by Chiah Wilder
She set her tote bag and extra groceries Ruthie insisted she take in her trunk. She hated handouts, but she needed the food so she took them, grateful to Ruthie for her compassion. She closed the trunk, then jumped when she saw a man leaning against the hood of her car. Her heart sank.
“Hi, Craig. Are you looking for Holly?”
“Fuck, I told you my name is Scorpion. Craig left a long time ago.”
“I refuse to call anyone Scorpion.” She laughed lightly, but she was weary, and she wanted to go home.
He came up to her and pulled her to him. “You’ll call me Scorpion, got it?” His eyes flashed as he scanned her face.
Her stomach churned. “I was only joking, Scorpion.” She turned toward her car door, gently pushing him away. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him staring at her with a hard look. He’s probably trying to figure out if I’m being sincere or a smartass. I can’t stand this guy.
Scorpion spun her around, his grip tight on her arms. “Don’t ever fuckin’ forget it. You don’t wanna piss me off, do you?” He ran his finger across her cheek, his ragged nail scratching her. “You gonna give me a kiss?”
Before Belle could answer, he leaned down, his mouth inches from hers. She wriggled away, and his mouth landed on her cheek. “What are you doing at the diner? Are you looking for Holly?”
He was staring at her mouth. “No. I’m meeting her at the bank across the street. I need to get something notarized. I came over here to see you. You’re looking fuckin’ hot.” He unabashedly checked her out, leering at her from head to toe.
Belle cringed, feeling dirty when his eyes skimmed over her body. When Banger had checked her out, she’d been energized, tingly, like a teenager. Why am I thinking of him? I need to concentrate on Craig, because he’s looking at me in a creepy way. I have to get outta here. She twisted around, clutching the door handle, slowly opening it. “I have to get home to my kids. I’m already late.” She slid her leg into the car.
“I’m gonna be in town for a couple of days. Let’s hook up and have some fun.” He moved closer to her again.
She threw herself in the driver’s seat. “I’m working too many shifts. Maybe next time, okay?” She feigned a sweet, innocent smile.
He glared at her before shifting back on his heels, and she grabbed the handle and closed and locked the door. Scorpion’s eyes narrowed and he moved toward the front of her car, leaning against the hood, his eyes fixed on her.
Belle started the vehicle, putting it in gear. She drove forward. Scorpion jumped away. “What the fuck?” he yelled.
Smiling, she waved at him as she left the parking lot. When he disappeared from her rearview mirror, she finally breathed, her heart pounding. She couldn’t stand Holly’s creepy brother. Cursing herself for ever going out with him, she hoped it’d be a long time before she ran into him again. She’d never wanted to in the first place, but Holly kept insisting, and Belle relented just to shut her friend up. Now she regretted her decision.
When she entered the house, the comforting aroma of her barbecue pork and potato casserole greeted her, making the house smell homey and cozy. Happy that Emily remembered to put the dinner in the oven, Belle stood in the small kitchen, letting the warmth envelop her. She padded into the living room, and tenderness spread to her core when she spotted Emily, cross-legged on the sofa, and Ethan, kneeling on the floor, playing a video game together.
“Hi, Mom,” Ethan said, his eyes never leaving the TV screen.
“Hey, Mom,” Emily greeted, her own eyes unblinking as her fingers moved over the game controller.
“Hey, you two. Thanks for putting the casserole in the oven.”
“Sure, Mom.”
Belle smiled, her heart bursting. She went upstairs to change, happy the evening would be spent with the daughter she used to know before Harold died and everything turned to shit.
After a pleasant dinner filled with lively conversation and laughter, Belle stretched out on the couch, a glass of white wine on the coffee table next to her. If she could just find a way to have more nights like that evening, then she could breathe again.
She stared at the blue flame in the gas fireplace and a sense of loneliness shrouded her. She wished she had someone to talk to, to share the day’s events, to hold her and tell her it would all be okay. She hadn’t been intimate with a man for over a year and a half. The last six months before Harold died, he’d told her he was too sick or too tired each time she’d tried to initiate lovemaking, and she’d believed him, like a fool. Then she’d found out that he’d been banging his secretary, and she’d seen red. Knowing that he’d ignored his wife and lavished his attention and love on someone else had gnawed at her. As she recalled the shock, the anger, and the hurt his betrayal had caused her, bitterness rose in her throat. How could he have done that to me? I never looked at another man during our marriage.
Emily’s biological father had turned out to be a loser, and Harold had too. She was so done with men. It was less painful to fantasize and touch herself than trust a man. Her fantasies always consisted of a tall, handsome man with dark eyes, but lately, the dark eyes had turned to smiling blue ones with small crinkles at the corners. She shook her head and picked up the remote, turning on the TV. She definitely didn’t want to go there. Aimlessly, she stared at the flickering screen until she fell asleep on the couch.
Chapter Five
“Belle’s working the swing shift,” Ruthie said as she set a large slice of apple pie in front of Banger.
“Did I ask?”
“No, but you wanna. I’ve seen more of you in the last couple of weeks than I have all year.” Ruthie stood with her hands on her hips, grinning at Banger. “Belle’s a nice woman.”
“Didn’t ask that either.”
“You’re a hard man,” she said, winking.
“Won’t argue with you on that. Pie’s good.”
“Belle made it last night before heading out. Since she’s been here, business is back on track. I couldn’t wait to get rid of Jimbo. He was a lazy ass who liked his booze too much. He ran so many of my customers off. And the ones I tried after I canned him made Jimbo look like a gourmet chef. I lucked out when Belle answered my ad.”
A blast of icy air swooshed inside as a group of four entered the diner.
“I gotta get this,” Ruthie said, nodding toward the group. She shuffled away.
Banger took a sip of his steaming coffee and savored the fresh-roasted taste. A good cup of coffee with a tasty piece of apple pie was a slice of heaven, especially on a frosty morning. He glanced up at the clock, whose two hands were a fork and spoon, noting that it was only nine thirty in the morning. Belle’s shift didn’t start for another four-and-a-half hours. He’d do some business at the club, drop in on Hawk’s shop to see if he needed any help, then see how the day went.
He wanted to see Belle again and make her eyes sparkle. The sound of her laughter echoed in his brain. This woman tugged at him; it was like she was a magnet pulling him to her. It was a bit unnerving, but a level of comfort also surrounded the feeling.
After draining his coffee, he rose to his feet and placed his money on the table. As he headed out, he waved to Ruthie. “See ya.”
“Tonight’s special is pot roast,” she said as he opened the door.
“Not sure I’ll be back.”
“You’ll be back.”
He could hear the smile in her voice. He didn’t answer because she was right—he’d be back, and he couldn’t wait to see the dark-haired Belle.
* * *
Belle rushed around, finishing up the laundry then putting the final touches to the casserole she’d made for her children’s dinner. She hated working the swing shift because she missed dinnertime with her kids. When she was growing up, it had been the most important part of the day. It was when her family all came together and talked about their day, shared funny stories and laughter. When she’d been married to Harold, she’d made it a point that they all sat down to dinner
as a family. No phones, no TV, only family time, talking to each other. The two years before Harold had died, he’d started missing dinners, using new mergers and work as an excuse. He’d done it several times a month, but she hadn’t been suspicious; she’d known he was trying to expand the company, and he totally used that to his advantage. How naïve she had been.
The phone rang and she jumped, cursing it for its intrusion on her reveries. As a screeching tune played, she wondered why she’d let Emily change her ringtone. She answered the phone.
“Is Mrs. Dermot there?”
“This is she.”
“Hello, this is Mr. Campbell, the principal at Pinewood Springs High.”
Belle’s stomach twisted.
“I’d like to meet with you this afternoon, if possible.”
“Can I ask why?”
“It’s about your daughter and her many absences from school. I think it’s better if we meet rather than do this on the phone.”
Belle turned white as her hand grasped her neck. Emily is skipping school? What the hell is she doing when she’s supposed to be in school? Why can’t I just have one day free from all bullshit?
“I’m sorry, Mr. Campbell. I’m not able to meet with you this afternoon because I have to work. I can’t skip my job. I’m available tomorrow morning, if that works okay with your schedule.”
“Does nine thirty tomorrow morning work for you, Mrs. Dermot?”
“Yes, that’ll be fine. I’ll see you then.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Dermot. Goodbye.”
Belle hung up the phone then rubbed her temples. That one phone call had dashed any glimmer of hope of them having a happy family. The last thing she wanted to deal with right then was all that. She decided she’d talk to Emily after she went to the meeting with the principal the following morning; she didn’t want to rock the boat and have Emily storm out, because then Ethan would be all alone that night. She didn’t have a backup plan for anyone to stay with Ethan, so she’d pretend like everything was okay between her and her daughter until after the school meeting.
As she finished her last touches of makeup before heading to work, she wished her life was easier and not such a roller coaster ride. Under her breath, she cursed Harold for spending all their money and leaving her and the kids with nothing. The way she felt right then, all she could think about was how life sucked big time. With a frustrated sigh, she grabbed her tote and car keys, locking the door as she headed to her job.
When Belle arrived at Ruthie’s, every booth, table, and stool was occupied. She was happy when she saw how busy the diner was, because then she wouldn’t have to think about her daughter and all the problems that came with it.
At around seven thirty that evening, she heard the low rumble of a motorcycle. Thinking it may be Scorpion again, her heart sank and her stomach twisted in knots. She knew she couldn’t deal with him right then. When the door opened, she couldn’t help but look through the pass-through window, the heaviness of her heart disappearing when she saw Banger’s imposing figure enter the diner. Her insides tingled when she saw his strong, broad shoulders as he slipped out of his leather jacket. His eyes went directly to hers, and she felt a strong pull to him—a connection. She’d never felt anything like it before. The intensity of it thrilled and frightened her at the same time.
Belle turned away and busied herself with stirring several pots on the big gas burners. About twenty minutes later, she went over to Banger’s table to say hello. When she approached, she saw his eyes slide up and down her body. Crimson streaked her cheeks, and a sweet sensation pulled between her legs.
“How are you? I haven’t seen you in a few days. I was hoping you’d stop by tonight,” Belle said softly.
“Were you?” Banger’s eyes lingered on her mouth. “I’m doing okay. What about you?”
Belle sighed and tucked the stray hairs behind her ears. “I could be better. Just having a rough time with my daughter right now.”
“Yeah, I know how it can be. Raising a teenage daughter on your own is a real challenge. I’ve raised Kylie single-handedly since my wife died, and I gotta say, we had some trying times.”
“I just don’t know what to do with Emily. I wish I could be at home and spend more time with her and Ethan, but I have to work. Most of the time, I have to pick up overtime to make ends meet. It’s just the way it is. I just wish she understood what I’m doing to keep our family together.”
Banger reached over and held her hand, squeezing it lightly. “When they’re young like that and going through whatever teenagers go through, they never understand. Give it some time. When she gets older, she’ll know what you did for her and her brother, and she’ll love you even more for it.”
“I hope so.” Belle gently stroked Banger’s cheek. “Thanks for listening. I needed to unload. I gotta get back. My break’s over.”
Banger nodded. “Best damn pot roast I’ve had in a long time.” He winked at her.
Smiling, she said, “Glad you like it. I love cooking for people who really enjoy what I make. It just seems like every time I see you, you make me feel better.”
With that, Belle went back to the kitchen, pulling out vegetables from the refrigerator and chopping them to prepare for the next morning.
After she was finished, she bent over to pull out a sack of potatoes from the cupboard when she heard a low whistle. She jerked up and spun around, her eyes falling on Banger, who was leaning against the doorway, his hungry gaze slowly riding up her body. “That’s what I like. A beautiful woman with curves I can hold onto.”
Belle blushed as she pulled her dress down then crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t used to male attention. Scorpion gave her attention in a creepy way, but with Banger, it was different. It didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. His attention made her stomach flutter and her core tingle.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to be back here,” she said.
“What I should and shouldn’t do has never stopped me.” His deep laugh skimmed over her, leaving goose bumps in its wake. “I just came by to say that I’m taking off. I gotta go back to the club. I want to see you again. When’s your day off? I’d love to take you out to dinner and spend some time with you.”
“I’m off on Friday, but already have plans with Holly.”
“What’s your next day off?”
She smiled. “Sunday, but I’ll be busy with my kids. It’s just really hard right now for me to make any plans outside of my family and my really good friend. I’m sorry, I wish I could offer more. The timing just isn’t right, I guess.”
Banger narrowed his eyes. “I gotta go. Later.” He turned around and walked away. When he left the diner, he didn’t give a backward glance.
Belle felt a terrible ache in the pit of her stomach. Why did I just turn him down? She wanted to be with him, but she was terrified of being hurt by another man again. She didn’t trust men anymore, but with Banger she felt comfortable, even though she barely knew him. She deserved some time to herself, especially since she’d been so stressed with her daughter. Thinking about Emily made her heart sink. How could she even think about going out with Banger when her home life was in such disarray?
Belle sighed and started peeling the potatoes.
* * *
Banger rode to the clubhouse, the icy night air whipping around him. He was madder than hell, and he couldn’t wait to down a few shots to cool his fire. What the fuck was her problem? He knew she was attracted to him, but damn, Belle had some shit going on that she didn’t want to share with him. Why the hell he was bothering with her, he didn’t know. Maybe she was still in love with her dead husband, but the way she looked at him told him she was ready to love again. Something was holding her back, and he should just move on. He didn’t need that kind of shit in his life. Damn, Belle was complicated, and not at all like Grace. With Grace, they’d seen each other, were attracted to each other, and fucked like rabbits six hours after meeting. None of this complicated bullshit.
Banger entered the great room at the clubhouse, the heat and smoke curling around him as he made his way to the bar. After he downed his third shot of Jack, a woman about thirty years old approached him. He recognized her from a few months back when she came to the clubhouse to party with the brothers. He’d been with her a few times, but he couldn’t remember her name, only that she liked it in the ass. She planted a big kiss on his cheek as she rubbed her tits against his arm.
“Hiya, sexy.” She licked his earlobe.
Banger nodded. Running his eyes over her, her short skirt and barely there top made his groin pull. What the hell. I need a good fucking. He hadn’t been with a woman since he’d laid eyes on Belle. He grabbed the woman by the hand and took her to his room upstairs. Once inside, she stripped down to her thong and unzipped his jeans. His semi-hard dick flopped out. She placed her hand on it, rubbing it while she pushed her tits into his face. Nothing. He wasn’t getting harder. He pushed her away. “Sorry, darling, this just isn’t going to be.”
“Just give me a chance, baby.” She kneaded his shoulders. “You’re so tense right now. I can relax you. I can give you a good time. Haven’t I always treated you good?”
Banger stood up, went to the door, and opened it, his eyes fixed on hers. “Yeah, real good to me, but it’s not gonna happen. It’s not you. I just got a dark-haired woman on my mind. This was all a mistake.”
The blonde walked out, blowing him a kiss before he closed the door. Banger walked over to the bed, lay down, and closed his eyes, Belle’s smiling face burning in his mind.
Chapter Six
The following morning, Belle went to her daughter’s school to see the principal. She sat in the brown leather chair in front of his desk and waited until he finished his phone call, wringing her hands over and over in her lap. When he finished, Mr. Campbell turned to her and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Dermot.”
“It’s nice meeting you as well. So, what’s going on with my daughter?”
