by Wilder, L.
“Does that mean you’d go out with him? You know … if it wasn’t for the job and for him being Glady’s grandson?”
“Umm, noooo,” she answered with hesitation. I can’t begin to describe my relief when she said, “Country is a good guy and all, but he’s not my type.”
Chapter 4
Marlowe
When Rafe showed up to fix the cooler, it had taken all the courage I could muster not to act like a total spaz and hide out in the office while he was there. I was determined to ignore my insecurities and have a normal conversation with him. It wasn’t easy. Just being close to him brought butterflies to my stomach. I couldn’t even think straight. My mind would go completely blank, and I couldn’t speak. I would just stand there and stare at him like a hormonal teen with her first crush. It was embarrassing beyond belief, but I just couldn’t help myself.
There was something about the way his broad shoulders filled out his leather jacket and his thick, muscular thighs pressed against the denim of his jeans that exuded strength. The second he would walk into the room I’d feel this overwhelming need to cower away and hide. I guess I could say he made me nervous, but not in a fearful way—in a way that had my fingers itching to rake through his dark shaggy hair, my mouth longing to feel his lips against mine, and my entire body humming with need. It also didn’t help matters his beautiful green eyes followed my every move. Rafe might’ve had a pretty boy face and a charming smile, but he was a bad boy all the same. I could see it in the way he talked, the way he walked, and the way his very presence demanded attention—my attention. There was no denying I was attracted to him, but since I’d never spoken more than two words to him, I had no idea what he thought about me.
I hoped that would change if I actually got the nerve to really talk to him, and so far, I was right. Rafe and I were actually hitting it off. So much so, I think Rafe was actually flirting with me, especially when he asked, “So, what is your type?”
I was tempted to tell him to go take a look in the mirror, but unfortunately, I wasn’t brave enough to say anything so forward. “Not sure I really have a type.”
“What about your last boyfriend?” One corner of his mouth lifted into a sexy smirk. “What was he like?”
“He was just an average guy,” I lied. I hadn’t ever really had a boyfriend—not back at home or here in Tennessee. I knew better than to try and date back in San Antonio. If I ever showed the slightest interest in anyone, Kate would make it her mission to claim him before I ever had a shot. It was like that with everything. From toys to friends, Kate simply couldn’t stand the idea of me having something even remotely better than her, so she’d just take it, giving no regard to how it made me feel. After losing one too many friends, I finally gave up and quit trying to have anything of my own. Looking back now, I was starting to think that was a big mistake. I had no idea how to answer Rafe without sounding like a pitiful mess. “Nothing really stands out about him.”
“Probably why it didn’t last.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
He started to reattach the back cover on the cooler, signaling he had finished replacing the part. I was enjoying our conversation and wasn’t ready for it to end, but unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about it. Rafe stood, then pushed the cooler back against the wall. “You mind throwing the breaker so I can see if she’s up and running?”
“Sure.” I rushed around the corner and flipped the breaker. “Did she turn on?”
“Yep!” When I walked back into the bar, Rafe was smiling wide. “Looks like she’s working fine.”
“Great. Gladys will be relieved for sure.”
“I’m sure she will.” Rafe quickly gathered his things and said, “Well, I guess I better get out of here so you can head home.”
“Okay.” Trying my best to hide my disappoint, I told him, “Thanks for coming by here so late and fixing this for us. It was very thoughtful of you.”
“Anything for Gladys.” His green eyes met mine. “Besides, the company was great.”
He gave me a wink, then unlocked the front door and walked out to his bike. While I was sad Rafe was leaving, I’d had a wonderful time hanging out with him, and it was impossible not to smile as I rushed to the back to grab my things. I wanted to stop for a moment, go over our entire conversation in my head, but I didn’t have time. It was late, and with my car being stuck at the shop, I’d have to run down a cab. That wouldn’t be easy. Most of the bars and restaurants in the area had already closed or were about to, so cabs would be sparse.
After I grabbed my bag, I checked the back doors to make sure they were locked, then turned out the lights and headed out front. I’d just stepped out the front door when I spotted Rafe sitting on his motorcycle right outside the bar. “Hey, I thought you’d already gone.”
“Didn’t want to leave until I knew you’d made it back to your car okay.” He glanced around the empty parking lot as he asked, “Where is it anyway?”
“It’s in the shop.” I quickly locked the door, then shoved the keys into my pocket. As I walked over to him, my heart was beating so hard I feared he might hear it. “I’ve gotta grab a cab.”
“I’ll take you home.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” I suddenly became very nervous. It was one thing to talk to him while he worked on the cooler but having him take me home was something else altogether. I quickly looked around at the empty streets, hoping to catch sight of a cab, but there were none to be found. “I can—”
“I’m taking you home, Marlowe.” Rafe’s tone was short and demanding, leaving little room for argument. He reached into his saddlebag and grabbed a spare helmet, then offered it to me. “You’ll need this.”
I stood there for a moment, wondering if I should insist on getting a cab, but I could tell by the determined look in Rafe’s eyes, I’d just be wasting my breath. I took the helmet, and once I had it on, I climbed on behind him. As he started the engine, he turned to me and asked, “Where to?”
“I live over at the Oakfield Apartments on West Central.”
“Got it.”
Just before he took off, I placed my hands on his hips and said, “Take it easy. I’ve never ridden before.”
“Don’t worry. You’re safe with me.”
Before I had a chance to brace myself, he whipped out of the parking lot and started towards my place. I’d lived in Nashville for over a year, driven down the same roads we were riding on a hundred times, but everything seemed completely different being on the back of his bike. It was almost like we were in a completely different city. I’d never felt such a rush as I did nestled up behind him, crossing street after street, and I didn’t want the moment to end. Unfortunately, I only lived a few blocks away, and the ride ended as quickly as it began.
He pulled through the old security gates, then looked over his shoulder and asked, “Which one is yours?”
“First on the left.”
He nodded, then pulled up to the first empty parking space and killed the engine. I eased off the back of his bike and removed the helmet he’d given me. As I offered it back to him, I smiled and said, “Thank you for bringing me home like this. I really appreciate it.”
“Don’t mention it.” His sexy little smile sent a shiver down my spine, making it difficult to think. I was so out of it that I almost missed him ask, “How long is your car going to be in the shop?”
“That’s the question of the hour. I’ve called three times, but I can’t seem to get a direct answer from the mechanic.” I rolled my eyes as I complained, “I think he’s giving me the run around because I’m a woman.”
“Where’d ya take it?”
“Mike’s Salvage and Repair.”
Rafe nodded like he knew the place. “I’ll give them a call in the morning and see what I can find out.”
“Thanks. I’d really appreciate it.”
“How you planning to get to work in the morning?”
“I haven’t really p
ut much thought into it.” I gave him a light shrug. “I guess I’ll just catch a cab or something.”
“No need.” He shook his head. “I’ll be back in the morning to pick you up around ten.”
“You really don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.”
His response brought a smile to my face. “Okay, then. I’ll see you around ten.”
“Sounds good.”
I turned and was about to rush upstairs when I felt Rafe’s hand on my forearm, pulling me back over to him. I was just inches from his face when his hand dropped to my ass and he pulled me even closer. Rafe’s mouth hovered over mine, his eyes darting from my eyes to my lips as he muttered, “You know, you never asked me about my type.”
“Your type?” I thought for a moment, then asked, “You mean your type of woman?”
“I certainly don’t mean my type of guy.”
“Well, in that case, you’re right. I didn’t ask.” His eyes were trained on mine as I teased. “So, do hot, bad-boy bikers like yourself even have a type?”
“Absolutely.”
“Ooo-kay.” A playful smirk slipped across my lips as I asked, “Then, what’s yours?”
“I’m looking at her.”
He slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer, and every single nerve in my body came alive as I watched him slowly dip down and lower his mouth to mine. The man who’d invaded my dreams for months kissed me long and hard, making my entire body hum with a need like I’d never experienced before. This kiss was filled with a passion that ignited feelings inside me I never even knew existed—a primal desire that lived deep within. Feeling brazen, I let my fingers trail along the curves of his ever-so-defined chest and relished in the sensation of having him so close. His arms wound tight around me, inching me even closer as his tongue found its way into my mouth. I was holding on by a thread, and just as I was becoming completely lost in his touch, he pulled back, quickly breaking our embrace. His green eyes danced with lust as they locked on mine.
He lifted his hand up to my mouth, gently brushing the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip and said, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
I was too stunned to respond. I simply nodded like a startled deer, then rushed up the steps and into my apartment. Unable to stop the storm of thoughts rushing through my head, I leaned back against the door and slid down until my butt hit the floor. I simply couldn’t believe it. I’d known Rafe for over a year, and in all that time, I’d barely spoken to him. He was the kind of man mothers warned their daughters about, but that only made me want him more. Fearing he’d never be interested in a girl like me, I kept my distance and simply admired his hotness from afar. Something told me that was all about to change—especially if Rafe had anything to say about it.
Chapter 5
Rafe
“Gran finally took my advice and sold Crockett’s,” Country announced before taking a bite of his chicken biscuit. His mouth was full as he continued, “Got a pretty penny for it too.”
“Seriously?” I couldn’t believe it. Gladys was always telling folks how her husband had bought Crockett’s when they’d first gotten married, and how hard the both of them had worked to keep it up and going. She’d always been extremely proud of the place, so it was a shock to hear she was closing the place down. “I didn’t realize she was serious about selling. Thought it was just talk.”
“Yeah, I think it’s been a long time coming.” Country shoved the last bite of biscuit into his mouth as he told me, “She’s just too old for this shit, brother. All the long hours and crap falling apart has finally gotten to her. She got an offer she couldn’t refuse and took it.”
“Damn. And you weren’t interested in taking over the place?”
“Fuck, no. That place is going to hell in a handbasket.” Country shook his head with a grumble. “There’s always something breaking down or a debt some asshole hasn’t paid. I don’t have the time or the desire to deal with that kind of bullshit. As far as I’m concerned, she did the right thing by selling.”
“So, that’s it.”
“Reckon so.” Country took a drink of his coffee before saying, “Gran’s planning to sign the papers later today, and if all goes well, she’ll be closed by the end of week.”
“What about her apartment? Will she have to move?”
“Yeah, but she’s got some time to find a place. Won’t have to move until the end of the month or so.”
My mind drifted to earlier that morning when I’d dropped Marlowe off for work. Country was right. The place was just an old hole-in-the-wall bar with no real prospects for any kind of promotion, but I’d always liked the place. And from what I could tell, Marlowe did too. The way she’d talked the night before, it was pretty clear she really liked working there, and if I had to guess, I’d say she wouldn’t be happy about having to find another job. “What about Marlowe? Does she know Gladys is shutting down?”
“I’m sure Gran mentioned something to her.”
“So, you got any idea what she’s gonna do?”
“Can’t say that I do.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “But she’s a smart girl. I’m sure she’ll figure out something.”
“I get that, but damn, seems like Glady is putting her in a tough spot.”
“Maybe so.” Country turned to look at me with furrowed brows. “But why are you so worried about it anyway? You barely know the girl.”
“I know her well enough.”
“Umm-hmm.” He gave me a condescending glance as he scoffed, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a thing for her.”
I thought about the time I’d spent with Marlowe the night before, and there was no denying it. Country was right. I was interested in her. In fact, I was very interested, and if the kiss we shared was any indication, I’d say she was too. I just hadn’t figured out what I was going to do about it. Something told me Marlowe wasn’t the hit-it-and-quit-it type, and I wasn’t sure I was up for anything more. I also had to contend with Country and wasn’t sure how he’d feel about my making a play for Marlowe, so I asked, “And what if I am?”
“I done told ya, brother.” He patted me on the back like he was trying to console my broken heart. “The chick doesn’t do dicks.”
“Hate to break it to you, but you’re wrong about that.” I stood up and looked down at him with a knowing smile. “Bad wrong.”
Before he could ask me what the hell I was talking about, I turned and walked out of the kitchen. I’d just started down the hall when Lynch called out to me. “Yo, Rafe! You got a minute?”
“Yeah.” I continued in his direction. “What’s up?”
“Wanted to see if you could cover my shift at Stilettos tonight. Stacey passed her final, so I thought I’d take her out to celebrate.”
“Yeah, I could do that.”
Appreciate it, brother.” Lynch gave me a slap on the forearm. “I’ll return the favor.”
“I’m sure you will.”
I gave him a nod, then continued towards the parking lot. As I walked out the back door and over to my bike, I had no idea where the hell I was going. It was too early to head to Stilettos, but I needed some fucking air and to clear my head. My conversation with Country had gotten to me more than I’d realized. Fuck. My head was reeling as I whipped in and out of traffic. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand why Gladys was closing Crockett’s. Hell, if I were in her shoes, I would’ve done it years ago, but I couldn’t shake my concern over Marlowe. It wasn’t only because she’d be out of a job, that in itself was bad enough, but the fact she lived here in Nashville without any family or close friends only intensified my unease and that had me driving over to Crockett’s.
When I entered, Gladys was behind the bar, talking to some guy who looked like one of those lawyer types in his black suit and slicked-back hair. I assumed he was there to finalize the deal, so I decided not to disturb them. Instead, I continued to the back in hopes of finding Marlowe. When I walked in, I found her busy washing d
ishes. Her long hair was pulled up, and she was wearing jeans that clung to her ass in all the right ways. I thought she hadn’t noticed I’d entered the room until she glanced over her shoulder and said, “I thought you were going to the clubhouse.”
“I did, but I thought I’d come by to see how you were doing.”
“Oh.” She turned off the water and tossed her rag in the sink. “I take it you heard the news about Gladys selling the bar.”
I nodded. “Country mentioned something about it.”
“Well, it’s sweet of you to come by and check on me, but I’m fine.” I could tell by Marlowe’s tone she was worried, but she continued with her brave front and smiled. “I knew it was coming. Gladys has been talking about closing down for months now.”
“How do you feel about it?”
“I won’t lie. I’m kind of bummed about the thought of not being here with Gladys and our regulars. They’ve come to mean a lot to me. I’m really going to miss them.” I could hear the sadness in her voice as she spoke, and it was digging at me. I wanted to do something, say something, anything that would make her feel better, but I had no idea what. She gave me a light shrug and continued, “And I’m not exactly thrilled about having to find another job.”
“You got any idea what you’re gonna do?”
“Not yet, but I’ve been checking around.” Marlowe was doing everything she could to avoid eye contact with me, leaving no doubt she was more upset than she was letting on. “I’ll figure something out. Besides, Gladys will give me a great reference, and even if I don’t find a job right away, I’ll still be okay. I have some money saved up, and my rent is paid for the month.”
“You could always come work at Stilettos.”
“Ha! Me as a stripper?” She gasped. “Nooo! I don’t think so.”
