Leather and Lace (Tempered Steel Book 2)

by Adams, Maggie

  With deceptive mildness, he said, “Do you really want to know what I think?”

  “Of course. That’s why we asked.” Dixie rolled her eyes.

  Sam stood up and rinsed out his coffee cup, then leaned against the counter. He looked at all the women seated there, letting his anger finally show. Their hopeful faces fell as his words slashed like a whip in the silent room. “I think I don’t want any part of this.”

  His gaze pinned Angel. He slowly looked her up and down, leaving everyone in the room with no doubt as to what he was referring.

  “Do you understand?” he sneered. “I don’t want any of it.” He walked out and let the screen door slam.

  “Samuel Coalson, get back here!” Ginny ran to the door.

  Angel wondered if she could ask Ginny for a paper bag. She was sure she was hyperventilating. It was one thing to catch Sam’s eye in a public place, but this, this was too intimate a setting. He seemed to dominate the room with his anger. Or maybe it was shrinking in size due to the fact that she felt faint.

  Chance was wrong. This definitely wasn’t the way to get Sam back.

  “Please, Mrs. Coalson. I think it would be best if I leave,” Tearfully, she gathered her notebook and purse. The tears fell but she didn’t wipe them away. Sam’s outburst had left her heart raw and bleeding. She wanted nothing more than to go home and lick her wounds. “Thank you for trying, but this was wrong. I should never have involved the family. I’m sorry.”

  Angel started for the door, but Ginny stopped her with an arm around her shoulder. “No, dear. I’m the one who’s sorry. Sam was always a bit stubborn. But as soon as I get him alone…,” she threatened.

  “I would appreciate it if you would act like this didn’t happen. We should never have backed him into a corner. I think we should all try to forget it.”

  “You’re not giving up, are you?” Dixie asked in concern as she came around the table to hug her. “He still cares for you. His reaction wouldn’t be nearly so violent if he was indifferent to you.”

  “Well, I’m not sure ‘care’ is the right word here. More likely, he wants to kill me.” Angel’s attempt at humor failed miserably. She took a deep breath. “But, I’m not giving up. I can’t. He holds my heart and I can’t find happiness without that, can I?” she tried to smile through her tears.

  Dixie gathered Angel close. Ginny looked on helplessly, but Dottie suddenly brightened. “You know, that boy knows all he has to do is crook his finger, and you’ll fall all over yourself to please him. Maybe what he needs is to find out how attractive you are to other men. Yes sir, he acts like he wants nothing to do with you now, but another man comes around, and I’d lay a dollar to a donut, he snatches you up quick as you please, and tells you his true feelings. I can almost guarantee it.”

  “What about Chance? He’d be happy to play Casanova for you. Nothing guarantees a quick turnaround than a man’s brother who wants a man’s girl,” Dixie surmised.

  Angel stared at Dixie in horror. Sometimes her mind was downright scary. “No! No! No! Not Chance! That would definitely send Sam away to never come back.”

  Dixie huffed. “Well, is there anyone else around here that isn’t afraid of Sam’s temper?”

  “I don’t know,” Angel began, but Dottie interrupted her. “Just leave everything to me. Frankie tells me there’s some lingerie supplier that’s been after you for months to have dinner with him.”

  “Bob? He’s just a friend.” Angel frowned.

  “Next time he asks, say yes. I’ll take care of the rest.” Dottie winked at her.

  “I appreciate the offer, but Sam’s already mad about this little scene. I don’t think we should push him.”

  “Push him?! Honey, we’re gonna knock him on his stubborn butt. Maybe then he will wake up and realize what he’s been missing all these years,” Dottie said as she hugged Angel.

  “He’s too old to whip his ass, but a mother has ways of dealing with obstinate sons.” Ginny grinned.

  She looked at the ladies gathered around her. They were nodding enthusiastically, and Dottie was rubbing her hands in devilish glee. How could she turn down such an offer? She stiffened her spine and nodded.

  “All right. I’ll do it.”

  Two days later, Bob Macintyre flew in from Chicago and once again asked Angel to have dinner. She agreed, and if he was nonplussed, well, he put up a good front for her. “Strictly business, Bob.”

  He smiled and held out his hand. “Strictly business. Talking lingerie with a beautiful woman is definitely better than watching reruns on a motel TV with a bag of fast food for company.” They shook hands and he left with a spring in his step. Angel immediately felt guilty.

  Angel called Dottie as soon as Bob left. “Excellent. I know that Mac has wanted to schedule something with the other men to discuss the fire situation. I’ll schedule dinner at the Brockton Mansion. If he asks why so fancy, I’ll tell him everything was booked. What time is Bob picking you up?”

  “Around seven this evening.”

  “Good. I’ll set their reservations for six forty-five. That way, he’ll be sure to be there.”

  “I don’t know. This seems so sneaky and manipulative. Maybe I should just lock myself in a room with him for a couple of days. He’d have to talk to me, wouldn’t he?”

  “If it was anyone but Sam, I’d say that was true. But that man is the most stubborn, hard-headed, narrow-minded…”

  “Hey, you’re talking about the man I love, remember?” Angel teased.

  “Speaking of which, he just walked in the door, so I’ll let you go. Good luck, honey.”

  *****

  Angel debated the wisdom of their plan the entire afternoon. At the very least, she felt she should tell Bob.

  “Why?” Frankie asked as she pulled boxes from the storage room in the basement. “He’s here on business; your business. He agreed to it. Besides, if you tell, he might act weird. You want this to look natural.”

  She hauled out the last of the boxes. “Well, lookee here. Did you know there’s a door behind all these boxes?” Frankie reached for the knob as she indicated the door in front of her. “Wonder where it goes to in the basement?” She threw Angel an evil grin. “Maybe Grandma Bea was into bootlegging and this is the secret room where she kept the hooch!”

  Angel laughed. “Don’t be absurd. Grandma Bea never took a drink in her life. It leads out to the cellar. I never use it except to store outdoor stuff. I use the outside cellar entrance for that. I’d forgotten it was there.”

  Frankie shook her head at Angel’s lack of imagination, and together they hauled the last of the boxes out of the storage basement and into the kitchen, the door forgotten.

  At five minutes to seven that evening, Angel was a nervous wreck. She eyed herself critically in the mirror. It had been a mistake to call Dixie over to help her pick something out. The simple navy sheath skimmed her body with a subtle emphasis on her breasts due to the notched neckline. Her blonde hair was flowing down her back in soft waves. Her eyes looked dark and mysterious thanks to Dixie’s cosmetic bag.

  She wriggled again, uncertain if this dress was exactly proper attire for a business dinner. The last thing she wanted was to send the wrong signal to the wrong man. She sighed. This was getting so complicated. Maybe she should call the whole thing off. But if Sam saw her with Bob and grew jealous …

  The doorbell rang. She gave up second guessing and went to answer it.

  The gleam in Bob’s eyes as he escorted her to the car made her feel the extra care she had taken with her appearance was worth it. She wished Sam would look at her that way. With Sam, she’d settle for just plain looking ‘at her’ instead of ‘through her’.

  The restaurant was crowded. They waited at the bar for a few minutes. Angel glanced around, but she didn’t see any of the Coalson brothers. Since the place really was an old mansion, there was dining available in several rooms. Wouldn’t it be ironic if, after all this trouble, they were seated in a different
part of the house away from Sam?

  After requesting a white wine, they were shown to their table. As Angel rounded the corner of the bar, she saw Sam. He was seated with his brothers at a corner table. She felt Sam’s gaze on her. She faltered a step, but pride and determination kept her going on.

  Perhaps, it would have been better to be in a different area of the restaurant she decided as they were seated directly across from the Coalsons. Opting not to have Sam staring daggers at her all evening, she chose to sit with her back to him. Hopefully, Bob wouldn’t notice.

  “So, Angel, why did you decide to have dinner with me tonight? Don’t get me wrong. I’m delighted. I’m just curious.”

  Angel looked at his earnest face. He was a handsome man with a slim build and dark hair, slightly graying at the temples. She pegged his age at mid-forties. He was always a gentleman to her and Frankie, even helping to move boxes and mannequins to the basement. She liked him immensely in that “friends only” way and felt bad about deceiving him. She put her hands on the table and decided to confess all. Before she could, he forestalled her.

  “The reason wouldn’t have anything to do with the man sitting directly behind you who looks ready to kill me, would it?” He smiled and took a sip of wine.

  Angel was completely embarrassed. Well, now, she was definitely going to tell all. So much for Dottie’s great plan. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I’m sorry, Bob. I never meant to deceive you – no, that’s not true. I told you it was a business dinner, but I really wanted to …” she trailed off, ashamed of her conduct.

  “Make old stone face over there, jealous?” Bob finished for her with a grin. “Personally, I think I’m better looking. So, let’s dance and you can make him simmer in his own jealousy, and I’ll get to hold you in my arms.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Just between you and me, I think I’m getting the better deal.” He winked at her.

  “Why are you doing this?” Angel whispered as Bob drew her up and headed for the dance floor.

  “Maybe because the man’s a fool and deserves what he gets for not grabbing you up when he could have. And this is definitely better than spending another night watching Seinfeld reruns,” he murmured as he pulled her close. He whispered in her ear. “And maybe, I was once a jerk like that and lost someone as precious as you. I hope he will wise up and treat you right.”

  Angel stared at his tie. “Thank you, Bob. For everything.” She smiled up at him.

  “Then again, maybe he’ll continue to be an ass and you’ll decide I’m the better bet.” He pulled her closer and she stiffened.

  “I’m joking,” he whispered. “He’s looking over here. Let’s give him something to think about.” He twirled her around the dance floor until she was out of breath and laughing.

  Angel noticed that Sam did nothing but sit and stew.

  After a surprisingly enjoyable evening, Bob lead her out into the night and drove the few miles back to town. “I hope our little dinner date helped. Feel free to call on me as a standin anytime. I enjoyed it.”

  Angel smiled back at him. “I believe that this was my first and last attempt at making Sam jealous. You saw him. He didn’t so much as move a muscle while I, on the other hand, danced the night away.” She looked out the window. “I think I’m deluding myself. He’s not going to forgive me.”

  “If you want to talk about it …” he began, then glanced in his rearview mirror. He gave a low whistle. “Well, I don’t know about forgiving, but he definitely moved a muscle. I think that’s him coming up behind us now.”

  Angel glanced out the back window. “Well, what do you know? It is him. I’d recognize that Harley anywhere.” Not to mention the powerful build of the man riding it. She easily remembered how it felt to be on the back of that powerful machine. How the smell of Sam’s leather jacket and the smoothness of it under her hands, still made her tremble with repressed desire. They had roared down the River Road, happy and carefree in their young love.

  With a growl, the Harley passed them in a blur. Bob chortled. “If he’s not careful, he’s going to get a ticket. He’s driving like he’s being pursued by demons.” He glanced at her. “Maybe not demons but the little green monster called ‘jealousy’.”

  “I do believe you’re right, Bob.”

  He dropped her off at her door, refusing her offer of coffee. “He’s out here somewhere. We want to make him jealous, not murderous,” Bob smiled.

  Angel watched Bob drive away into the night. She thought again about what a nice man he was. Maybe Frankie would be interested.

  A soft growl rent the quiet street, growing increasingly louder. Angel smiled as she turned on the lamp by the window. Seconds later, she saw Sam drive down the street, pausing at her house. She couldn’t resist. She blew him a kiss.

  Her cell phone pinged.

  I’m coming in.

  Excitement rushed through her. This was what she wanted. Tonight she would make him listen. She opened the door as he opened the gate, then turned her back on him and headed for the stairs and her personal quarters.

  Sam jerked her round, his fingers sliding through her hair to pull her closer to his invading lips. She sighed at the sensual pleasure-pain that only he could give her. He slammed his mouth onto her. He thrust his tongue in and attacked her like he had been waiting forever for another taste of her. Her tongue dueled with his and their teeth clashed.

  Mine. She is mine.

  Sam’s mind repeated again the possessive words as he shoved her against the wall, lifting her legs and encircling his waist, the heels digging into his lower back. He welcomed the pain. It put him one step closer to thrusting into her. He felt her heat against his jeans, the thin silk of her panties deterring his impatient fingers.

  “I don’t like panties.” he growled as he grasped them. With a twist, they tore away, leaving her open to his questing fingers. “You will never wear them again.”

  “Well, not that pair anyway,” she murmured. She gasped as his thumb circled her clit.

  “Not any pair, baby.” He thrust a finger in her slickness. “This is mine. I like it uncovered.” Sam thrust another finger into her tightness as he flicked her swollen nub. She exploded in his arms, pumping her pelvis against his hand as she climaxed.

  She vaguely heard her home phone ringing, but then Sam unfastened his jeans, pulling his briefs down, and she lost all thoughts in her head. He was beautiful. She reached out to caress him, loving the feel of such hardness encased in velvet skin. She swiped at the pre-cum on the head, bringing it to her lips, remembering his taste from long ago.

  “Hey, sweetie. Just calling to check on you. You’re not answering your cell.” Frankie’s voice came across the answering machine, and Angel came out of her sensual haze in a snap. “How did the date go? Did you have Sam shaking with jealousy? I can’t wait to hear all the details. Call me!”

  Angel looked at Sam. She saw the anger and loathing spread across his handsome face. “Sam,” she beseeched, struggling to cling to him as he pulled her legs from around his waist. She stumbled slightly as she slid down the wall, her dress still rucked up about her hips and the lower half of her body still exposed. She caught him staring at her and reached for him. He slapped her hand away.

  “This was a set up? It wasn’t enough, what you did that day at the courthouse? You had to try humiliating me again? I guess you are your father’s daughter.”

  Angel reacted as if he’d slapped her. She crumpled into a ball of misery.

  “Don’t you have any self-respect at all?” he mumbled as he pulled his jeans up and fastened the button.

  “Get up! You need to be up early in the morning to tell all the gossips about how you got poor old Sam panting after you again.” He hauled her up against the wall again, his hand going around her throat. “My dick might not have any sense, but my brain does. So you want to fuck, give me a call. Otherwise, leave me the hell alone.”

  He turned and opened the door. “And you better not be wearing panties when you
call.” He stomped through the gate, slammed the bike into gear and roared off into the night.

  Angel stared at the closed door, trying to stop her tears. Dammit! He was so close. He wants me, I know it. He still has feelings for me. Why did Frankie have to call?

  Angel took off her heels and started up the stairs, swiping at her tears.

  He thinks he can order me not to wear panties. He says I have no self-respect. He only wants to fuck me. He says my body is his. He wants me to call him, without panties on…Angel hiccupped and thought about that statement. He wants me to call him….He said his dick doesn’t have any sense……He said to leave him alone…..He wants me to call him…..

  Angel smiled as the realization hit. He was talking about himself. He wants me; he has no self-respect; his dick – his heart; his brain – his stubborn nature; no panties – my body is his; call me – don’t give up on me.

  She ran up the stairs and threw herself on her bed. But what if she was wrong? Just reading what she wanted into his words? She turned and grabbed the teddy bear Sam had won for her so long ago, from its special place on the nightstand. She stared at her picture of Sam, sitting next to it. I love you, Sam. I need to know if we can mend this or if I’m destined to be alone.

  Well, there was only one way to find out, she surmised as she hopped off the bed. She undressed quickly, then got into bed. Sam’s cologne still clung to her skin. She was about to take the biggest gamble of her life, but if she won, she was going to be with the man she loved. If she lost, she’d know that Sam Coalson didn’t want her in his life. It was time to pull out the big guns.

  Chapter Four

  Two weeks. Two goddamn weeks since that dinner at the Brockton, and he had no idea if Angel was with that douchebag McIntyre. He had no priors, good credit, nothing out of the ordinary, but as far as Sam was concerned, he was a dead man walking if he so much as laid a hand on his Angel. Sam may have retired, but he had enough friends still in the SEALS to keep tabs on good ol’ Bob.