by Joanna Blake
**********
Sally's breathing had slowed a little bit by the time he pulled up in front of her house. She yanked her hands back as soon as the bike stopped. She felt lightheaded, whether from the speed, his closeness, or the fear that had over taken her in the field, she wasn't sure. She was a bit wobbly as she climbed off the bike.
Donnie hastened to get off in front of her and give her his arm but she just shook her head, handing him his jacket and hurrying into the house. She fumbled with her keys until she had the door open and then collapsed against it. Hot tears spilled out over her face.
Safe. She was safe.
The confused look on Donnie's face was burned into her brain. Oh god, he must think she was insane!
Why did she have to ruin everything?
Her hands were shaking as she turned and slowly chained the door and threw the locks. She realized that for the first time in the past year, the first time since she had gone out on her own, the first time since she'd escaped, she hadn't locked the door behind her. Her guard must be down. Normally she did it the second she was inside the door. But she hadn't this time because she knew in her gut Donnie wasn't going to hurt her.
She knew it.
He hadn't taken her out into the country side to have his way with her and leave her bloody and bruised by the side of the road. He didn't want to beat her up, or insult her, or control her. He just seemed to like her for some obscure reason she couldn't figure out.
Damnit. She was a fool. Maybe they both were.
Oh well. Now she'd never know if her instincts were right about him. She felt pretty sure he'd be great in bed. And more importantly, he'd be good to her out of it. It was too late now that she'd acted like a lunatic.
One thing was for sure. If he hadn't scared her off, she had definitely scared him away. She felt a sense of loss at the thought that Donnie wouldn't be batting his ridiculously long eyelashes at her anymore.
She'd done it again. She'd insured that she was going to be all alone. Safe. But lonely.
She was definitely getting a dog.
**********
Donnie slid behind the bar at the clubhouse. Dev was in his usual spot at the corner of the bar, with Jack sipping ginger ale beside him. They weren't talking.
Jack looked calm as usual. Dev… did not.
He was nursing what looked to be the most recent in a long line of beers. Empty shot glasses littered the bar around him.
A lot of shot glasses.
Donnie picked two of them up.
"Leave them!"
"I'm just getting us a refill Dev."
Dev grunted and watched bleary eyed as Donnie poured two shots of tequila and pushed one toward Dev. They did the shots and Donnie poured another round immediately.
"Shit man, you too?"
Donnie nodded grimly. Jack cracked a smile.
"Donnie striking out? That's a first."
"This is different."
"How so?"
"I like her."
Devlin rolled his eyes and Jack's smile got a little wider. Jack had been smiling a lot the last few months, since he and Janet got together. Lucky bastard. Donnie downed another shot.
"Like? Those are strong words for you, man."
"I take her for a ride and what does she do? She asks me to take her home. The bloody woman was scared of me for Christ's sake!"
"Scared of you? Now, that is funny."
Jack finished his soda and stood up.
"Well, I better get home to my woman."
Jack smiled and slapped Dev on the back. Hard. They stared at him as he walked out of the clubhouse. Donnie poured another two shots.
"Smug bastard."
"I hope his nuts fall off."
4
It was another busy night shift at Mae's. Sally was working alone, with Mae as backup. It used to be a shift she shared with Kaylie, but she was in school full time now. Sally didn't mind the extra work though. It was good to be busy. It gave her less time for worries. And regrets. God knows she had enough of those. She regretting meeting Carl, dating him, almost marrying him. She regretted letting him use her as a punching bag.
But most of all, she regretted pushing Donnie away.
Sally was on her hands and knees wiping up a spill when she saw them.
Big black motorcycle boots.
She looked up slowly, her eyes following those familiar long legs up to his belt buckle, over his tight t shirt that hugged all those bulging muscles, to that way too handsome face.
Donnie was at Mae's.
And he was smiling at her.
Her heart did a crazy little flip flop.
So she hadn't scared him off after all… Her first emotion was relief, followed by a nervous energy that set her blood zinging. She gave him a tentative smile and went back to picking up the broken pieces of porcelain. She hurried behind the counter and washed her hands, trying to buy time to think, to calm down, to erase the bright pink that was suddenly tinting her cheeks.
He was sitting at the counter pretending to look at a menu when she turned around. He was definitely not looking at the menu though. He was looking at her. He gave her a lopsided grin when she caught him staring.
"Hi Sally."
Her mouth was dry as she walked over to him.
"Hi Donnie. So, um, what can I get you?"
Oh god, she sounded like a stupid teenager! What was happening to her? It's like her brain shut off when he was around. Or at least, her IQ dropped a few points.
More than a few.
He was smiling at her like she was a genius though. Huh.
"What's good? Other than you, I mean."
She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Was he flirting with her? He was. He definitely was. Duh. The trouble was, she'd forgotten how to flirt back.
"The special is a reuben sandwich."
He made a face.
"Too messy. Besides, I don't want bad breath. Do you have any soup?"
She nodded slowly. He didn't want bad breath. That meant he wanted to kiss her, right?
"Chicken noodle or lentil."
He smiled as if he were genuinely excited.
"I love chicken noodle!"
She almost rolled her eyes at how ridiculous he was being. She ladled out some soup and busied herself with the other customers while he ate it. She snuck a few glances at him. Donnie was eating his soup verrrry slowly.
She almost laughed. He was about as subtle as a mack truck. The diner was starting to empty out when he was finally done. She came over to take his bowl.
"Can I get you anything else Donnie?"
He pulled out the menu again and started looking at it with exaggerated interest. This time she did laugh. He frowned at her, pretending to be annoyed.
"Yes. I will have…"
He slammed the menu shut.
"More soup."
She shook her head and took his bowl away, replacing it with a fresh bowl of soup. This time she gave him extra crackers. His eyes twinkled as he accepted them from her.
The man was ridiculous!
He was adorable.
She started cleaning up the diner since there were only a few customers left by now. Mae had left after the dinner crowd thinned out, as usual. She liked to be there to tuck her grandkids in whenever possible. There was only a half hour left until closing. Sally checked the salt and pepper and sugar shakers, and pulled any ketchup bottles that were running low. Normally she set up at a booth and refilled everything but this time she brought them to the counter.
It felt like a bold move considering how jumpy he was making her.
But this time it was jumpy in a good way.
Every time she glanced up from restocking the table condiments he was eating his soup. No, he was savoring it. But each time she bent her head again, she felt his eyes on her. In fact, she could actually feel heat where his gaze touched her skin. Her neck… her ear… her cheek...
Her heart was going fast by the time she finished
and started carrying things back to the tables.
Donnie leapt up to help her.
"I can do that."
"Does that mean you are actually finished with your soup?"
"Well, there are at least three or four bites left…"
She was giggling as they carried the bottles and shakers to the tables together. She was nearly ready to close up. There was just one thing. His bowl.
She walked over to the front and flipped the 'open' sign to 'closed.' Charlie poked his head out of the back and hollered.
"You about ready to go girl?"
She took a deep breath. She could ask Charlie to wait until Donnie left. But she didn't want to. She knew she was safe with him. It would be okay. She repeated it to herself a few times.
Everything was okay.
"No that's okay Charlie, you go home."
The door jingled as Charlie let himself out. She sighed and reached for the broom. She swept up quickly and then came back to the register to close it out. Donnie was staring at her with a serious expression on his face, his spoon still in his hand. He set it down and pushed the bowl away.
"I didn't mean to keep you late."
"It's okay. I'm almost done."
She reached for his bowl and he grabbed her hand.
"Sally-"
She froze, staring at his hand where it clasped hers. His hand was so big. He could kill her with that hand. He could do it without even trying. She raised her eyes to his, half expecting to see anger, or lust. But his clear blue eyes were earnest and kind.
She blinked. No one had looked at her that way in a long time. But that was how they got you, she reminded herself. Carl had started out sweet too. So full of compliments and flattery. Always opening doors. Always helping her with her coat and guitar.
She looked away and the spell was broken. She pulled her hand loose and he let her go. Poor Donnie probably thought she was a freak. She took his bowl and spoon and disappeared into the kitchen. She stayed there for a few minutes, until the tears that were hovering behind her eyes finally retreated.
When she came outside he was gone, and a twenty dollar bill sat on the counter. That was quite a tip for two bowls of soup. He was being a gentleman she knew. He wasn't full of empty flattery. Maybe he really was different. Pretty soon he'd give up and go away. That was better for everyone right?
"Stupid. Why am I so stupid?"
**********
Donnie was leaning on his bike, hoping she wouldn't freak out when she saw him waiting in the parking lot. He was finally figuring out that Sally wasn't afraid of him. She was afraid of something else. He didn't care though. He was going to figure out what it was that was making her so jumpy.
And then he'd kill it.
He straightened up and smiled reassuringly when she came out of the diner. She locked up and turned, freezing when she saw him. Then she smiled.
Thank God.
"I thought I'd give you a ride."
Sally chewed on her lip for a minute, driving him absolutely insane.
"Not tonight okay Donnie? I just want to walk, I could really use the air."
He shrugged.
"I'll walk you home then."
"You don't have to do that."
She walked out of the parking lot and onto the sidewalk. He jogged a bit to catch up, flashing her a megawatt smile. She gave him an exasperated look. She was so cute it he could barely stand it. He was glad she'd left that ratty old sweater at home.
"Are you following me Donnie?"
"Escorting you darlin'. Big difference."
She rolled her eyes and turned her head away, but not before he caught her smile. He had a big shit eating grin on his face as he followed her home like a puppy dog. He knew he was being ridiculous. But for some reason he just didn't care.
"Aren't you afraid to leave your bike?"
"Nobody would mess with a Spawn's ride in this town."
She didn't say anything for the next block or two. He didn't mind. He just liked looking at her. Finally they walked up to her tiny house. It was old and decrepit, but she'd planted some pretty roses in front. He followed her to the front stoop.
"This is me."
"I know. I drove you home remember?"
"Oh. Right, of course."
He leaned on the side of the house and smiled at her. He was going to get a kiss no matter how hard she made it for him. He had to know if she would feel as good as he thought she would.
Her eyes grew wide as he pulled her toward him. He lifted her chin and stared into those huge hazel eyes. Then she sighed and her eyes fluttered shut. That was the sign! The green light!
He couldn't wait. He kissed her like his life depended on it. Hell, maybe it did.
Her lips were so damn soft! He moaned as he angled his lips over hers. He nudged her lips apart and magically, she opened them for him. She felt so damn good in his arms as he used his tongue to tangle with hers.
Kapow! Jesus, the girl could kiss. It started slow but then they were kissing each other madly, his hands roaming down her back, her hands sliding down under his shoulders and gripping his waist.
Oh god.
Twenty minutes must have passed by the time he was stroking her sides, sneaking his hands forward to caress her breasts. She made a little mewling squeal of protest.
Damn it. What was the problem?
Oh crap. They were still outside.
With an effort he tore his mouth from hers and stared in shock into her eyes. She looked as surprised as he did by the passion of their kiss. He'd never kissed anyone like that in his life. Not even close. She wasn't looking at him though, she was checking the street. For what?
Was she afraid of the neighbors seeing them? Inviting him in would take care of that pretty easily. He had never wanted anything so badly as to be invited inside. Even if he was able to restrain the urge to take all her clothes off and bury himself in her. He just wanted to keep kissing her dammit!
But she was about to bolt again. He could see it a split second before she pulled away.
"Sally-"
She had her keys out and was unlocking a series of what looked like four or five deadbolts. That was weird. She glanced over her shoulder at him, barely making eye contact.
"I have to go- I... Good night Donnie."
Then she was inside. Gone, just like that. He stood aside her house, breathing heavily. The lights came on inside and he snapped out of it, pushing away and walking away from her house. Then he was trotting, then running.
He needed to get his bike and ride home.
He needed a God Damn cold shower.
**********
Sally leaned against the door and put her hand over her mouth. She could still feel him there. Oh god- she could still feel him everywhere. She was hot and cold all over. She moaned, realizing how close she'd come to letting him into her bed.
No, not letting. She'd been on the verge of dragging him into her bed and making him stay there. What the hell was wrong with her? She felt like a teenager. Not that she'd ever experienced lust like this before.
That's all it was. Lust.
She turned and slowly started throwing the locks. Her baseball bat was leaning in it's regular spot by the front door. The mace was hidden under her couch cushion. There were brass knuckles in the kitchen drawer. Basically, she had weapons stashed all over the damn house. She shook her head. She didn't need them anymore.
Carl wasn't going to find her. It had been a year. The trail must be cold by now. Maybe he'd given up. Maybe it would be safe to let Donnie come inside next time.
She sank onto the couch and stared into space, the image of Donnie's face coming towards hers stuck in her mind's eye. He'd looked so sensual, so intent. She lay down on the couch and hugged one of the ratty old pillows to her chest.
Damn but that boy could kiss.
5
Sally was curled into a ball, trying to protect her face. Huge fists were flying toward her, beating her, hurting her. She was so scar
ed. But she was also mad.
Leave me alone!
As soon as that thought came into her head, he seemed to sense it and redouble his efforts.
She took a hit to the side of her head, up against her ear. A ringing sound filled her head. Not her ears! She needed her ears! She felt herself sliding into unconsciousness but the hits kept coming. Her arms slid away from her face and she felt a hit land on her cheekbone.
Then darkness.
Sally woke up with a scream on her lips. She looked around her tiny house stupidly. She'd fallen asleep on the couch.
She got up slowly and did what she always did when she had the dream. She took the crowbar by her bed and walked through the house, checking every door and window. She looked under the bed, in the closets and into the basement.
And then she sat down with her guitar at the kitchen table and wrote a song. It was a pretty tune, full of heartbreak and hope. But it wasn't ever going to be a number one hit. She couldn't risk ever having anyone hear it at all. If she did that he would find her for sure. But it still soothed her to put her feelings into words and melody.
She was up the rest of the night, as usual. She cleaned the house and played her guitar a few more times. She even did her martial arts drills. Finally she gave in and made a pot of coffee in the old drip pot the landlord had left behind.
She could never sleep after one of those nightmares. No matter how many times she told herself it was a dream.
Just a dream.
But it wasn't really.
It was a memory.
**********
Donnie knew he looked ridiculous. A big guy on a bike with a huge bouquet of flowers tucked into the front of his jacket. He wiggled his nose as one of the flowers brushed his face.
God, he hoped nobody saw him.
Then again, he didn't really care. As long as he could get into Sally's house. Dear God, he wanted her to let him in. On more than one level. He wanted to get her into bed obviously. Desperately. The woman had some sort of magic spell on him so that all he could think about was touching her, kissing her, holding her… and more.
