by Winters, KB
“That’s just the depressing thought I need before work,” I mumbled to myself. I was tempted to take a quick shot of whiskey before heading out but that was risky and right now, I couldn’t afford any risks. So, I skipped right on past the kitchen, shoving cash, an ID, and lip stick into my back pocket, grabbed my phone and keys, and headed right out the front door.
Ready to face another night as Nessa, the smart-mouthed, confident woman who wasn’t afraid of anything, especially a bunch of rich assholes.
Nessa slid behind the steering wheel, ready to blast some Classic Rock Fighters to pump her up for the night ahead. She turned the key in the ignition and the raspy voice of Dave Grohl blared from the speakers, but the engine did…nothing.
“Fuck!” Nessa also had a potty mouth. Two more attempts and it was official, Vanessa was back.
And my car was toast.
I had about thirty minutes to get to the game and there was no way I’d get myself all dirty pretending to see if it was something I could fix under the hood. Calling Uber seemed like a bad risk and AAA would do like they always did and take their sweet time getting to me, which left me with one option.
“Hey, Emmett,” I said. He’d picked up on the first ring. “Sorry to bother you but…my car won’t start. Think you can give me a lift to the game? I’ll find a ride home but—”
“Sure. I’ll be there soon. Wait for me inside your house,” he growled.
“Bossy,” I growled back and stared at the phone, wondering who this demanding creature was.
“Sorry, it’s just dark out and a pretty woman alone in her car might seem like easy pickings to some nefarious characters.”
I smiled at his strange way of speaking. “Thank you, Emmett.” He was an odd character, but I liked him. He was a sweet, quiet man who didn’t wear his service or bravery like a badge of honor. He just was all those things, all the way down to the bone. It was nice to be around someone who appreciated me for me. Someone who thought I was a woman. A beautiful woman, no less.
Like the man of honor he was, Emmett tapped on my front door and escorted me to his car, even holding the door open for me like it was all second nature to him. I checked him out as he jogged around the front of the car, all tight, hard muscles and quiet confidence.
“Hey,” he said, buckling his seat belt. He flashed a smile as he took in my appearance and restarted the engine. “You look great.”
“Thank you.” I didn’t know why I felt so shy at his compliments. They seemed genuine and there didn’t seem to be any kind of intent behind them, which only made his words resonate deeper.
“Thank you. So, how’s the new job going?”
“I like it, actually. Having my own money is gonna take some time to get used to, but for the most part I like it.”
I liked having someone ask me about my day, and even better, I liked having something to say other than the fact that I did yoga and cooked a meal. That thought made me feel like shit because it wasn’t fair to Lance. He never belittled my contribution to our home. I knew that he valued it more than most men, but having something worthwhile to contribute, well hell, there was nothing like it.
“How was your day?” I asked, eager to hear more about Emmett.
“All right, I guess. Kat signed me up for some interviews, which I hate, but it’s nice to talk about the science of fighting with people who know what they’re talking about.”
“Fight science? So, you’re like a real fight nerd, talking stats and stances and stuff?” Even the thought of this man, so stocky and strong, being a nerd, made me laugh.
“Something like that. The hazards of being a trainer, I suppose. Someday soon I’ll bore you with details.”
“Is that a promise?”
Emmett gave a short nod. “If you want it to be.” There was a hint of hope in his eyes, and his lips curled up into a teasing smile.
It’s a nice smile. A smile that holds potential of…something. I immediately shook that thought off, feeling disloyal to even think of his nice smile and the promise held in his blue eyes.
I was so distracted I didn’t realize we’d been parked in front of the casino for a few minutes. “I should…get in there,” I said, noticing Hulu watching us with an amused grin on his face.
“Probably. It’ll be hard to get any work done from out here.”
“Smart ass,” I told him and rolled my eyes, but it was nice to have people talk to me like I wasn’t some wilting flower who might burst out crying at any moment. “Thanks for the ride.”
“No problem. Just shoot me a text, and I’ll pick you up.” He said it so easily, as if I was his responsibility, something I didn’t want to be to anyone. Not again.
“I can find a ride home, Emmett. It’ll be late.”
He shrugged like it was no big deal, but I saw the way his jaw clenched. “I don’t sleep much, and I like you in pink.”
Well damn, what could I say to that? “Fine. See you later.”
I jumped from the car like it might bite me, rushing past Hulu’s knowing smile and straight into the money box to store my purse before I realized I didn’t have one, so I dropped my keys and phone and got ready to work. Emmett was a nice guy and he wasn’t the kind of nice guy you could forget about easily. He threw me off, just a little. It was enough to make my heart beat a little faster.
How could I be attracted to someone else so soon? How could I be so satisfied with my new job and my new life, when I wanted the life Lance and I had together, a future where I stayed at home and took care of our big ol’ house and raised a brood of children? It didn’t make sense and thanks to a faulty European car, I didn’t have extra time to contemplate.
It was time to work the floor and take care of the customers.
The night was, for the most part, uneventful. The players were more subdued, still giving each other a hard time but with far less energy than they’d had the night before or even last week. Maybe it was thoughts of Emmett, or my feelings of disloyalty to Lance, but before I knew it the night was over and my boss, Jasper, stood before me with a scowl on his face.
I looked up nervously and blinked. “Is something wrong?’
Jasper shook his head slowly, as if his thoughts were on things more important than a card girl with a complex.
“No, just thinking about…shit. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that you’re doing a good job. The players love you and your sassy mouth and the guys say you’re doing really well.”
“Which guys,” I asked sarcastically. “Hulu and Mace, I’m sure.” I blinked and snapped my mouth closed almost comedically. “Sorry. Ignore me.”
But, of course, Jasper wasn’t the kind of guy to ignore anything, especially if it might impact the business.
“Is someone giving you shit? If so, you need to tell me.”
I shook my head, secretly appreciative that he didn’t automatically assume the problem was me but also determined to be my protector—from his men.
“Nothing I can’t handle. Really.” He didn’t look convinced so I changed the subject. Quickly. “I’m happy you think this is working out, Jasper. This job isn’t what I expected, but I’m enjoying myself and happy to be working here. Glad you think I’m doing a good job.”
I hoped I didn’t sound like I was trying too hard, but I was grateful for the compliment.
His full lips twitched but neither a smile nor a laugh appeared.
“You are. Here’s your tips,” he said abruptly and handed me an envelope filled with cash and walked away.
“Thanks,” I mumbled more to myself than to Jasper’s back.
He stopped abruptly and I froze when he turned to face me, hoping that didn’t sound sarcastic. “Mace said you might need a ride home.”
“Oh. Right. No, I’m good. Emmett is going to pick me up.” Did that make it sound like there was something going on between us? God, I hoped not. Did I even care? Yes. Maybe. A little.
“My car wouldn’t start, and he was kind enough to give me a r
ide.”
Jasper nodded again, but this time it felt more like a nod of approval. “Good. Good. Emmett is a good guy. A nice guy. You can trust him.” His gaze was serious and sober, like it mattered to him.
“He seems like a good guy.”
“He is. I’ve known him since we were kids. He’s quiet but solid. Dependable.”
It meant a lot to me that a man as strong and powerful as Jasper had taken a moment to assure me that I was safe with his people. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.
“Thank you, Jasper.” He seemed like an excellent judge of character and according to Lance, no one could read people like Jasper, which meant if he thought I was safe with Emmett, I was.
“You’re welcome,” he grunted at me and left, this time for real. As if he couldn’t get away from my emotions fast enough.
As big and bad and powerful as Jasper was, he was still a man. Terrified of emotions.
That thought brought a smile to my face and that smile stayed until I was safely back at home, locked safely in my house.
Chapter Eleven
Emmett
I should have gone straight home after dropping Vanessa off at the card game, or if I needed to go anywhere else, back to House of Ashby. But my vow to keep her safe had me doing something else, heading back to the big Colonial house she lived in to check on her car. Maybe it was something I could fix easily before her shift was over and save her a trip to the repair shop.
At least that was what I told myself when I pulled up and blocked the driveway and grabbed what I needed for a nighttime inspection. With the lights set up, I stepped in close, expecting a simple fix. The last thing I expected to find was the spark plug wire had been clipped, making no mistake that it had been done on purpose.
“Fuck,” I said to the engine block. My heart raced at the notion that someone had targeted Vanessa, because I doubted it had anything to do with her personal life, that someone connected to Lance had meant to do her harm.
Just the fucking idea that she could’ve been hurt made me sick to my stomach. But it wasn’t so simple, I realized the more I looked at the sharp slice that separated the wire. But before my thoughts got the better of me, I reached for my phone. “Terry. I’m at Vanessa’s place and I need you here. Quick.”
The line was quiet for a long time. I wondered if the fight the other night created a rift that wouldn’t heal. Terry said it was behind us. But was it? I hadn’t forgotten him telling me that the Ashby’s came first. How could he have forgotten that I showed up on his doorstep ready to beat the living daylights out of him? But a moment later, I knew he’d heard the urgency in my tone because he said, “On my way.”
Terry and I used to fix cars for cash back in the day, not too long after the Ashby family became our family. Both of us were too damn proud to take the money and the clothes Sadie offered. We knew enough to be embarrassed by the dirty and ill-fitting clothes our folks let us wear because they felt booze and drugs were more worthy causes for their cash, so Colm taught us how to fix cars to earn some handouts. It was a tool that came in handy in a neighborhood filled with twenty-year-old vehicles, and I’d never forgotten his lessons.
Fifteen minutes after we ended our call, Terry pulled up so close his fender practically kissed mine, and he stepped out of his car with a crooked grin.
“Trying really hard with the pretty widow, aren’t ya bro?” He laughed when I flipped him off, coming to stand beside me in front of the open hood.
“Trying to be her friend, idiot,” and pointed at the cut wires. “Still think it’s a good idea to keep it a secret that the woman who held the job before her was murdered?”
My words had more bite to them than I intended because I knew Terry was doing his job, but I didn’t have to like it.
“I get that you’re pissed bro, and if that was my woman, I would be too. But telling her now when we don’t know a fucking thing won’t do her any good. It’ll make her nervous and jumpy for no damn reason.”
I knew my brother well and the way he raked one hand and then the other through his blond hair and the frustrated sigh he let out told me even he didn’t believe his bullshit. “Hell we don’t even know why Fiona was killed or who did it.”
“And why the fuck not? Isn’t Jasper supposed to be one step ahead of this shit? Don’t you think this is likely the same damn person?”
He nodded slowly. “Yeah, it might be. But what will telling her accomplish, Emmett?”
I sighed and turned to him. “Jesus Christ, Terry. It’ll make her more cautious, which could save her life. Damn! Maybe if Fiona knew she was in danger, she might not have opened the door to her killer. If she did, in fact, open the Goddamn door,” I added because I didn’t know.
“Yeah, maybe so, but she can’t know. Not yet.” He bit out a curse and his hands balled into fists; a clear sign he knew I was right.
“Fine, but look. Whoever did this didn’t mean to cut the wire all the way through. They were probably hoping to cut it just enough that she’d have to stop somewhere on the side of the road. Where she’d be alone and vulnerable.” It was a thought I hadn’t wanted to voice, didn’t want to think about, but the frayed end of the wire bothered me. A lot.
Terry stared at the line for a long time as if he couldn’t tear his gaze away. Then, with a final growl, he stalked off and whipped out his phone. Probably to call Jasper because that was standard protocol in all things.
Period.
Even though I didn’t work for that side of the Ashby organization, I still worked for them and had to abide by the same rules and dictates as if I did work for that side. Family was family, after all, and even though I hated it, I’d keep the information to myself. And stick close to Vanessa.
“All right little brother,” he said with an arrogant smirk that made me want to punch him again, which I was sure was his intention, “keep her busy so we can get her car fixed and tell her it was just a loose spark plug.”
Before I could say anything, Terry held up a hand to stop me. “I know it’s shitty but it is what it is. For now, anyway.”
“Yeah, it really is shitty.”
Terry snorted out a laugh. “Poor Emmett has to spend time with a hot young widow. Where’s my tiny ass violin?”
“I think you missed your calling as a standup comedian because you’re a real fucking riot, Terry.”
“I know, right? Money is for shit though, so you’re stuck with me. Now go on and get outta here. You have an hour or so before Vanessa is finished at the game, go clean yourself up. Maybe slap on some cologne.”
I flipped him off as I made my way down the long driveway and slipped behind the steering wheel of my Tesla. “Thanks, bro!”
“Yeah, yeah. Just do me a favor and have a good time, all right?”
I nodded and drove off, deciding to stop at home for a quick shower before picking up Vanessa. Not that I was expecting anything, but a beautiful woman deserved more than a sweaty dinner companion.
* * *
Vanessa wore a big smile that lit up her whole face as she exited the building with Mace at her side. Her skin flushed pink as she slid into the passenger seat.
“Good night?” I asked.
“Yeah, pretty good. Made some great tips. I didn’t interrupt your evening, did I?”
Her dark brows dipped into a concerned frown that I brushed off.
“Well I did have to stop this really great thriller I’ve been reading, but I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to help, Vanessa.”
I rarely did things I didn’t want to after a childhood of having to do everything for myself and my folks, when they were too wasted to do anything.
“Well, I’m sorry about the book but grateful for the ride.”
Her pretty, shy smile was like a magnet pulling me in, but thankfully, before I could do something stupid, like ruin our friendship by kissing her, Vanessa’s stomach let out the loudest bear growl I’d ever heard from a woman.
“Well
that wasn’t embarrassing. At all.”
She laughed and shook her head, covering her face with one hand, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
It was just the opening I was looking for. “How about a late night breakfast? I could always go for waffles.”
Her grateful smile sent a wave of heat through me. “That would be great, actually. Thanks.”
A few minutes later we were seated at an all-night diner that specialized in gourmet pancakes. “So Vanessa, are you a pancake girl or steak and eggs?”
She threw her head back and laughed. “Would you be grossed out if I said both?”
I shook my head with a smile. “Totally.”
“Steak, eggs and pancakes are literally the perfect breakfast. And if I’m feeling especially hungry, a side of hash brown potatoes too.”
She didn’t look embarrassed at all and I found that incredibly hot.
“No offense, but where in the hell do you put all that food?”
She shrugged. “Yoga and kickboxing, mostly.”
“Kickboxing, huh? That’s pretty impressive.”
“Yeah? You want to give me some tips, coach?” Her tone was flirtatious, but I was out of practice. Maybe she was just a nice girl.
“I would need to see your form, but sure, I could give you some pointers. Why kickboxing?”
“You mean instead of aerobics or Pilates?” Her words were playful but still, I treaded carefully.
“No, just curious. What attracted you to kickboxing.”
“Oh. Well, I did it once, and I like feeling strong and capable. Plus, it’s a really exhilarating workout.”
A young pimple-faced waiter stopped at the table and couldn’t take his eyes off Vanessa, who was completely oblivious to the effect she had on men of all ages.
We ordered enough food to feed a small nation, and I realized this non-date was the best date I’d had in a long time.
