Dirty Cowboy

by Alycia Taylor

  “Is that what your girlfriend is doing?”

  “If I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t be talking to you.”

  I raised my eyebrows and nodded. “Well, that’s good, at least. I’m Eliza, by the way.”

  “Nice to meet you, Eliza,” he said. “I’m Gunner.”

  “Gunner? That’s an interesting name.”

  “Well, my name’s Ian. But everyone calls me Gunner. Pretty much everyone at the club has a nickname. You’re given one when you become a member.”

  “I like that. I wonder what they’d name me.”

  Gunner looked me up and down with so much intensity that I shivered. Not even Raymond had looked at me with that much scrutiny in a long time.

  “Probably ‘Lashes,’” he said. Then he grinned. “Yeah, that’s your name. Lashes.”

  “Lashes? Why on earth are you calling me that?”

  “You have the most beautiful eyelashes I’ve ever seen on anyone.”

  I groaned and blushed at the same time. I was equally embarrassed and annoyed by the comment. “Seriously? Is that a line you use on most girls?”

  “It’s not a line. It’s the truth. And if you’re so revolted by the compliment, then why are you blushing?”

  “I’m not blushing. I’m just . . . well, fine, I’m blushing. I’m not used to compliments. That’s all.”

  “You’re not? That’s hard to believe.”

  “Okay, let’s stop this. I’m going to be as red as my shoes soon.”

  He looked down. “They’re very nice shoes.”

  I tapped them together like Dorothy and wondered if he’d even get the reference. “Thank you. I think so, too.”

  “So, what exactly brings you to this fundraiser, Lashes? Or are you looking to become a part of the motorcycle club?”

  “Oh yeah, I can just see myself riding a motorcycle!” I laughed at the thought. “Actually, I’m the party planner. I helped to put this whole thing together.”

  “Oh, cool. Well, you did an awesome job. I must say, doing it in a pub was a good move.”

  I beamed at him. “Really? That was my idea. I’m glad to hear it. I figured you guys would like it. It’s actually my first assignment at my new job, so I was a bit nervous about it all. Not only that but we only had a few days to put the whole thing together. But I’m feeling good about it now that everyone is here.”

  “Is that why you’re having a glass of wine?”

  “Yes, it’s all in the name of celebration.”

  “We should celebrate some more.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean I should take you out for dinner after this.”

  He was good-looking, and pretty smooth, but I wasn’t ready to date anyone just yet. I shook my head. “There’s food here,” I said. “And seeing as though I’m the one that organized it, I’d actually like to see everyone eating it.”

  “Fair enough. Well, how about drinks after?”

  “I’m actually leaving after this glass of wine. We were just here to make sure that everything was running smoothly. But we’re leaving soon. But thank you, that’s nice of you to ask.”

  “Fine. Then how about tomorrow? I’ll pick you up for dinner. And if you have plans for tomorrow, then we can make it the day after that, and so on and so on. In other words, I’m not giving up until you say yes.”

  I looked at Gunner in surprise. I wasn’t used to being hit on like this. Usually, men backed off when you said no. I’d also been with Raymond for such a long time that I had forgotten what it was like for another man to pay me attention. Gunner took my hand, and I felt a jolt run up my arm.

  “It’s just one date. And if you hate me, at least you would’ve gotten a nice dinner out of it.”

  He let go of my hand, and I was surprised by how nice it had felt. It was his gentleness that had surprised me. Especially from a man who looked the way he did. I was so used to Raymond’s abuse that this soft touch had taken me by surprise.

  “Okay,” I found myself saying, even though I’d been adamant that I would be saying no.

  He grinned. “Wonderful. I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Can I get your number? I’ll send you a text, and you can reply with your address.”

  I gave him my number and then excused myself to find Mae. A sinking feeling had just come over me as I realized that I had no address to give him. And would he really want to know that I was living out of my car? Mae saw my face and sighed.

  “Was he a jerk?” she asked.

  I shook my head. “No, he was surprisingly nice. And he asked me out to dinner. And I said yes.”

  “So, why do you look so upset?”

  I sighed. I still hadn’t told Mae about my situation, but the two of us were becoming close, and I knew that it was only a matter of time before I told her everything.

  “Look, there’s something I haven’t told you.”

  “You’re into girls!”

  I laughed. “No! I wish. Actually, I had a really horrible boyfriend in California. That’s a story for another day. But let’s just say that when I got this job, I pretty much left him passed out on the sofa without saying anything. I drove straight here and started working with you. It was rather serendipitous, if you ask me, and probably the bravest and smartest thing that I’ve ever done.”

  “Wow, kudos on leaving the bastard! You deserve better than that. So, what’s the problem? Scared that guy is going to be the same?”

  “No, not really. I mean, I don’t exactly want to start dating again. But dinner with a nice guy actually sounds good for a change. But . . . well, he said he’s going to pick me up from my place. And I . . . I sort of don’t have a place.”

  “What do you mean? Where have you been staying, then?”

  I looked down at my feet, and then back up at her. “In my car.”

  “You’ve been staying in your car? Are you serious?”

  “Yeah. I mean, it’s only temporary. I just haven’t had the time to find a place yet. I drove here, slept the night, got to the job, and then it’s just been too busy for me to look around.”

  “But you’re always so clean.”

  I laughed. “Thank you. I’ve been showering at the gym. Paying them per day. Did you know that they have irons at the gym? I’ve been taking my clothes in each day so that I don’t look like a homeless person. It’s crazy, I know!”

  “It’s definitely crazy. You should’ve told me. And there’s no way that I’m letting you sleep in your car anymore. You’re staying with me!”

  “What? No, I can’t do that. You’ve already been so great to me.”

  “You’re staying with me, and I won’t hear anything more on it. Honestly, I’m not saying this because I feel bad for you. Well, I do a little actually. But I’m saying it because I happen to really like you. I haven’t had a connection like this in a very long time. And it’s awesome to have you at Perfect Parties. Look at us; we talk like we’re old friends. And I’m sure you’d do the same for me. Now, you can stay as long as you want. Just use my place until you find something else. Okay?”

  I almost started crying, I was so happy. Instead, I gave her a huge hug. “Okay. Thank you!”

  “Now come on, let’s finish this wine and get out of here. I happen to have a bottle at home that needs some polishing off.”

  “That sounds amazing right now.” I wasn’t sure what I was more excited about—the wine, or the fact that I was going to sleep on a real bed that night. Even the sofa would be better than the car.

  “And, when you leave, don’t look back at the handsome biker. He’s looking this way. Just drink your wine and walk out. You want him to be the one looking after you, not the other way around.”

  I chuckled, downed my glass of wine, and walked out with Mae. It was gearing up to be a very good day indeed.

  Chapter Seven

  Ian

  Something good, other than raising money, had come out of the fundraiser. And that was my date with Lashes. Admittedly, Eliza was different th
an most of the girls that I’d dated in the past. She looked sweet. She looked wholesome. Two traits I wasn’t exactly known for going for. But there was something about her that I’d been drawn to. Although when I’d told Chris, he’d just laughed.

  “Why you laughing, man?”

  “Let me guess, she’s gorgeous?” he asked.

  I thought back to her toned body, her long, smooth brown hair, and her bright blue eyes. Oh yeah, she was gorgeous, all right.

  “Yeah, what’s that have to do with anything?”

  “Well, that’s why you were drawn to her. And I’m guessing her innocence only added to the appeal. You want to be the one that takes away that innocence.”

  “You are not painting me out to be a very nice guy here,” I’d said.

  “Well, am I right?”

  I’d laughed. “You’re right.”

  I was surprised that she’d said yes to me, though. I was sure that I wasn’t the type that she normally dated. But who knew? Maybe she was just looking for a bit of fun. And I had no problem with that. I pulled out my phone and checked the address. I knew the area well from all my riding. Sometimes, when I wasn’t with the club and when I couldn’t sleep at night, I’d just ride around with the wind on my face. It always made me feel better. I grabbed my coat, hopped onto my bike, and made my way to her house. I wondered where she usually hung out. She didn’t live all that far from me and yet I’d never seen her.

  I found the house easily and made my way to the front door.

  When Eliza opened it, I was taken aback. She really was beautiful. Eliza was wearing tight black jeans, with a white tank top, and red sneakers. She had a small black jacket in her hand and was not wearing any jewelry at all. Her hair flowed softly down her back, and the only makeup she wore was red lipstick. There was something about a girl that was confident in her own skin that made me excited. I’d dated a few women in the past that had focused so much on the way that they looked that they all but forgot about trying to be a good girlfriend. Those women didn’t interest me anymore. But Eliza, she already fascinated me.

  “Wow, Lashes. You look amazing.”

  She laughed. “Thank you. I had a feeling we’d be on your bike, and heels just didn’t seem appropriate.”

  “Your feeling was correct. Ever been on one before?”

  “Oh please, I’ve been driving one of these things forever,” she said and quickly closed the door behind her. She seemed eager to get out the house, which only made me want to see inside even more. But the door was closed, and she was walking with me toward the bike.

  “Seriously? I didn’t know that.”

  She chuckled. “Nah, just kidding. Actually, I’ve never been on one in my life.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. She was a very easy person to be around. “Well, today is your lucky day.”

  “What? You mean you’re going to let me drive it? Cool, toss me the keys.” I looked at her and gaped, and she laughed again. “Kidding!”

  “You’re quite the character. And I admit, you had me worried for a second there. I was thinking, do I let this girl that I’ve never met and who has never ridden a motorcycle ride my bike? And risk dying? Or do I say no and risk insulting her?”

  “I’d take the insult over death any day.”

  “Here,” I said and handed her a helmet.

  “Wow, do you have a whole bunch of these lying around or something?”

  “I run a bike shop. So, yeah, pretty much. I hope you don’t mind putting this on. A lot of girls I’ve been with hate the fact that it might mess up their hair.”

  She raised her eyebrows at me. “Seriously? Again, I’ll take messy hair over death, thank you very much.”

  I got onto the bike, and she climbed on behind me. I felt her arms wrap tightly around me as we drove to the restaurant. I almost wished that I’d chosen somewhere further. It was quite nice having her hands on my chest.

  “Oh cool, a pizza place! Looks awesome,” she said as she looked up at the restaurant in front of her.

  I looked at her strangely. Was she kidding? “You haven’t been here?”

  She shook her head. “No, why? Is it popular?”

  “It’s only the best pizza place ever. I can’t believe you haven’t been here.”

  We got inside and found our table. She ordered a glass of red wine, and I ordered a beer. She was gazing around the restaurant and admiring the décor, which was as Italian as it came.

  “You’ve seriously never been here?”

  She laughed. “No. Actually, I’m not from around here.”

  “Oh yeah? Where are you from?”

  “California. So all this is quite new to me.”

  “California, huh? No wonder he hadn’t seen her around. “How long have you been in Chandler, then?”

  “Uh, just under a week actually.”

  “What? Are you serious? Did you come for work?” I asked, remembering her at the fundraiser.

  “Yeah. That was my first assignment. And Mae is my work colleague.”

  “So, the two of you didn’t know each other a week ago?”

  “We didn’t.”

  “Wow, I wouldn’t have thought that. You guys look like old friends.”

  She laughed. “I know. It feels like we’ve known each other forever.”

  “So, are you enjoying Arizona?”

  She smiled. “Yeah. I am. I mean, I’ve pretty much done only work-related things so far. But the work is great, so I can’t complain.”

  “And now you’re at the best restaurant in town,” I said and smiled.

  “I sure am,” she said. “Thanks for bringing me here. Any recommendations?”

  “How fussy are you when it comes to food?” I asked.

  “Not fussy at all.”

  “How about you let me order for you? Trust me; I’ve come here so many times. I know which pizzas are the best.”

  “Please! There’s nothing I hate more than trying to decide what to eat. Then I get order envy and spend the evening eyeing everyone else’s meals until they feel sorry enough for me to give me a bit of theirs.”

  I laughed. “That’s a pretty good plan, though. You have the right kind of face for it, too.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked as her hands flew to her face. “What sort of face do I have?”

  “Oh, I have a feeling you could do the puppy-dog look quite well. You’ve got that whole cute thing going for you.” It was fun to flirt with her. And I wasn’t lying. She was incredibly cute.

  “Cute? Well, thank you, I guess.”

  “It’s a compliment. Trust me.”

  “If my face is going pink it’s only because it’s warm in here,” she said and grinned at me.

  “Oh, of course,” I said and grinned back at her.

  “So, tell me about this bike shop of yours,” she asked.

  I’d dated many girls in the past. Eliza was not the first person to have asked about my job. But she was certainly the first one that actually showed an interest in it while I was speaking. She seemed fascinated by the whole thing and asked me tons of questions. It was nice to finally speak to someone that didn’t seem bored by the idea of motorcycle.

  “There’s just something about a family business, isn’t there? It’s special. I’m glad that you’re keeping it going, even if your brothers aren’t.”

  “Me too. How about you? Is your mom in the party-planning business?”

  She laughed. “She’s more in the party throwing business.”

  “Oh yeah? Well, business for you, then. Sounds like a fun job, though. Is it? Or is it one of those things that just sound fun?”

  “Oh, it’s fun. Depends on what client you get, of course. But for the most part, I enjoy it. Oh, here comes our pizza.”

  I watched as Eliza sized up the pizza, picked up a slice, and took a bite. She closed her eyes as she chewed, and I wondered what she would be like in bed. If she enjoyed sex even half as much as she enjoyed pizza, I had a feeling it was going to be amaz
ing. My last girlfriend had sworn off carbs, and her lack of desire for food somehow translated to the bedroom, too. I liked watching Eliza eat. When she opened her eyes, they were bright with satisfaction.

  “Okay, that was amazing. Do me a favor and order my food for me every time we go out.”

  “Oh yeah? Does that mean there’s going to be another date?” I asked.

  She grinned. “I’m new to this city. So there is a big chance that I might need a tour guide. I’ve heard motorcycles are the best way to see it all.”

  Oh yeah, I thought. I definitely want to see this girl again.

  “You heard right.”

  After dinner, Eliza climbed back onto the bike and wrapped her arms around me. She lay her head on my back, and I thought about how good she felt being so close to me. And judging by the way she was holding onto me, I had a feeling she felt the same way.

  “Well,” she said when we got to her house. “This is it. Thanks for a great night. I had such a lovely time.”

  “Yeah, so did I,” I said. She was so different from the sort of woman I usually picked up at the bar. A girl I probably would never had thought I’d have anything in common with. But despite her fun personality, and her sweet nature, she was interesting. Intriguing.

  “And thanks for showing me the best pizza in town. You’ve literally ruined me now. It’s the only place I ever want to get pizza from.”

  “I told you it was good.”

  I smiled at her and wondered when she was going to ask me inside. We’d been flirting all evening, and I was sure that an invite was inevitable. After all, we hadn’t had our dessert yet. I thought about saying something, but Eliza leaned forward and kissed my cheek.

  “Thanks for a great night, Gunner,” she said and turned to go inside.

  “Can I come in?” I asked. When it came to girls, my usually shy demeanor seemed to go. And I didn’t mind being candid if it meant getting what I wanted.

  “Uh. Maybe next time,” she said and quickly hurried inside. She seemed determined to get inside the house as quick as possible. And it reminded me how quickly she’d closed the door behind her when I’d first come to pick her up. Eliza was a very open person, but she seemed to be hiding something. I wondered what it could be. It only strengthened my resolve to want to see her again.