by Shauna Allen
I got home at a quarter ‘til ten, but I sat in the parking lot texting her and wishing, more than anything, that I could go back to her. But that was not in my cards. The day I lost this damn ankle monitor couldn’t come soon enough.
After I promised her anything she wanted, I slid in the front door with a relieved breath.
“Hey, dude. What’s up?” Micah had his feet propped on the coffee table, a baseball game muted on the TV, a bowl of ice cream in his hand.
“You finally coming over to the dark side?” I smirked and plopped next to him, eyeing his dessert.
He scooped up a big bite. “No, but all things in moderation are okay. Plus, it’s got fruit in it. See?” He tilted his spoon so I could see the strawberries.
I grinned and laid my head on the back of the couch.
“Good night?”
I rolled my head to face him. “Yeah. It was pretty fucking spectacular.”
“Care to share?”
Did I? Micah was a great friend and I knew he would never blab about my personal business. Still, it felt a little weird and well, girly, to be talking about it.
“Let me guess,” he said with a smirk. “It has to do with a woman. More specifically, Rachel. Am I warm?”
“Yeah.”
“Things are going well, I take it.”
I faced the ceiling and recalled the way her skin felt under my hands, the scent of her hair, the way she looked at me as we came together. “You’d be right. She’s pretty special.”
He nodded and scraped the bottom of his bowl, saying nothing more, as was his nature. I stood with a yawn. “Guess I’ll go to bed.”
“’Night.”
I padded to my room and closed the door. I glanced at my phone out of habit, but there were no new messages. I rolled my eyes, knowing I was acting like a teenaged girl. I purposely silenced the phone, got ready for bed, and fought for sleep, all while visions of my redheaded goddess taunted me.
Thursday and Friday drug by. Usually, I thrived, the most comfortable in my own skin when I could focus my energy on bikes and engines . . . things I could control; understand. Not anymore. Now, my world was a topsy-turvy place where I lived and breathed for Rachel and when I could talk to her, flirt with her, touch her again.
She’d worked late on Thursday so we didn’t get to see each other, which I have to admit, bummed me out. I wanted to look into her eyes and know for myself that we were all right after making love. We may not have been on the same page, but I sure wanted to know we were in the same book.
Instead, we’d talked on the phone long into the night about silly stuff like our favorite junk foods (she’s a lightweight by my standards), music, dead presidents (yes, I’m serious), and even homeopathic cures for the common cold. Even for all my reading, she had me on that one. I’d never heard of some African plant called Pelargonium sidoides that she swore by, while I was all for good ol’ fashioned chicken noodle soup and Vitamin C. We also touched on the work I’d finished up on Jeff Riley’s bike and my plans for the Indian, though I’m pretty sure it just went in one ear and out the other. She was definitely not mechanically inclined. But we’d yet to delve any deeper into what happened between us, other than some sexy flirting and innuendo.
When Friday finally rolled around, we agreed she’d meet me at the apartment so there wouldn’t be any worry about me getting home on time. I secretly hoped we’d have some alone time to explore this new part of our relationship, preferably without clothes, but I wasn’t sure how she’d feel with Micah just down the hall.
“Hey, stranger,” she said when I opened the door. “How’s my man?”
I returned her grin and yanked her into a giant bear hug, letting myself get a reassuring whiff of her skin. Lemons and berries tonight . . . good enough to eat. “Better now.”
She leaned into me and kissed me with all the passion I remembered. How long could it be like this between us? So desperate, it felt like we were going to fall off the end of the world.
“Jeez. Get a room, you two.”
I groaned and drew back at Micah’s words. “Go away,” I growled.
Rachel laughed and stepped away from me and into the apartment. “Hey, Micah. How are you?”
“Good. Just heading out to the gym, actually.” He grabbed his gym bag and keys. “Y’all have a good night.” Sidestepping Rachel, he winked at me. “See ya later.”
“Bye,” Rachel sing-songed as he made his way out and closed the door. Then she turned her megawatt smile on me. “Alone at last.”
I studied her closely as she sauntered back to me. I saw no uncertainty in her eyes. No regret. Only openness and desire and something that looked dangerously close to what I was feeling for her. She tucked into my arms like she’d been carved right out of my body and rested her head against my chest. “How can I possibly miss you so much after only two measly days?”
“I don’t know, but if it’s anything like I’ve missed you, we’re a hopeless case.”
She grinned up at me as her hands wandered under my shirt and teased my waistband. “So . . .”
“So . . .”
She nipped my lips and caressed my bare back. “So . . .” Another kiss just beneath my ear.
“Keep that up and we won’t make it to our date. Again.” I groaned as her tongue flicked against my pulse.
“I don’t mind.” Her words were muffled against my skin and I felt her smile.
I set her away from me with my hands on her upper arms. “I do. As much as I want to make love to you again, I’m determined to take you out on a proper date at least once. Okay?”
Her smile lit up the room. “Okay. But no promises I’ll behave afterwards.”
“Deal.”
I led her out the door and locked up behind us, then walked her out to my ’70 Dodge Charger. Her eyes widened. “You have a car?”
I unlocked it and helped her in. “Yeah. I usually ride my bike, but I do have a car for when the weather’s bad or special occasions. Like tonight.”
She caressed the leather seat. “It’s nice.”
“It was my dad’s. Blake helped me restore it when I got out of prison so I’d have wheels. I’m pretty proud of her.”
“Another skill in your arsenal.”
I shook my head with a half-smile and closed her door to circle to my side.
Wanting tonight to be special and, okay, to impress Rachel, I drove the few miles to the coast and took her to a snazzy, upscale seafood place I’d heard about. Her eyes lit when we pulled up and I found myself wanting to get that reaction from her with everything I did.
I rounded the car and helped her out and we made our way inside. I tucked her close to me with my hand at the small of her back and swallowed my doubts. She was here with me of her own choice. She wanted me. For now.
The petite brunette hostess took my name for our reservation and we were led to a back booth with a spectacular view of the sun setting on the ocean.
“This is lovely,” Rachel said as I held out her chair.
Sitting across from her, I watched as the sunlight shot through her hair, making it look like it was on fire. “You’ve never been here?”
“No.” She shrugged out of her little shawl and picked up a menu. “I’ve heard it’s really great.”
We ordered after our waiter served my sparkling water and her wine with a flourish. Rachel lifted her glass. “A toast.”
“To what?”
“To us. May there be lots more laughter, flirting, and sexy time.”
I grinned and touched my glass to hers. “To all that and more.”
Her smiling eyes met mine over her glass as she sipped. I swallowed and drank her in. She was always stunning to me, but tonight she was glorious in a tight black skirt that reached just below her knees, a frilly blouse that was as white as snow, and killer high heels that made her legs look a mile long. Not to mention her deep, sensual eyes, sexy smile, and delicious scent.
“What?” she said when I’d stared
too long.
“Nothing. Just enjoying the view.”
She flushed happily. “Well, my view’s not bad either.”
We managed to create the intimate bubble we always had when we were together as we held hands across the table and talked about everything and nothing. She never failed to amuse and challenge me.
After dinner, she stood and excused herself to the restroom. While she was gone, I paid the bill and waited by the bar with her shawl and purse. Before tonight, if you’d ever told me I’d be carrying a woman’s sparkly purse, I would’ve called you a damn liar.
Before I could examine what that meant, she rejoined me with that private smile of hers that promised all kinds of naughty things. “Ready?”
“I am.”
I watched as she re-draped the shawl on her shoulders. “So, what’s . . . next . . . ?” The smile dropped off her face as her body froze up like ice. “Let’s go.” She gripped my arm and tried to force me toward the front door.
I held firm and glanced over my shoulder to see what had upset her.
On the other side of the bar, her ex, Angelo, stood with a stunning blonde, his hair slicked back, his smarmy smile in place as he filled the room with his self-importance.
Rachel tugged me again. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
In that moment, the greaseball looked my way. I watched as his expression changed from casual disregard, to surprise, to disgust, all in one heartbeat as he caught sight of Rachel with me.
I ignored Rachel pulling my arm ferociously now as I tightened my jaw and waited to see what he might say or do. He didn’t do anything for a full five seconds, then in a sudden burst of manners or assholishness, he stood and came our way. His beady eyes flicked to Rachel then landed back on me.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Rachel. Who’s your friend?”
I felt her wilt a little behind me. “Angelo. This is Jesse Joyner. Jesse, this is Angelo Moretti. My partner at the firm.”
I knew exactly who he was and he was every bit the weasel I remembered. He dismissed me out of hand and focused back on Rachel. I stuck out my hand anyway, forcing his attention. “Good to meet you.”
Reluctantly, he accepted my handshake. “Likewise.” But his tone said otherwise.
“Well, we’ve got to be going,” Rachel said, a touch of desperation in her voice. Did the guy make her that uncomfortable? The idea really irritated me and so did his blatant holier-than-thou attitude.
“Where are you off to?” His gaze raked over me with a new harshness. “Wait a minute. Are you two . . . dating?” He honed back on to Rachel, his eyes truly confused. “Isn’t he a mechanic?”
He said the word like it was a disease and every cell in my body tightened as I reined in my temper. If I was being honest, his words were like barbs, shaming me to my core, but at the moment I just wanted to throttle him for pointing out the obvious with such arrogant clarity.
“Yes . . .” I shot a glance to Rachel as she stuttered for her words. “I mean no.” She flushed and looked at the floor then back up. “I mean yes, he is a mechanic, but we’re also . . . seeing each other.” She squeezed my hand, but I was not reassured.
His glare could’ve lasered through ice, but I was no longer paying him any mind as her reaction hurt more than I thought possible.
Rachel
When we got back to the car and Jesse settled behind the wheel, his jaw tight, his face flushed, I knew I’d hurt him unbearably. Unforgivably.
I faced him after he started the engine. “I’m sorry.”
He backed up and started driving. “For what?”
“Jesse . . .” I waited until he had the car stopped at the exit and he faced me, his expression closed off. “I’m sorry. I didn’t handle that well and I have no excuse. I was just caught off guard. We haven’t had much practice at being public, you know?”
He blinked his impossibly blue eyes as he regarded me. He finally nodded once and pulled out onto the road. “I do know. It’s okay.”
I put my hand on his thigh. “It’s not okay. I’m really, really sorry. Please don’t think I’m ashamed to be with you, Jesse. I’m not.”
He flicked a glance my way. “It’s no big deal.”
We didn’t speak the rest of the drive and I didn’t push anymore. He’d relaxed a bit, but I could still see he was tense with emotion and it killed me that I had caused that. When he turned into the Funky Monkey parking lot, he finally faced me again. “You still feel like dancing?”
I forced a brighter smile than I felt. “Of course.”
As he led me inside, I grabbed his hand and laced our fingers. He peered down quickly and squeezed my hand, but didn’t acknowledge it otherwise. After paying our cover charge, we found a small booth near the bar.
“You want a drink?” he asked me as I sat.
I met his eyes, wishing I could rewind time and say something different to Angelo. Anything. “Sure. Something sweet please.”
He nodded and went to place our order. I smiled when I recognized Tori, the super sweet waitress I’d met several times. Tonight, her hair was up in a short stubby ponytail, streaks of royal blue shooting through. She met my eyes and waved then started on our drinks.
Jesse slid a pink drink topped with a chunk of pineapple and a maraschino cherry my way. I glanced up with a question in my eyes.
“Bahama Mama,” he explained then sat across from me with his Coke.
“Ah.” I sipped and studied him. I was desperate to breach this gap I’d created. I let one of my stilettos clank to the floor and ran my bare foot up and down his calf. “Forgive me?”
His serious eyes lightened up as he offered me a one-sided smile. “Of course.”
Things were a tad easier between us as we sipped our drinks and watched the dancers move around the floor. As the song changed, he looked at me. “Dance?”
“Sure.” I took one last sip of my fruity drink and stood to take his hand.
He led me to the edge of the dancefloor and collected me into his arms. I melted into his strong embrace and let my head fall to his chest as he held me closer and began to sway to the slow love song. I inhaled his spicy scent that hinted at evergreens and stormy seas as I closed my eyes.
He pressed a kiss to the crown of my head as he held my hips tighter. I nuzzled his throat and his pulse bounded beneath my lips. I wanted to apologize again for hurting his feelings, but I couldn’t say the words. He was holding me so perfectly, I tried to let him know with the rhythm of my body how sorry I was.
When the song came to an end, he didn’t let me go. Instead, he kept us moving as a faster beat came on. He led me around the floor, spinning me occasionally, and I was relieved he seemed to be letting loose and having some fun.
As we danced past, I saw Tori bring a tray full of drinks back to the pool tables, where Joel Mackie and his crew were hunched over a game. Candace Carmichael, the slutty little barfly, stood close to Joel, hanging on his every word with her tits practically in his lap. Ugh. I glanced up, but Jesse seemed oblivious to them as he kept his attention on me and the dancing couples around us.
I heaved a breath of relief and let him lead us back to our table after the song ended. God bless Tori, she’d left us fresh drinks and taken away the empties. I took a grateful sip and smiled at Jesse. “I’m so—”
I was interrupted by a loud crash and curse. We both looked across the bar to where Joel and one of his friends were in each other’s faces, fists raised. The people around them dispersed, giving them a wide berth just as the bouncers made their way between them.
Jesse faced me again, his eyes inscrutable. His discomfort was palpable and I would’ve given anything to know what he was thinking. How did it feel to be trapped in a small town with the guy who’d caused you such suffering?
Jesse clambered to his feet before I could speak. “I’ll be right back. I need . . . just a minute.”
He walked away and I watched him make his way to the hallway where the restrooms were
. Now I wished we had stayed home and finished what we started. It would surely have been a better night than what this was turning out to be. Why did assholes have to screw up everything?
I pulled out my cell and checked the time. We still had another hour or so until he had to be home. I could only hope our evening was salvageable. I sent a quick text to Delilah then sipped my drink. I studied the hallway where Jesse had disappeared, but there was no sign of him yet. Maybe he’d stepped out the back door to get some air.
A sudden need to check on him filled me and I stood . . . only to ram into someone’s chest. I glanced up, startled. “I’m so sorry.”
Joel Mackie’s gap-toothed, drunken grin loomed down at me. “No problem, little lady. Just a little accident, right?”
“Right.” I moved to sidestep him but he moved back into my path.
“Where you off to so fast?” He tilted his head toward the dancefloor. “Why don’t we have us a little dance and you can tell me why a pretty little thing like you is here all alone.”
I darted my eyes to the hall, simultaneously hoping Jesse was coming back and praying he wasn’t. “I’m not alone.” I yanked my arm from where he clasped it tightly. “Thank you though.”
He laughed and the distinct odor of liquor slammed into me. “Well, you’re alone now. How about it? One little dance?” He leered over me, his eyes predatory. “Whoever you’re here with, it’s his loss for stepping away.”
My skin crawled. He knew exactly who I was with.
My heart was pounding in my throat as he tried to yank me toward the floor. I stepped back, but he had me so tight, I stumbled and ended up nearly falling. His face pinched in irritation, but he hid it beneath a sneering smile as he lifted me into his arms, his breath making me want to gag. I struggled to break free, fear riding my nerves. I was normally a self-sufficient, independent girl, but now I was scared.
Suddenly, he was hurled backward, the momentum making him loosen his hold enough that I stumbled back into the table, smacking my backside. I righted myself and looked up as Jesse yanked him by the collar, his face mottled and angrier than I’d ever seen.
