“I get it. But, I don’t like it. Not that it would matter even if I did,” I said, closing the subject. My phone began ringing in my pocket, and my heart fluttered at the sound. I knew who it was without looking. I glanced at the screen and saw Luke’s name flashing. Without thinking twice, I hit the ignore button and sat the phone on the counter.
“What the hell are you doing?” Lindsey asked, looking at me like I had lost my mind.
“I’m not interested in anything that he has to say,” I responded.
“Dallas, I thought we talked about this,” Lindsey whined.
“No, we did not talk about this. And, we are not going to,” I said stubbornly. I knew I was being irrational and that I would most likely regret it later, but right now, I didn’t care. I had done nothing wrong and if Luke had expected me to act a certain way he should have told me.
“Fine. I’m hungry. Want a pizza?” Lindsey asked. I was glad that she was willing to let the topic die. My phone rang once again, and without looking to see who it was, I cut the phone off.
“I don’t really have much of an appetite. But, I am in the mood for a good chick flick,” I said smiling at her.
“Don’t worry,” Lindsey said flashing me a smile. “I have just the one.”
I liked Lindsey’s idea of a chick flick. I was full of M&M’s and popcorn, completely mortified, and aware of the least little sound after watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the Exorcist. I lay sprawled on the couch, my yawning uncontrollable.
“Would you like to spend the night?” Lindsey asked, mirroring my yawning. “If you promise not to question your sexual orientation, you can sleep with me.” I laughed at her attempt to do a sexy pose while batting her long eyelashes at me.
“Sure,” I replied sleepily. We made our way into the bedroom, Lindsey cutting off light switches as she went.
“Here ya go,” she said, tossing me an oversized MSU t-shirt. I walked toward the bathroom to scrub my face and prepare for bed. Lindsey, who obviously had no shame, was already half naked before I had even left the room. Pulling my hair back, I washed my face carefully removing all traces of makeup. I stared at my shiny, clean face in the mirror. My big hazel eyes looked sad and the feeling was reflected in my heart. It had been a long day and although the movie was enough to deter me, I knew the night was coming and the memories of the day were flashing back, and becoming clear in my mind once again.
I missed Luke. I wanted to talk to him, but my pride would not allow it. Was it possible to miss someone so much? I had just met this man, yet I felt like I had known him all of my life.
“Ohhhh Dallllaaasss...,” I heard a sing-song voice call from the bedroom. A slow smile formed on my lips as I left the bathroom to join my new found friend in her bed. I couldn’t help but laugh at Lindsey’s splayed body over the bed, rubbing my pillow and eyeing me seductively.
“Move it, bitch.” Lindsey laughed, rolling back onto her side of the bed.
“It’s good to see you smile,” she said, without any trace of humor. “Wanna see something really cool?” I nodded my head, unable to contain my smile. Lindsey patted the bed and I climbed in under the covers. The bed dipped in the middle causing us to nearly be on top of one another, but it was extremely comfortable. The closeness didn’t bother me at all. It actually reminded me of a sleepover. Lindsey grabbed a remote next to the bed and hit a button. Sounds of water falling on a tin roof filled my ears. I could also hear lightning and thunder. “I have to have this to sleep or else I will hear the house creaking and shit my pants, thinking someone is coming to get me,” she said laughing, but I could tell she was serious. She hit another button and the lights went out, but when I looked up I found the ceiling above us was glowing with stars. “Pretty awesome, huh?” she asked without looking at me. Wow.
“Definitely awesome, I love it.”
“Goodnight, boss.”
“Goodnight, Lindsey and thank you, for everything.”
“Mm hmm,” was the only response that I received. I grabbed my phone, switching it on to set my alarm. I would have to get up early, so that I would have time to go home before work. My notification window lit up letting me know I had messages. *Answer the fucking phone* *Where are you* *I swear to God Dallas if you don’t answer me…* Wow… several messages, all from Luke. My heart lurched as I read them. Even though they were rude and not exactly what I was hoping to hear, I couldn’t help but feel excited that he tried to contact me numerous times. My phone pinged again with a new message. My breath quickened when I saw that it was from him. *I’m sorry about today. The world I live in is very different from yours. Please forgive me. I have returned your car to your home (personally) so no strange man has access to your private information. I hope to see you again someday. Keep my number and don’t hesitate if you ever need anything.*
What the hell? He hoped to see me again someday? My heart fell, as the unfamiliar feeling of rejection took over. He didn’t want me. If he did, he would have asked to see me again. The realization of it all consumed me and I had to fight hard to stifle a sob. I set my alarm and laid my phone beside the bed, then turned to stare at the stars above me. I closed my eyes and let the sound of the rain and the memories of Luke lull me to sleep.
Chapter 8
The following week passed by in a blur. Lindsey was off on Monday, courtesy of Luke, and Tuesday, courtesy of me. Back in the office on Wednesday, there was plenty for her to catch up on and an abundance of deals for me to close. Things around the office were much more relaxed, now that she and I had bonded. It seemed that more work was getting done and my appreciation for her had become more and more evident, considering I did both our jobs for the first part of the week.
Friday finally rolled around and she sank into the plush leather chair in my office with an exaggerated sigh. “Thank God, this week is over. I believe that we deserve a drink.”
“I have to agree. How about you make us a reservation at Mahogany and we will let the company treat us,” I said, smirking at her.
“Done,” she said standing and making her way out of the office. I walked to the window, looking out at the busy streets of downtown Hattiesburg. The sleek, modern interior of my office was much different from the outside historical area. Bricks lined the one way street and made a rumbling sound when the cars passed over them. The rumbling seemed to get louder with the passing seconds. I soon realized that the sound I was hearing was not the bricks at all, but a motorcycle coming from a distance.
My heart leaped into my throat and the aching I had in my chest resurfaced as my thoughts turned to Luke. It was him. He was coming to see me. I had not talked to him in a week, but he was not far from my memory. I could still feel his arms around me, his intoxicating smell, and his lips on mine. My lips turned up in smile, but quickly fell when the bike passed right by my office, never taking a second glance, or slowing in the slightest. It was not Luke. I was suddenly aware of someone standing beside me. I turned to see a sad expression on Lindsey’s face. Her apologies were apparent ,even without words.
“Let’s go get that drink,” she said with a reassuring smile. I nodded. Grabbing my purse, I walked out of the office with the loud pipes of a motorcycle ringing in my ears.
The restaurant was packed and loud. The atmosphere immediately lifted my spirits. The elderly couple in front of us at the reservation podium was turning to leave, disappointed because of the wait. “Sir, you are more than welcome to have my reservation,” I announced to the elderly man who was assisting his wife. “We can sit at the bar.”
The old man smiled kindly at me. “Thank you, young lady. It’s our anniversary,” he said smiling fondly at his wife. The feeling of gratification spread through me like warm honey as I watched the couple shuffle off to what would have been my table.
I noticed Lindsey giving me an odd look out of the corner of my eye and I shot her a don’t-start-with-me look as we made our way to the bar. We sat at the bar and ordered a round of cosmos. The T.V. was tuned
to a baseball game and the men around us were in joyful conversation over who would win. It was hard not to get sucked into the topic, considering we were the only two females in talking distance. My thoughts and worries about Luke were fading with each passing minute as the guys schooled us on baseball stats and kept the drinks coming. Laughter filled the room when we all took turns demonstrating the perfect batting stance. When my turn came, I was giggling uncontrollably, trying to look serious when I heard a whistle from behind me. I turned and saw the boyish face of Regg grinning at me.
“Regg!” I screamed, throwing my arms around his neck.
“Hey, beautiful!” he said, returning my hug. I stepped back, holding him at arm’s length and my face fell. If he was here, chances were Luke was nearby.
“He’s here. I know what you are thinking,” Regg said, winking at me. As if he heard his name, Luke appeared, looking just as hot as I remembered. His ripped jeans gave me a view of his toned, tanned legs and the sleeveless t-shirt that he wore under his vest made his full sleeved tattooed arms available for my eyes. My breath caught in my throat when my eyes landed on his mouth. His lips were turned up into a smile, clearly enjoying my reaction. The stubble around his mouth reminded me of the pleasure it gave me when it was on my most sensitive area.
He stepped closer to me, returning the favor of undressing me with his eyes. I was still dressed for work in a cream colored silk blouse and black slacks. He started with my face, pausing momentarily at my cleavage that was barely visible through the opened buttons on my shirt. Then his eyes skimmed down my legs, all the way to my black Yves Saint Laurent pumps and back up to my eyes. I quickly regained my composure, and regarded him impassively.
“Luke, what a pleasant surprise.”
“Dallas,” he said stepping towards me and closing the distance. “You look absolutely beautiful, as always.” He leaned in, causing my breath to hitch in my throat and planted a soft, chaste kiss on my cheek.
“You must be Lindsey,” he said, turning from me and holding his hand out for Lindsey to shake. She stood staring at him wide eyed as he took her hand in his giving it a light shake. She finally managed to mumble something that resembled a hello. I rolled my eyes at her and turned to Luke again.
“We were just leaving,” I said, managing to keep my voice calm and even.
“Really?” he asked, not hiding his surprise.
“No hell, y’all weren’t. Y’all were over here flirting with these men,” Regg chimed in, grinning from ear to ear. He really had no filter. Before I could respond, Luke smiled warmly at me.
“Well, who am I to interfere. I hope you ladies enjoy yourself. Ms. Lindsey, it was a pleasure to meet you.” And with that, he turned and walked away. My eyes followed him all the way to the door. “Oh, and by the way, Dallas,” he said, turning to walk backwards so he was facing me, “Stay away from them cowboys.” He shot me a wink and a boyish smile that left me reeling.
“So, that’s Luke?” Lindsey asked me, pulling me from my dreamy haze.
“In the flesh,” I responded, holding up my empty glass to the bartender. “Let’s get shitty, Lindsey.”
“Yes!”
It was midnight when we finally made our way to the parking lot. I held my keys up, pushing the alarm button to remind my cloudy mind of where we were parked. We were drunk and giddy as we followed the sound of the horn blaring. Not sure of where it was coming from, we were singing loudly tunes from the musical “The Sound of Music,” and filling in words we didn’t know with “la- la- la- la.” Our laughter ceased when our eyes fell on the two motorcycles sitting next to my car. Regg and a man that I didn’t recognize were laughing and shaking their heads at us.
“Did y’all have a good time?” Regg asked, through his laughter.
“Yesssirr,” I slurred, with a salute.
“Damn. How about we give y’all a ride home now.” Regg said. It was a demand, not a question. Shit. Are all bikers like this?
“Nah, we’re good,” I responded, swaying slightly.
“Here,” Regg handed me a helmet and took my purse and keys from me before I could respond. The other guy followed suit, taking Lindsey’s purse and handing her a helmet. I started to protest, when Lindsey planted a finger on my lips and shook her head. “He’s cute,” she said, giggling and nodding her head toward the guy, who had ‘PROSPECT’ stitched on his vest. I decided not to argue. I owed it to Lindsey; although I was a little displeased that it was Regg that I would be riding with and not Luke.
I thought of Red, but quickly pushed the thought away. Maybe she wouldn’t find out. Maybe, she already knows? Oh well, who gives a shit. I clambered onto the motorcycle, with the assistance of Regg. He grabbed my leg and pulled my foot onto his lap. With a disapproving look, he removed first one and then the other heel and handed them to PROSPECT. He dutifully took them and repeated the same process with Lindsey who was smiling ear to ear, and put them in his saddle bag.
I winked at Lindsey and held tight to Regg as he fired up the motorcycle and sped out of the parking lot. I couldn’t help the feel of exhilaration I got. I should have been drunk when I rode with Luke. I laughed in Regg’s ear and he shook his head in response. We headed east on Hardy Street and I wondered where he was taking us. But I didn’t ask, I just enjoyed the ride. A small part of me was hoping that wherever we went, Luke would be there. The wind in my hair felt amazing. My arms were wrapped tightly around Regg. A twinge of nervousness surfaced when we took a sharp turn to the right, but I closed my eyes and quickly put it at the back of my mind. He pulled up into the parking lot of a hotel. One of the nicest hotels in Hattiesburg, I noted, and parked at the front entrance. Helping me off, he handed me my things and placed his hand on my back, leading me into the hotel. I looked back to see Lindsey wrapping her arm around PROSPECT, but he seemed oblivious to her.
“Reservation for Reggie Jones,” Regg announced to the attendant.
“ID, Mr. Jones?” Regg presented his ID and we were soon being escorted to the elevator. My feet hurt, my head hurt, and I was on the verge of passing out. Lindsey didn’t seem to be in any better shape. We walked down the hall of the hotel and Regg opened the door to a suite. He ushered us in and handed me the key.
“Do not leave. Someone will be here in the morning to take you to your car. Understand?” Fun Regg was gone and in his place was stern, demanding, no-nonsense- biker, Regg. I nodded my head in agreement, not wanting to argue- only sleep. “You have Luke’s number. Call if you need anything.” With that, Regg and the PROSPECT turned and left. I collapsed onto the bed and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
I awoke the next morning with a start. As I sat straight up in the bed, I took note that I was fully dressed and smelled of booze. My hair was a tangled mess and it took me a moment to remember the previous night. As I looked around the large spacious room, I saw the balcony doors were open and a cool breeze was blowing in despite the hot weather we usually had for September. I heard the shower running, and not seeing Lindsey, assumed it was her. A light rap sounded at the door and I scrambled out of bed to see who it was. I opened the door to find an older gentleman delivering room service.
“Miss Knox?” he asks kindly.
“Yes, I am Miss Knox.”
“Mr. Jones had this sent up for you.” I opened the door wider to allow the man to come inside. With him was a cart covered in silver platters along with pitchers of orange juice, water, and coffee.
“Thank you so much,” I said graciously, fishing a twenty out of my purse. He nodded in response and left, closing the door behind him. I uncovered the platters and found a little of everything-sausage, bacon, eggs, grits, pancakes, fresh fruit, bagels… Regg had gone all out. Lindsey emerged from the bathroom dressed in a robe with her wet hair piled high on her head.
“Mmmm, something smells delicious. Did you order this?” she asked, grabbing a piece of sausage and greedily taking a bite.
“No, apparently Mr. Jones had this sent up to us,” I said mo
ckingly.
“Well, thank God, I am starving.” I shook my head at her and made my way to the bathroom. My appearance reflected the way I felt this morning. Shitty. I decided on a hot shower to help clear my head. As the hot water cascaded over my body, I let the memories of last night come back to haunt me. Luke had sent Regg and PROSPECT to check on me. I knew it. Why could he not have come himself? Why did he even care? I was pissed that he sent Regg. I was pissed that he felt the need to control me. I was pissed that I was in this hotel. But, I was mostly pissed at myself. My body and heart were betraying me. My nerves sung out with the hopeful promise to feel his touch again and my treacherous heart fluttered at just the thought of talking to him today. Even his voice possessed me. Without him even being here I felt his presence, because I knew deep down that he was responsible for me being here.
My strong will and never bending pride took over as a sense of pure rage engulfed me. Who in the hell did he think he was? I pushed aside the feeling of elation I got when my mind was made up that I would call him. Negative attention was just as good as anything. Maybe if I made him mad enough, he would show up just to reprimand me. The thought of him doing something crude to me as punishment sent chills down my body, causing me to shudder.
Ugh. Snap out of it Dallas. I quickly shut the water off and stepped out of the shower, adamant not to let my carnal instincts take over and determined to stick to my guns. Luke was wrong for what he did. In no way do I belong to him nor does he have any right to treat me as though I do. Determined to end this debacle once and for all, I towel dried my hair, put on a robe, and headed out of the bathroom to grab my phone. Of course, my plan fell through when my eyes met those ocean blue ones across the room.
Luke was here. Relief flooded through me as an overwhelming urge to jump into his arms took over. Somehow or another, I managed to keep my composure, and straightening my shoulders, I glared at him with my mastered impassive face. He was no fool, he could see right through me and I knew it. An arrogant smile spread across his face as he lifted his hands in the air in a surrendering gesture.
A Ride or Die Kind of Love Page 83
