I had to pay for legal counsel, I’d be madder than a wet hen, but Loren has taken on the case. God bless my sister. She’s not only smart, talented, and fierce, but also pissed. Nothing good is going come out of this.”
Looking down at Popcorn, she smiled. “Drew was hopping mad when you gave me this dog for college graduation. He never got over it. He kept going on and on about how it wasn’t right to give a woman a dog if you were not a couple. After he lost his temper, I should’ve just ended it and done both of us a favor.”
Brock shrugged. “How bad was his temper?”
“By the end, it was bad enough to scare me. After we graduated, he allowed his folks to run his life. It was the price he had to pay to get one of the dealerships. He was their puppet and took his frustration out on me. I think he saw me doing my thing on my own terms and was envious.
“That envy turned into anger, which made him a nasty jerk. When I saw he wasn’t getting over himself and who he was becoming was only going to get worse, I knew we were done. People have two sides, and it’s best to pay attention to what they choose. Sin and virtue are both within us, and the one we give the most energy to defines who we become.”
“I agree with what you’re saying because I’ve had many moments when I knew I was making a choice that was going to lead me down a certain path.”
“I think we humans do that every day. From how we choose to treat people, to what we choose to focus on, to who we love. The nuns always told us that the battle for our souls was fought daily. Practicing the contrary virtues was supposed to protect us against the temptation of the seven deadly sins. Humility against pride, kindness against envy, abstinence against gluttony, chastity against lust, etcetera, etcetera. I can’t say that I totally disagree with the notion, but ideas that are thousands of years old often have to adapt to the modern world. Nothing is ever as simple as choosing one thing over another.”
“Let’s go practice a little gluttony and get something to eat,” he said. “Is there a place you like around here?” He jumped to his feet and held out his hands. “Come on. Let’s spend some time together.”
Putting her hands into his, she allowed him to lift her up. At five-eight, she wasn’t a small thing, but standing next to Brock made her feel feminine. His height, width, and general personality made him seem Hulk-like, and she enjoyed it enormously. “Let’s go to the Tap Room.”
“That’s not your thing. Pick someplace that you like.”
“A Ponchatoula-tini and hot dog sound about perfect.” Looking down at her jeans and sweater, she shrugged. “I don’t feel like changing.”
Taking her hand, he led her toward her back door. “You look about perfect to me.” He pulled her closer as they crossed the path. “What’s a Ponchatoula-tini?”
“Magnolia vodka, strawberries, and mint. It’s delicious and goes with the high-hard-one hot dog. It’s the perfect combination of pickles, onions, and mustard. A classic if ever there was one. They have pizza if you like too.”
“Did you say a high-hard-on?”
Slapping his arm, she laughed. “No, and you know it. Pull your mind out of the gutter.”
“My mind is not in the gutter. It’s in your bedroom or my bedroom…or really any flat surface. Or a wall. That would work too.”
“I see the beast has been unleashed and all pretense and civility are gone.”
“You said it, not me. I’m going to embrace the sin of lust and see if I can get you to join me.”
Looking at her dog, she shrugged. “I think he’s lost his ever-lovin’ mind, Popcorn.” The look the dog gave her suggested he agreed.
“I think the opposite is true. My mind is working perfectly, and it’s no longer ignoring a truth it’s known for years. Get ready, Lilly. We’ve got some sinning to do, and it’s past time we got started.”
Maybe he was right, and it was time to quit the fighting and start the kissing.
***
After her second Ponchatoula-tini, Lilly decided to ask Brock what he’d meant the other day. When a man told you he wanted to ravage you, it seemed wise to find out exactly what that meant. “Why are you hanging around and smooching me?”
“You remember your fifteenth birthday?”
“You mean the swim party Mama had for me?”
“Yes. You wore a pink bikini.”
“Damn, that’s some kind of memory you have.” Eating a fry off his plate, she smiled. “I had gotten my braces off and my girl parts came in, so yes, I remember too.”
Looking over his shoulder, he took a deep breath. The last thing he needed was for someone to hear his confession.
“Spill, Brock.”
He turned back and shrugged. “I was eighteen years old and about to go off to college. In my mind, I was damn near a grown man, and you knocked me off my feet. You were standing next to the pool with your sisters, and I felt like I was having a heart attack. My tomboy neighbor had blossomed into a fucking swan. The things I felt for you were overwhelming and unwelcome. That day you were no longer the crazy girl next door. You became a woman who captivated me. At eighteen, I had no idea what to do.” Draining his beer, he signaled the waitress for another one. “Is it hot in here?”
“No, not at all.” Watching Brock flip his spoon around and around as his knee bounced, told her how hard this was for him. “You liked me?”
“Lilly, it was a lot more than like. I wanted to devour you, own you, and maybe ruin you. The overwhelming desire I experienced scared the shit out of me. I thought there was something wrong with me. How could a man want that with a fifteen-year-old girl?”
She shredded her napkin and glanced up. “I had no idea you felt that way.”
Letting out a loud huff, his shoulders tensed. “I went off to college and buried myself in football and my studies. When I never felt a tenth of those emotions for anyone else, I finally decided that I wasn’t a psycho, sicko, or whatever else I feared.”
When the waitress delivered his beer, she took a moment to study the man she’d known for more than twenty years. Or at least, thought she knew. Sliding her hand across the table, she entwined their fingers. “You have always been the best sort of man. No exceptions.” Cocking her head, she smiled. “Except when you tried to stop my pranks.”
“Girl, you have a wild streak a mile wide, and I saved you from juvenile hall.”
“No, you didn’t. The pranks were all harmless.”
“Setting off a homemade rocket under the school librarian’s porch isn’t as innocent as you might think.” Tightening their hands, he grinned. “I’ve spent more than the last decade trying to pretend I never had those feelings. Guess what?”
“What?” she responded with a smile.
“I still feel the same way…only more.” Lifting his beer, he studied her over the rim of his glass. “I’m guilty of lust. That’s a deadly sin I’m willing to embrace.”
“As far as I can tell, that’s a damn good one to choose. I’m guilty of sloth. Given half a chance, I would take a nap every day at three.”
“You’ve written twenty books in six years. That isn’t sloth.”
Shrugging, she remained silent. Let him think the best of her. Why should she point out all her flaws? Hell, he already knew most of them. Looking around the bar, she grinned. A man who’d taken up her imagination for years…lusted f
or her. Last night had given her some clue, but his confession tonight gave her the full picture. “I guess the smooching last night makes a lot more sense now.” Draining her drink, she looked out the window. “Now what do we do?”
“Spend time together and see what happens.”
“All right. I have a date with my couch, and you can join me. I have Predators Up Close on Amazon, and I want to watch it.”
He signaled to the waitress for the check and gave her a smile. “Count me in.”
“Really? You like nature shows?”
“I like you, Lilly. I always have and suspect I always will. It’s time to figure out what it’s all about. Those feelings I had as a boy have only intensified, and I’m asking for a chance. The three-year age difference between us is no longer a barrier. What I felt at eighteen is only stronger now, and it’s not illegal.”
“Always a plus,” she commented dryly. The waitress handed Brock the bill, and that gave her an opportunity to take a much-needed breath. Tsunami. Brock Landry was a freaking storm landing on her shore, and she had no idea how to keep her head above water. Maybe it was time to test her swimming skills and see what she could manage. He was coming for her whether she was ready or not. “So, we’re really going to try this?”
“Absolutely. We’d be idiots not to see what we could have.” He dug money out of his wallet, put it on top of the bill, and stood. “Let’s go watch the show.” Holding out his hand, he grinned.
When she put her hand in his, his eyes closed and his mouth lifted at the corners. If she wasn’t mistaken, the predator in front of her had made his first move. As they walked out of the restaurant, his words ran on a loop… “I wanted to devour you, own you, and maybe ruin you.” What in the world had she just agreed to?
CHAPTER FIVE
Wednesday
Brock strode into the squad room and saw Pete sitting at his desk. It was time. They’d been friends since high school, and he wasn’t going to piss all over it by not doing the right thing. After last night, there was no confusion about what he was going to do about Lilly. They had made out for hours as they pretended to watch TV. Sliding his thumb over his mouth, he tried not smile like an idiot. He’d learned the slopes and valleys of Lilly’s body last night, and he wanted nothing more than to do it again tonight. Only with his mouth.
He knew it was important to take her on a date before they became intimate because the last thing he wanted to do was treat it like a one-night stand.
Standing near his desk, he said, “Pete, you got a minute?” When his friend looked up, Brock motioned to the break room and then started walking over. He grabbed a cup of coffee and waited.
“What’s up, man?” Pete asked as he filled a cup with coffee.
Standing up straight, Brock squared his shoulders. “I wanted to let you know that I’m interested in Lilly, and I plan on doing something about it. The reason I’m telling you is that I got the impression you might be attracted to her as well. We’ve been friends for a long time, and it’s important to be up-front.”
Pete rocked back on his heels and then laughed. “Fuck you, Brock.”
“I know. But I don’t have a choice. No more excuses.”
“Why now?”
“Because I’m tired of fighting it.” Moving his head side to side, he tried to release some of the tension. “I’ve been home for a year, and I’m exhausted from pretending that she doesn’t stir up feelings in me.”
“I had no idea that Marines had feelings,” Pete replied reluctantly. “I can’t believe we’re even discussing it. We’ve successfully avoided talking about anything important for years, and now we’re deep into it.”
Holding up his hands, Brock grinned. “I don’t think we ever need to do this again. I wanted to make sure you knew my plans. I’m not going to disrespect you.”
“Appreciate it.” Sipping his coffee, he shrugged. “Lilly has me firmly parked in the friend zone. I was hoping that time would help, but that was wishful thinking.” He leaned against the counter and shrugged. “I guess if she’s going to marry someone, it might as well be you.”
“Did I say anything about marriage?”
Draining his coffee cup, Pete tossed it into the trash. “Didn’t have to. I’ve only know you to have two speeds: one-night stand and marriage. I sure as hell know that Lilly isn’t a one and done, so the only thing left is marriage.”
Both of their phones went off at the same time, which meant they had to get to work. Brock lifted his and read the message. “Fifteen-car pileup on Interstate 10 past Pont Des Mouton.”
“Let’s head out,” Pete replied. Before he left the break room, he stopped. “Don’t fuck this up. This is your one chance at happiness.”
Brock nodded in acknowledgment. As they walked across the room, he knew Pete was dead right. Something in Lilly had called to something deep within him. He knew that as a kid, and it was time to do something about it.
***
Standing out on the highway in the rain waiting for the tow trucks to arrive wasn’t Brock’s idea of a good time. He’d discovered over the last year how difficult moving from combat into civilian life was. So many years spent in life-and-death situations left him with few skills in managing a civilian life with a slower pace.
Pete had been right earlier about him having two speeds, only he didn’t get it quite right. Brock had full speed ahead or dead stop. Existing and functioning somewhere in the middle wasn’t something he was good at. At least he wasn’t twitchy anymore. The first six months after he retired had been hell. It had taken almost ten months for him to feel like he was having more good days than bad, and that was giving him the confidence to pursue Lilly. That and his unrelenting need.
The first tow truck arrived. Brock moved toward the tangle of cars and noticed Drew and a woman arguing by the embankment. He’d interviewed the drivers in the first half-dozen cars and Pete had taken the rest. Drew must’ve been in one that Pete had taken.
The desire to slam his fist into the asshole’s face was stronger than he would ever admit. He watched him standing there in his three-piece suit, gesticulating wildly at the woman standing in front of him. Remaining quiet, Brock watched the conversation progress. Though he couldn’t hear what was being said, due to the traffic noise, he could see the anger on Drew’s face. Watching him wind himself up made him wonder if Drew had ever hit Lilly. A man who was willing to lose his shit on the side of a highway certainly wasn’t worried about control. In fact, Drew looked like someone who might’ve never had it. His red, mottled face and tightened fists announced to anyone who cared to look that he was about to lose it.
Brock’s mic beeped and he clicked it on. Keeping his eyes on Drew, he barked out his name. “Officer Landry, sit rep.” The moment the words came out of his mouth, he realized he was using jargon from his days as a Marine.
“Bus is five minutes out,” an unfamiliar voice said. “Round up the drivers and bring them to the back of the pileup.”
“Roger that,” Brock responded.
He moved toward Drew and his companion, figuring he’d start with them. “Bus is here, folks. Make sure you have your personal items.”
It would be interesting to see if Drew made an overture. They’d known one another growing up because they’d gone to the same schools, but they hadn’t seen each other in years. “You all can move down there.” Pointing west, he indicated which way to walk.
“Brock Landry, how the hell are you?” Drew called out in a friendly voice.
One second he was yelling at a woman in public, and the next second he was acting like the mayor of the highway. “Drew,” he said as he tipped his head. One thing he’d always lacked was the ability to pretend he liked someone when he didn’t. Faking civility with Drew was going to be challenging at best. The slow burn of anger sat in his gut, and he prayed that nothing would ignite it.
“Hell of a way to spend an afternoon,” Drew commented as he approached.
“At least we had no fatali
ties.”
Drew nodded. “Figured that when we didn’t see a helicopter land.” He thrust out his hand. “Good to see you.”
Brock had no choice but to shake hands. He was on duty and had to behave professionally. “Been a long time,” he finally managed to get out.
“This is my girlfriend, Tina.”
“Ma’am,” Brock replied as he tipped his hat. So this was the woman responsible for the lawsuit and the stack of complaints. For such a small woman, she had stirred up a lot of problems. A couple of days ago, he’d taken the time to read through the reports and found that she filed a complaint for just about everything. Not surprisingly, at the center of those complaints was Lilly. Somehow Tina had managed to accuse Lilly of being responsible for flattened rosebushes, a scratched car, and missing mail.
“I’m too young to be a ma’am,” Tina shrilly responded.
Keeping his expression blank, Brock remained silent. How in the world Drew lived with that voice was beyond him. Seemed like karma was working out after all.
“Can I file a complaint, since you’re here?” Tina squawked.
Seeing the flush of anger on the woman’s face confirmed that she and Drew deserved each other. “I can take additional notes to add to your statement regarding the accident. Anything other than that should be done down at the station.”
“My tires were slashed last night and I know who did it. I didn’t have a chance to call the department this morning, so I thought I could do it with you.”
Had this woman really graduated from Tulane with a law degree? Based on what was coming out of her mouth, he found it hard to believe. Maybe her daddy had bought the university a building or something. He couldn’t figure how else she would’ve managed it. “That is something you’ll need to file at the station.”
“Lilly Bertrand did it. I can almost guarantee it,” Tina said firmly. “That woman is out to get me.”
Ten, nine, eight…Counting silently, he tried to control his response. “Like I said, you can give your statement at the station. It might not be wise to suggest that Lilly had anything to do with it, though. We were together the whole evening, and I can guarantee that she had no time to be worrying about you or your tires.” Tipping his hat, he stepped away. “Excuse me. I need to get back to work.” The expression on Drew’s face was priceless. He went from being self-satisfied to annoyed to downright furious in the space of a minute.
