Under My Skin (Shady Falls Series Book 2)

by Shelly Davis

“No, Mia. We’re good now,” he said with a smile, his voice bounced around in the empty air between songs. “Why don’t you sit down and eat.” He slid a soda and some onion rings onto the bar. “We’ll be good for the rest of the night. Thanks for your help, honey.”

  She stood by the bar, her hips swayed elegantly to the rhythm of the beginning of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama while she took the last couple empties off her tray. Climbing onto one of the empty barstools, she relaxed. “No problem. I like helpin’ around here.” Her smile lit up the dark tavern atmosphere.

  She sat and stuffed an onion ring in her mouth and spoke to Emma. Her onion ring garbled words were mostly drowned out by the jukebox and the guys playing pool on the other side of the room. She was extremely cute. The dress was tight and revealing, completely out of place with the rest of her. Instead of heels, she had black Converse on her feet. Her long curly hair was pulled into pigtails which hung over her shoulders and cascaded over her perfect breasts. She was sexy as hell but she was also down to earth and real.

  I sat, drank another beer, and watched her talk to the people around her while she ate her food. She ate like she was starving. Hadn’t the asshat taken her to dinner? No wonder she left the club feeling sick, she needed to eat. I fumed, realizing the prick she spent time with wasn’t taking care of her. Even inebriated I still managed to take care of the women I slept with. It might not be romance, but they were at least respected for the little time I was with them.

  After a few moments she glanced around the bar, her eyes skimming past me before snapping back and locking. She held my gaze for a moment before she focused back on her food and refused to look up again. I didn’t know why, but I wanted her to look up at me.

  Chapter Ten

  Mia

  What is he doing here? I thought he’d be with Jen tonight. I held his gaze for a moment before looking back down at my quickly emptying basket. I didn’t want to see him. Seeing Jake always made my insides quake. Heartbeat picking up, stomach trembling with nervousness, I wished I hadn’t noticed him. And why was he staring at me? He hated me.

  I continued to eat my food, only looking up through my lashes once to find he wasn’t there anymore. I sighed to myself, relieved he was gone. But what I didn’t understand was what happened with Jen. She never goes to bars like this and she wasn’t one to let a man she was interested in get away. And her endeavors were all-nighters, at least according to her.

  “I see you’re feelin’ better.” A smooth deep voice startled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Jake standing next to me leaning on the bar. He looked at me curiously.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, your friend said you weren’t feelin’ well so he was takin’ you home. This is your idea of relaxin’ when you ain’t feelin’ well?”

  Well shit, what was I supposed to tell him? I didn’t want to be there because I had no desire to see him screw around with Jen? No, I don’t think so.

  “I was just gettin’ a headache. I didn’t wanna be around all the loud music anymore. When I got home, I saw Bobby needed some help, so I offered.”

  “Where’s the douchebag who brought you home?” Well, straight to the point. I guess I could appreciate that. Apparently he didn’t think much of Grant. Of course he did see him drunk and feeling me up not so long ago.

  “Grant, his name is Grant. He left; went back to Charlotte I guess.”

  “He didn’t even stick around to make sure you were okay? Nice boyfriend you have there.”

  “He is nice actually,” I argued. “And he’s not my boyfriend. He did exactly what I asked. I told him I didn’t feel well and just wanted to go to bed, so he left. Why do you care?”

  “It don’t matter,” he growled.

  Was he actually concerned? Well, this was a new development. He hadn’t given two shits about me in years. “I don’t need Grant or anyone else takin’ care of me, Jake. I can take care of myself. Why don’t you mind your own business and leave me the hell alone.” The more I spoke, the angrier and louder I got. He pissed me off and I didn’t appreciate him making judgements about me. But as soon as the last angered words were out, I instantly felt bad.

  “I’m sorry, but I’d appreciate it if you’d stay the hell outta my business.”

  “Whatever, Mia,” he huffed. “You wanna fuck around with some asshole who spends his time lookin’ for somethin’ better and who don’t give enough of a shit to make sure you’re okay, be my guest.”

  “Since when have you given a shit about me, Jake? You’ve barely spoken to me in years.”

  He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what I said. Then another look crossed his face, one I couldn’t read. It almost seemed like it was – sadness. “You have no idea, do you?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I was still trying to read his emotions. Jake was always good at hiding what he was feeling. Memories of the past filled my thoughts. Reminiscences of how angry Jake was when that guy tried touching me in high school. More thoughts ran through my head, parties and bonfires, dances and school functions. He was always there, just on the edge of what was happening. He didn’t engage, but he was always around. Watching, waiting, and when disaster struck, which it inevitably always did, he was there. He rescued me more times than I cared to admit. Had I been wrong about him? Did he actually care? Judging by the look which was almost always plastered on his face when I was around told me, no, he didn’t give a shit about me. He didn’t give a shit about anyone but Cade and Toni.

  “Nothin’, never mind.” His snarl was barely audible over Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing belting out of the speakers on Uncle Bobby’s old school jukebox. “You wanna fuck around with George, be my guest.”

  “It’s Grant,” I yelled.

  “Whatever,” he snapped, narrowing his eyes at me. Lowering his head to meet my eyes, our mouths were only an inch apart. It would be so easy to lean in and press my lips to his. His voice a low rumble, he said, “That asshole makes you look like a fool. His eyes ain’t ever on you. He’s always lookin’ for someone better.” His gaze raked down my body and back up, leaving a trail of heat. Meeting my eyes once more, his voice lowered. “He don’t realize there ain’t anythin’ better. But you’re too damn blind to recognize it yourself.” He stared into my eyes for another moment, the noise of the crowded bar drowned out by my hammering heart. Downing his beer, Jake stood up straight, scowled, and walked across the room. The door slammed, signaling his departure.

  My head swam. He had me so worked up I couldn’t see straight, I just wasn’t sure if it was sexual tension or complete annoyance I was feeling.

  I wished I believed him so long ago when he told me he loved me, but it was hard to believe in anything when I had to watch my parents’ relationship fall apart. After they divorced, I stopped believing completely. I wished I hadn’t stopped, but I couldn’t believe in anything. Love wasn’t real and true love was nothing but a farce for little girls who believed in Prince Charming and fairies. I didn’t believe in fairytales anymore. Though I wanted to, desperately, but fairytales are for little girls.

  “Girl, are you outta your damn mind?” Emma asked as she refilled my soda and took the empty basket from in front of me. “If I were single and I had Jake pursuin’ me, I sure as hell wouldn’t have let him walk outta here.”

  “He ain’t pursuin’ me, Em. He’s just bein’ a dick. Jake don’t care about anyone but himself, Cade, and Toni.”

  Shaking her head, Emma said, “Girl, are you blind? You say that man doesn’t care about you, but I’m tellin’ you, you’re wrong.” Turning slightly, she nodded her head back toward the end of the bar where her husband sat. I’d watched him before. His eyes never strayed away from his gorgeous wife for long. Although he just sat there, Derek was a daunting man. He was always there to make sure no one got out of control or did anything to harm his wife. “You see Derek down there? You see the way his eyes always follow me?” She smiled widely. “That’s how Jake fol
lows you. You shoulda seen him, Mia, when you weren’t lookin’ Jake’s eyes devoured you like you were the last piece of pie in the world.”

  Snickering at the idea of Jake looking at any woman that way, I shook my head. There was no way Jake Hanson looked at me in any way other than annoyance. I glanced toward Derek. His scowl would chase anyone away. But Emma didn’t see the intimidating scowl, she saw a loving and protective husband. “It’s ain’t the same, Emma. Derek scowls to make sure everyone knows not to mess with you. Jake ain’t scowlin’ to lay claim, he’s scowlin’ because he doesn’t like me.”

  “I don’t think so, Mia. The sexual tension between you two is so potent I was sure he was gonna take you and screw your brains out right here on the bar. He’s …”

  Cutting her off before this went any further I said, “I appreciate your opinion, Em, but you’re wrong about this. Jake hates me. He’s hated me for a long time and that ain’t gonna change.” I stood and took one last sip of my soda. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  Quickly, I scurried out the back door and across the parking lot and yard toward my little garage house I shared with Toni. The place was dark and lonely looking, but I was used to being alone. It wouldn’t be long before Toni moved in with Julius and they started their lives together. Then I’d have the entire apartment-sized house to myself. I just wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted.

  Finally climbing into bed after my long day, I started to relax, but Jake’s words came flooding back. I stared into the darkness, thinking about our entire conversation. He said Grant was looking for something better, but he also said there wasn’t anything better than me. My thoughts got caught up on those words. Oh my god … Was Emma right? Did he truly feel something for me? And I pissed him off and chased him away … again.

  ***

  “Ms. D, Sammie is signin’ that she needs to go to the restroom,” I told Jen. “Could you please take her down the bathroom?” Jen and I didn’t discuss what happened with Jake at the club Saturday night. She didn’t bring it up and I wasn’t about to tell her I knew things didn’t work out with him. But judging by how quiet Jen was being today, I knew nothing had happened between the two and she was embarrassed by the situation. Normally she would’ve gloated about it all morning. Thank god that was an escapade I didn’t have to hear about.

  “No problem,” Jen said as she leaned over to be eye level with the nine-year-old little girl with blonde ringlets and glasses that made her big brown eyes look like chocolate moon pies. Signing and talking to the little girl, Jen asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom. With a nod of her head, Sammie stood and smiled with a big happy grin. Several other girls raised their hands or started signaling that they needed to go too. “Ms. Slone, I’m going to take all of the girls down now. Seems they all need to go.”

  “Thanks. We might as well take the boys too,” I decided. “Mr. Smith, would you mind takin’ the boys to the restroom?” I asked my other teaching assistant.

  “Sure, no problem,” Steve said as he rose from his place next to a young boy. With the same signs Jen used, he asked the nonverbal boy if he needed to use the restroom.

  While the students were out using the facilities, I used the time to take a breath and prep for reading groups. I loved my classroom and my students. All of my students had one thing in common – they were all diagnosed with some level of intellectual disability. They were all sweet and loved to make people happy, but normal work for their age was quite difficult.

  “Hey, Ms. Slone. How’s it going today?” Gage asked, walking into my classroom. “Where are my favorite students?”

  “Restroom break. Sammie asked to go, then a bunch of others followed. You know how it is. They all have to go at the same time.”

  Laughing, he said, “And that’s why I love these guys. I’m thinking kick ball today? Get some hand, eye, foot coordination going.”

  “Sounds good,” I said with a yawn. I’d been pulling double duty lately between school and waitressing at the bar.

  “Why’re you so tired?” Gage asked. “I haven’t seen you at the gym as much lately. Is that boyfriend of yours keeping you too busy?” His smile was huge, indicating his meaning. I wish it was bedroom fun making me so tired.

  Snickering I shook my head. “No. No boyfriends here.”

  “What about the guy I saw you with a couple weeks ago?”

  “Grant? He’s not my boyfriend. We talk sometimes. Hell, he’s hardly ever around. I’ve been workin’ at Toni’s uncle’s bar. One of his waitresses quit, so I’ve been helpin’ out.”

  “That’s nice of you. Are you going to the race in Homestead?”

  “Yeah, I’m goin’, can’t wait. I didn’t know you’re goin’.”

  “My brother-in-law is a big fan and when I mentioned it to Julius, he invited us to go.”

  “I get to meet the woman who has to deal with you every day?” I teased. “I can’t wait to see if you torture her as much as you torture all of us.”

  Gage laughed and was ready to say something when Andy came in and wrapped him in a big hug.

  “Mr. Andrews,” Andy said with his slurred speech. “Are we goin’ to gym early today?”

  With a pat on his back, Gage smiled down at the little boy. “Not yet, Andy. Before it’s time to go home. But we’re going to play a fun game today.”

  “Yay,” Andy shouted while he jumped up and down.

  “Okay, Andy. Sit down. We’re gonna have reading groups now,” I instructed. “Ms. D, Mr. Smith, we’re gonna get them into their reading groups. If you could take your groups and get them started on their activities that would be great. And my group,” I announced. “Get your packets out and start doing your spelling word match.”

  “Are you coming to the gym tonight?” Gage asked.

  “Yeah, Cade said somethin’ about gettin’ together tonight to give us the track passes and to talk about travel arrangements.”

  “Yeah, that’s what Jake said.”

  I cringed hearing Jake’s name. I hadn’t talked to him since our altercation at the bar. Any time we were alone we fought. I wished we could have just one conversation that didn’t turn into a fight. It was bad enough he was always around and I’d have to see him around the gym. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I’d never be happy with anyone else if I kept imagining them to be Jake.

  “What is it with you two?” Gage asked, his eyes slightly narrowed and his voice raised in questioning.

  “What’s with who?” I asked. I had no idea what he was talking about.

  He lowered his voice so the kids wouldn’t be able to hear him. “You and Jake. He insists there’s nothing between you. You’re seeing some jaggoff that you never see and who isn’t even in your league. Every time someone even mentions Jake, you git this sad puppy look in your eyes. And Jake looks like he’s ready to rip someone’s eyeballs aht of their head when guys talk to you at the gym.”

  I shook my head. My southern accent was strong, but when Gage got going, the Pittsburghese just flowed. It was difficult to focus on his words more than his accent at times. “There’s nothin’ between us. We were together for about five minutes in high school. That’s it. We’ve barely talked since then.”

  “If you seriously think there’s nothing between yinz, you’re mistaken.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Shaking his head, Gage just smiled. “Nothing. I just hope yinz don’t play this game forever. Yinz could be missing out on something pretty special if yinz do.” Looking toward the clock on the wall he said, “I gotta git to the gym. My next class will be coming soon.”

  “See you later,” I said.

  Gage waved behind him as he walked out the door. His words echoed in my head long after he left. I moved through the motions of reading groups and working on speech lessons with some of the students. By the time the bell rang to signal the end of the day, my head was a jumble. Thinking about my annoyance with Grant’s lies, my loneliness, and Emma’s and Gage’s i
nsistence that there was more between Jake and me than I dreamed, started giving me a headache. No matter how much they insisted, and how much I wished they were right, I knew they couldn’t be.

  Chapter Eleven

  Jake

  “Here, for the race tomorrow. I was thinkin’ we should all drive to the airport together,” Cade said as he handed everyone their passes. Gage, Cade, Mia, and I had gathered in the gym office to discuss what was happening tomorrow.

  “I hafta to drive. Char and my brother-in-law, Roy, will be coming with me. But we have room for one more if anyone needs,” Gage said.

  “Is Char your wife’s name?” Mia asked, her gorgeous smile spread across her face.

  “Charlyn is her name, but we all call her Char,” said Gage.

  “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “She’s looking forward to meeting yinz too.” The love that man had for his wife was all over his face. If I had any worry about Mia with him, they were gone the moment I saw him talk about his wife. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone, ever, but I longed for that kind of connection with someone.

  “Well, that’ll work,” Cade said. “Then Jake, Monique, Mia, and I’ll ride together.”

  Mia’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Who’s Monique?” she asked quietly.

  “She’s a friend of ours,” I explained, but didn’t elaborate. Let her think she was a girlfriend.

  Since our altercation at the bar, I tried to avoid her at all cost. I wanted to stay away from her and find someone else to bury myself in so I could forget once and for all, but it never worked. The more I tried to avoid her, the more I was drawn to her. And I hadn’t had any desire to be with anyone else for a long time. I hadn’t even touched Monique in months. This was turning out to be my longest sexual drought since I was a kid, before I was ever even had sex.

  If I was actually being honest with myself, I’d acknowledge that I got more out of arguing with Mia than I did being with any other woman. On the dance floor, at Bobby’s bar, any time I could get her alone and engaged in an argument I did. When we argued at the bar, she had me so worked up, it took everything in me not to take her right there. I sat in the parking lot and watched her walk to her house. I wanted to stop her and do what, I didn’t know; but with Toni and Julius there, it wasn’t the right time.