Texas Pride

by Gerry Bartlett

  “What are you up to?” Billy tried to get a look at the screen.

  “Never mind. Drive. I’ve got a delicious dinner planned. Take your usual route home. We pick up dinner about five blocks from your house, on Westheimer.” She laughed and shut down her phone.

  “I can think of at least four decent restaurants along there that I wouldn’t mind getting food from. Good call.” He put the car in gear. “You’re in a fine mood. Something happen at work today?”

  “My boss actually praised my ‘work product,’ as she called my press release.” Shannon leaned back as he drove them toward the nearby freeway. “I consider that a major triumph.”

  “It is. Caroline Wilson looks like the type who isn’t easy to please.” Billy wasn’t surprised Shannon had handled her assignment well. He was just sorry she had to prove herself like that. “Tell me about the work product.” He listened as Shannon talked about her press release. He was impressed. “You really have the hang of this. If you want to leave Calhoun after your year there, you could work for me. We’re always dealing with the press, trying to get good spin for our clients when we’re at trial.”

  “I thought juries weren’t supposed to read about a trial or watch the news once they’re picked to serve.” She leaned against the passenger door, her beautiful face mysterious in the lights from the dashboard.

  “That’s the law. But before a trial, there can be lots of press with a high-profile client. If we can plant a story that puts our client in a positive light, we’ll do it.” He put the car on cruise control and reached for her hand. “Anyone notice your bracelet today?”

  “Of course.” She smiled. “It’s unusual. And, like you said, not like me to wear something of this type. My brother noticed at breakfast. He asked me if we were serious. I think he has visions of a lawyer in the family as a good thing. You know he has a history of skirting the law.”

  “Kid stuff. Unless there’s something I don’t know. I remember he did a little joy riding in one of your dad’s exotic cars and the old man called the cops himself.”

  “Daddy about had a cow when Ethan drove his vintage Lamborghini across the lawn and into the neighborhood at the tender age of thirteen. Ethan didn’t quite know how to shift gears and you could hear the transmission protest from blocks away.”

  “I’d have pressed charges myself.” Billy laughed. “Dylan MacKenzie told me your dad’s car collection is being auctioned off. That he didn’t want any of his kids to have even one of those cars.”

  “You can imagine how that made Ethan feel.” Shannon sat up suddenly. “Look! It’s a pack of motorcycles. But not the Skeleton Cruisers.”

  “No. Check out the back of their vests. That’s a Galveston group—the Gulls and Dolls. Quite a few women riders among them. They seem to be headed south toward their home turf.” Billy realized he hadn’t told her about his purchase today. She’d see it soon enough in his garage. “Would you like a bike of your own?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it. It was fun riding behind you.” She studied him. “Maybe. I’d have to try it. The women on those bikes look powerful. In control. That appeals.”

  “I’ll just bet it does.” He laughed and stayed back from the bikes which were clustered together, driving carefully. Yeah, he could see Shannon on her own bike. It was something to think about.

  “So what did you tell Ethan? When he asked if we were serious?” Billy let go of her hand when traffic slowed and he had to change lanes.

  “I plead the fifth.” Shannon laughed. “You should see your face.”

  “Do you even know what the fifth amendment means?” Billy could hear his teeth grind. Why couldn’t Shannon just say Hell, yes, we’re serious?

  “I have a vague idea. If I tell you my answer, it might come back to bite me later.” She grinned at him. “Does that fit fifth amendment parameters?”

  “Quit trying to weasel out of this, woman.” He cursed when traffic snarled again and required all of his attention. Damned Houston freeways. An idiot cut him off and he blasted his horn.

  “Hey, relax.” Shannon leaned over and laid a hand on his thigh. “Serious about you, us? Yes. And it scares the hell out of me.”

  Billy breathed then covered her hand with his. “That makes two of us.”

  Chapter 8

  Shannon loved the look on Billy’s face when she told him where to pick up their dinner. Cheeseburgers, fries, and onion rings. Of course she knew what he liked. She’d made a study of the male of the species since she’d hit puberty. It didn’t take her long to figure out men and what they wanted. There was a difference in her relationship with Billy though. Before, she’d been calculating. Figuring out the angles when she was with a man. This time wanting to please him seemed natural.

  “Check out what I bought today.” Billy hit the garage door opener.

  “You’re kidding.” Shannon couldn’t miss the gleaming chrome and red Harley parked where she’d imagined putting her own car. “That’s sudden.”

  “The deal fell into my lap. I couldn’t resist.” He hopped out of the car and reached into the back seat for the food bags. “Let’s eat, then maybe we can go for a ride.”

  “It’s a beauty.” Shannon straddled the leather seat. She’d made pantsuits her work uniform since she’d sworn off stilettos except when going out at night. Okay, so the machine was big and a little intimidating. But a few lessons and she could see herself like those women on the freeway, in formation, hitting the highway.

  “Uh, it’s mine.” Billy’s hand on her shoulder jolted her out of the daydream. “But you can ride behind me.”

  “Maybe I want one of my own.” She grinned at him. “Come inside. Let me show you how I can rev a motor.”

  “Now you’re not playing fair.” He helped her off the bike when her pant leg got caught on some fancy thing sticking out of the side.

  “Seriously, Billy. Maybe I’ll save my money, buy one for myself. How much does a bike like this cost?” Shannon realized she’d never had to pay for wheels in her life. What did that say about her upbringing? It had been so different from Billy’s. Seeing that tiny house where he’d been raised had made her very aware of the fact that they might both be native Houstonians, but her Houston and his couldn’t be more different. She couldn’t imagine his childhood. Glad she didn’t have to. The fact that he was now rich and successful just made her admire him more.

  “You don’t want to know.” He picked up a rag and polished the chrome bumper where she’d left a fingerprint.

  “Yes, I do.” Her mouth fell open when he told her what he’d paid for the vintage Harley. “You’re exaggerating.”

  “Not at all. It’s in mint condition and a rare model. The guy kept it in great shape and just had the engine rebuilt. I got a good deal.” He glanced at his BMW. “You really don’t have a clue what any of the things you and I drive cost, do you?”

  “Let’s drop this for now. Obviously, I’ve been living in an ivory tower all my life. We need to pray that we salvage the company so I can continue with my sweet and very secure lifestyle.” Shannon grabbed the bag with the French fries and popped one in her mouth. “We need to eat these while they’re hot. Come on.”

  “Salvaging the company is just one part of the equation. You’ve got to prove you can work successfully at Calhoun for the next year. If your boss tells Mason MacKenzie you’re not cutting it, then that could be a problem.” Billy unlocked the back door and held it open for her.

  “I’m not worried. PR is coming naturally to me. Yes, it’s changed since I got out of college. Now everything’s online. Social media is where it’s at.” She dropped her bag on the granite countertop and opened a cabinet to pull out two plates. “Ethan started teaching me about the latest in that stuff right after we found out about the will.”

  “That’s great, Shannon. That you’re confident.” He pulled out th
eir cheeseburgers, two for him, one for her, and began dividing the fries and onion rings. “You ordered enough for an army.”

  “I know you have a big appetite.” She pulled out two sodas. “I figure leftovers won’t be a problem. Midnight snacks, maybe.”

  “I plan to be sleeping at midnight.” Billy popped a fry in his mouth. “With you curled up by my side.”

  “I like the sound of that.” She really did. The thought of being spooned next to his big body made her warm all over. She carried their plates to the dining room table set with placemats and silverware. “I’d like to meet your housekeeper. She’s taking good care of you.”

  “She’d like to meet you too.” Billy laughed as he brought in the drinks and settled across from her. “She’ll inspect you to see if she thinks you’re worthy.”

  “Should I be worried?” Shannon looked around then got up again. “I hope she hasn’t heard about our history.”

  “No, of course not. Now where are you going?” He grabbed her hand.

  “Ketchup. I can’t eat fries without it.” She headed to the fridge where she’d seen a large bottle in the door. They were settling into domestic bliss with frightening speed. She stared into the orderly refrigerator and got lost in thought for a moment, jumping when he dropped his hands on her shoulders.

  “Earth to Shannon. Ketchup’s right here.” He reached past her and snagged the jumbo bottle. “Not enough mustard.” He grabbed that too. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, sure.” She looked down at that bracelet, a family heirloom. “Maybe I should go home after dinner. Ethan was going to tell me about online ads. I should know that stuff.”

  “Seems like he’d be tired of computers after working with them all day. But you can always call and see if he’s up for it, after we eat.” Billy studied her, frowning.

  The kitchen light was harsh, and Shannon wished she’d had time to do more after work than just throw things in a bag and run a brush through her hair.

  “You have candles? We need ambiance.” She pulled open a drawer. “Nope. Batteries and a flashlight.”

  “Ambiance for a hamburger dinner?” He steered her back into the dining room, shoving the ketchup and mustard under his arm. “I have dimmers.” He turned the knob on the wall and the room darkened. “Is that better?”

  “Yes. I should have freshened my makeup after work. I look a sight.” She sat , then hopped up again. “Napkins!”

  “Here. There are plenty in the sack.” Billy had picked up the burger bag while in the kitchen and dumped a wad of paper napkins in the center of the table. “Would you relax? What’s up?”

  “Everything’s moving too fast, Billy. That’s what’s up. Look at us. We’re too comfortable. Like we’ve been together for years. Can you believe it?” She picked up a fork then realized that was ridiculous. She never ate a hamburger with anything but her hands. Fries either. So she grabbed the burger then realized she was shaking. Stupid.

  “I’ve waited years to be with you again. Comfortable? I should hope so.” He looked at her burger leaking juice, pickles, and lettuce onto her plate. “Don’t freak out about it, baby. Relish it. Soak it up.” He walked around the table and put his arms around her. “That’s what I’m doing. I want us to make it work this time. I see you trying. I appreciate it.” He pressed a warm kiss behind her ear, his strength seeping into her.

  To hell with eating. She dropped the mess on her plate and wiped her fingers on the napkins. Standing up, she fell into his arms. “I don’t do this, Billy. Commit. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that the past few years I’ve been wandering from man to man, thing to thing, trying to figure out what the crap I should do with my life.”

  “Do?” He held onto her gently, yet with a firmness that left her with little doubt that he didn’t want to release her. “You do plenty, Shannon. Smile and light up my life. Talk to me and make me forget the shit I have to shovel daily. Use that clever gift you have to make people believe in the many causes you’ve helped fund ever since I’ve known you—cancer, the ballet, the museums in town, even daycare for the homeless.” He laughed when she stiffened. “Oh, yeah, I have been paying close attention. You talked your daddy into funding that daycare center at the Star of Hope mission, didn’t you? Now the homeless parents can look for work without worrying about their kids. I know that wasn’t Conrad Calhoun’s idea.”

  “It seemed logical. I don’t know why no one else had thought of it.” She sighed as she leaned against his wide chest. Why was she in such a state? Because men usually tired of her when they realized that behind her charm was a shallow woman who had nothing real to offer them? She knew the signs well. That’s when she ran, dumping them before they could drop the hammer on her.

  Billy thought she was something now, but how long before he realized she was less? Less than those supercharged females he usually dated with real careers who could whip out a PowerPoint, persuade a jury, or run a company? Women who hadn’t had everything handed to them all their lives—cars, blank checks, killer wardrobes. Billy had made something great of himself despite coming from that scary neighborhood and a home smaller than her pool house. She knew better than to say any of that out loud. To remind him of what a loser she was.

  “Stop thinking, Shan. Feel. I don’t want anyone but you. It’s been that way since the first moment I saw you. Call it an obsession, if you want to. It might be that. I’ve always been driven. Determined.” He stroked a firm hand over her back. “I tried to move on from you. That didn’t work. You were always there, waiting. The gold standard I used that made other women come up short.”

  “Now that’s scary, Billy. I’m not—” She stopped when his finger touched her lips.

  “You are.” His blue eyes burned with an intensity that could make even the most stubborn juror decide to vote in his favor. Because she knew he meant what he said and spoke from his heart. How strange that he wanted her, out of all the women who would be happy to be his. And what Billy Pagan wanted, he got. But he wanted a Shannon he’d created in his mind. A fantasy woman who didn’t drink and would make him proud to stand beside her.

  She shivered. Could she measure up? Be that for him? She inhaled the spicy scent of his masculinity. God, how she’d missed him. She wanted to be worthy. To be the paragon he’d painted in, yes, his obsessed mind. She needed this man. He made her better. Without him… Well, it didn’t take a genius to see that she couldn’t go on like she had been—drinking too much, partying like she’d be young and free forever. It would soon become pathetic. And had already become lonely. With Billy, she’d never be lonely. Was she strong enough to pull this off? To become the woman he wanted her to be?

  She pulled his face down for a kiss. “I give up. You want me? You’ve got me. Now our supper is getting cold. I hate limp fries.”

  “And you’ve got me.” He held her for a moment longer. “Too bad you don’t like raw onions though. I notice neither of us got them on those burgers.”

  “I don’t like them first- or secondhand, counselor. Will you give them up for me?”

  “You bet your sweet ass I will.” He kissed her slow and deep.

  She sighed when she finally pushed him away to sit again, pretty sure those fries were stone-cold now and she couldn’t have cared less. He was laughing as he walked around the table and settled into his chair. She reached for the bottle of ketchup and their hands collided. Laughing, they took turns, easy as they ate and talked about tomorrow. She deliberately let her worries go. It would be fine. Whatever problems they encountered they’d handle together. That’s what couples did.

  But when they hit the sheets, she was determined to show Billy just how much she cared in another way.

  * * * *

  Shannon laughed up at Billy when he tossed her on his new bed. He stripped off his shirt then dumped his boots on the floor. She was busy with the button on her pants when he stopped her.
>
  “Let me.” He dropped to the floor and pulled her legs toward him so that he knelt between them. “I liked you better in those jeans you wore when we rode the Harley. They looked painted on. How the hell did you squeeze into them?”

  “I had to go commando that night.” She ran her hands through his hair.

  “Shit, Shannon. If I’d known, it would have made me crazy.” He peeled off the pants, so hard against his own zipper, he hurt.

  She rose on her elbows so she could watch him. “Why, Billy, you’re flushed.”

  “I’ve been waiting a while for this.” He hooked his fingers into the tiny black panties he’d exposed and eased them down along with her pants.

  “You look good kneeling down there, William.” Her smile got wicked. “Any plans?”

  “You’d better believe it.” He traced a circle around her navel with his lips.

  “You know what that does to me.” She moaned and flopped back on the bed.

  “I’m just getting started.” He tossed her pants aside. “This is new. I’ve seen strippers with more down here.”

  “Don’t talk to me about strippers.” She was up again, laughing as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. “But do you like?”

  “Baby, I love.” He ran his hands over her thighs then eased them apart. “Is this something you like?” He pressed an open-mouthed kiss there, diving deep. Her gasp told him he’d hit the target. She called his name and grabbed his hair when he slid his hands under her hips and found just the right angle to give her the pleasure she deserved.

  “Billy! God!” She shuddered, her orgasm making her toss her head while she almost tore hair from his head. “Please, come inside me.”

  He stood then and shucked his own pants, digging a condom out of his pocket with shaking hands. She still wore her prim white blouse. But her eyes were unfocused now, her hair spread out around her head. She reached for him, pulling him to her.

  “Kiss me, Billy. I want to feel your body against mine.” She ripped open her buttons and he saw she wore a work of art over her perfect breasts.