A Ride or Die Kind of Love

by Chelsea Camaron

  “I just brought your car back babe. That’s all.” His grin was that of a Cheshire cat and I wanted nothing more than to slap the look off of his face. His smugness was just what I needed to keep my feelings for him at bay.

  “Oh no, that most definitely is not all,” I said smoothly. Grabbing myself a cup of coffee, I took my time enjoying the look of shock that passed over his face. “I need to make a few things clear to you. I am not your fucking pet. I don’t belong to you, nor do I need you looking out for me. I have been told by more than one person that there are plenty of women just lining up to be dominated by you. I am clearly not one of those women, so do yourself a favor and leave me the hell alone.” There. That told him.

  My cold hard stare bore deep into his eyes and his reflecting look was just the same. My eyes faltered momentarily, grazing over his body. He was so fucking beautiful. He stood staring at me with his arms crossed, giving me the full view of his taunt, hard muscles. I wanted those arms around me. His legs were slightly apart from one another giving his stance that of power. The look he bore into me was filled with such malice that I wanted to look away, avert my eyes to anything but him. I stood my ground, but the one second that I lost my composure did not go unnoticed. He knew I was bluffing. I could tell by the way his face softened and went from that of stone to skepticism. He sauntered toward me, removing the coffee from my hand and placing it on the dresser. Somewhere in my brain I registered the sound of the door closing and knew that Lindsey had stepped out leaving me alone with him. My breath quickened. My heart nearly beat out of my chest and I felt dizzy from his intoxicating smell. He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on my neck.

  “Do you really want me to go, Dallas?” he asked in his dark, raspy bedroom voice. I couldn’t answer. I was trying to concentrate on not convulsing into an orgasm from his closeness. “You don’t like me taking care of you?” He kissed me further down my neck, pausing when he got to the base of my throat and then continuing back up. “I could take real good care of you. You need someone to look after you, Dallas-someone to hold you when you cry, someone to satisfy your needs, someone who isn’t scared of a little intimidation. Have any of your other boyfriends made you feel this way?”

  He continued the torturous onslaught with his mouth by moving my robe off of my shoulder, loosening the belt that held it closed. My panting grew louder and a soft moan escaped my lips when he nipped my shoulder with his teeth.

  “Look at me,” he demanded, pulling my chin up so my eyes met his. I could see that he was looking for an answer. I knew deep in my heart what that answer was, but I couldn’t let him have complete control over me, especially after what he had done. I was still wounded from the way he talked to me at the bar. My heart still hurt from him sending someone to watch after me, when I knew that deep down if he was really worried about my safety then he would have come himself. Digging deep inside me, I found the courage to end this conversation before it took a turn for the worst.

  “You need to leave, now.” My voice came out much harsher than what I intended. A look of rejection and hurt passed over his face before he quickly hid it with his signature smirk.

  “Okay babe, I’ll leave. But, just so you know, I sure do miss that girl I met last week.” He kissed me tenderly, almost reverently on the lips and walked out. I stood in shock, staring at the now closed door.

  Why did I keep doing this to myself? If I wanted him, why did I put myself through such misery? There was nothing wrong with me falling for him. Why couldn’t I put my stubbornness aside and actually enjoy something in life for once?

  By the time Lindsey walked back into the room I was dressed and ready to leave. She took the silent hint and dressed quickly, grabbing a bagel before heading out the door. I sped from the parking lot, hoping to get away from his lingering smell and presence, but not before seeing him watching and waiting for me from the side of the building. Without a second thought, I pushed my rearview mirror up effectively blocking him from my sight. If only it were that easy with my heart.

  Chapter 9

  I pulled up next to Lindsey’s car at the office. We had not spoken since we left the hotel, and the awkward silence between us was becoming more and more uncomfortable. She gave me a weak smile and got out. I stayed to make sure she was securely in her car, and then pulled into traffic to head home. I couldn’t wait to crawl into my bed, in my dark bedroom and shut the whole world out for the next forty-eight hours.

  A week ago, I knew exactly who I was. Life had given me just what I expected it to. Then, like a whirlwind, Luke had appeared and turned everything upside down. Now, I didn’t recognize the girl that I saw in the mirror every morning. Every second of every day, I thought of him. I was happy and smiling, for no reason. He had changed me. In the small amount of time that I knew him, he had reminded me what life felt like. How it felt to love and appreciate things that money could not buy. He had given me Lindsey. My friendship with her was one I knew would last forever. He taught me humility. I found myself doing things for people that normally I never would have done. He had impacted my life, yet I pushed him away. And for what? Because he didn’t want me driving home drunk? Because he made sure that I was taken care of? Didn’t he warn me not to flirt with other men? I blew it. The only man who could ever potentially love me and capture my heart was now out of the picture.

  Maybe I did need someone who wasn’t scared of my intimidating ways and who could take care of me. I decided right then that if God was gracious enough to give me another chance with him, I would not push him away. Well, not for the things he had done in the past anyway. We would definitely discuss it, but I would not run from him. Hattiesburg was a small town. Surely I would bump into him. But, what if he no longer wanted me? What if I had ruined my last chance?

  My phone rang out over the loudspeaker, and without even seeing who it was; I hit the call button on my steering wheel.

  “Dallas Knox,” I answered in my Monday thru Friday monotonous tone.

  “Do you always answer your phone like that?” Lindsey asked disapprovingly.

  “No, it normally rings only on work days. What is it?”

  “Well, I wanted to remind you of the Mayor’s daughter’s engagement party tonight. We sent an RSVP. Do you want me to cancel?” Lindsey asked, regret filling her voice.

  Who was I to ruin her weekend? “No, don’t cancel. I’ll be there. Arrange for us to have a limo. Y’all can pick me up at six.”

  “A limo?” Lindsey asked shocked, as if it were the first time that I had asked her to get one. “Don’t you think that is a little over the top for an engagement party?”

  “It’s black tie isn’t it?” I snapped.

  “Yes, it is. I apologize. I don’t know where my head is. I’ll arrange for it to be here at five-thirty and we’ll be at your place by six.”

  I hung up the phone without a goodbye. Lindsey was my friend, but business was still business and I didn’t like to be questioned. Hell would freeze over before I showed up driving my own car while some of my most prestigious clients and competitors looked on. I agreed to this dinner for one reason only. Mayor Kirkley owned some properties that I was interested in purchasing. I already had an investor looking for something in that area and if I could land it, it would mean a huge profit for the company. Not to mention, that would mean that I owned over sixty percent of the commercial property in Hattiesburg. Tonight I would put Luke out of my mind and focus on business. If I was lucky, maybe some bachelor would come along and relieve some pent up stress. No, nothing to remind me of Luke. Tonight, I would be the Dallas Knox that I know. Tomorrow, I could go back to being the sap I had become.

  After a nap, a bubble bath, and a quick masturbation session, I was completely relaxed and ready to begin dressing. The limo would be here in an hour, which means we would arrive at approximately six-thirty. Perfect. The party started at six, so that would give the other guests plenty of time to arrive before my grand entrance. I applied light make-up consisting of a
little mascara, blush and a clear lip gloss and swept my hair into a knot just above my neck. A few tendrils fell, framing my face, but still they left my diamond teardrop earrings visible. I chose a floor length, pale yellow, satin gown that had a small train. The back was cut out and dipped low, starting right at the top of my perfectly toned ass. It was borderline inappropriate, but still looked classy. One row of rhinestones went across the back, right below my shoulders, keeping the dress held together. The front was cut low, covering both my breasts, but leaving the space in between open. I slipped on a pair of matching heels that were custom made for the dress, grabbed the matching clutch and turned to look at the vixen in the mirror. I would, without a doubt, be the talk of the town. My tanned skin contrasted perfectly with the pale colored dress, and although I was covered, the outline of the dress left little to the imagination. I sprayed on my most alluring perfume and headed out to make every man in Hattiesburg envious of the husband I didn’t have.

  The limo arrived at exactly 6:00 p.m. Henderson, the driver, quickly opened the door for me and assisted me by holding my hand while I sat.

  “You look lovely tonight, Miss Knox,” he spoke in his deep, yet warm tone.

  “Thank you, Henderson. You look well yourself.” He smiled warmly, and then closed the door. I looked beside me to see Lindsey gaping with her mouth open. “You okay?” I asked.

  “Uh, you look hot, Dallas. Like, really hot,” she said with real appreciation in her tone.

  “Thank you. You look beautiful as well.” And she did. Her hair was swept up on top of her head and her black, strapless gown was stunning. She smiled and leaned up, grabbing a couple glasses and a chilled bottle of champagne. We toasted to the night, the business and friendship- then to Henderson, leather seats and the rapper 50 Cent. Before we pulled into the Convention center, the bottle was empty and we were both light headed and tipsy.

  This was no Hollywood movie premier, but for Hattiesburg, it was the main event. The time people went all out to make an impression on the ever important, Mayor Paul Kirkley. Mayor Kirkley had been in office several years now and had drastically improved the city. Some considered him a celebrity. He even had an article written about him that was published in Time magazine. His one and only child, Nathalie, was marrying her high school sweetheart, Mason, the son of State Representative John Blunt. Everyone who was anyone would be present tonight and I could not help but enjoy the attention that I drew once I walked through the door. Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I made my way around the room, smiling and making small talk with those I encountered. Seated at my table for dinner, were two very important potential clients and their wives.

  By the time dinner was over, I had successfully landed three new properties, gained two new clients, and made a generous donation to a charity in which both clients’ wives sat on the board. It felt good to be in control again. It was amazing what you could accomplish with a smile, a low cut dress, and a check book. Mayor Kirkley had been busy all night, but once his eyes landed on my dress, I saw my opportunity and took full advantage of it.

  “Mayor Kirkley, what a magnificent party.” I said cheerfully, kissing him on both cheeks.

  “Miss Knox, I’m so glad you could make it. Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, not able to keep his eyes from my cleavage.

  “Oh, yes. Dinner was delightful and very rewarding. Thank you for arranging the seating for me,” I said with a wink.

  “My pleasure. Will you save a dance for me later?” he asked, eyeing me seductively.

  “I’m looking forward to it.” I turned and walked away, giving him a clear view of the back of my dress, then joined Lindsey for a drink, something a little stronger than champagne.

  I gladly danced with anyone who asked. You never knew when that person could be of assistance to you. I danced with aldermen, firemen, county workers, and young bachelors; not once did I think of Luke. I had locked him in a box in the back of my sub- conscious and I was determined to keep him there until the night was over.

  Mayor Kirkley had finally made his way around to me and I was anxious to get it over with, so that I could leave. I had approximately three minutes to convince him to sell his land to me, and Mayor Kirkley was known for being a shrewd negotiator. “Ahh, finally I get to dance with the most beautiful woman in the room,” he said to me, sweeping me into his arms. He was a very good looking man. His tall strong body was flawless. He was once a bodybuilder, and when I placed my hand on his shoulder, I could feel his taunt muscles through his tuxedo.

  “Well, I have to disagree with you Mayor. It seems that Nathalie is by far the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  “She is nothing more than a child, but you are all woman. Do tell me Miss Knox, why did you really come here tonight? To try and acquire some land I have, I presume,” he said arrogantly.

  “Why, Mayor Kirkley. I am shocked that you would think such a thing.” I responded, appearing wounded.

  “Oh cut the shit, Dallas. What do you want with that land anyway?” he asked using a tone that was all business.

  “I’m thinking of combining all of my offices into one building,” I lied smoothly.

  “Some of that land, I could sell by the square inch. It is in high demand right now.”

  “And I plan to pay you top dollar. It will be at least five years before the property has enough commercial business surrounding it to even be worth anything. That is why I want to put my office out there. It will be the only real estate company on Ninety-Eight. Everyone else is downtown.” I could tell that he was intrigued by my proposal. He was going to have to sell the property soon anyway and everyone knew that if anyone could afford it, Dallas Knox could.

  “So there’s no hot shot investor waiting to jump at the first opportunity to put a strip mall or other large business there?” he asked curiously.

  “Not that I am aware of,” I lied again.

  “Okay, I’ll tell you what. I’ll send some figures over to your office first thing Monday morning. If you like ‘em we’ll make a deal,” he said, not looking me in the eye.

  “Do I look like an idiot to you, Paul? I know as well as you do, exactly what top dollar is for that property. Send me the paperwork. I’ll take it to my lawyer and I’ll have you a certified check by Tuesday morning.” I was giddy, but managed to conceal it, feigning disinterest.

  “Okay, but promise me that you will use Carmical Construction to clear the timber. I kinda owe the owner a favor,” he replied defeated.

  “Done.” I gave him a quick nod and exited the dance floor, just as the song finished.

  I joined Lindsey at our table and making a silent toast, drained another glass of champagne. Lindsey smiled knowingly. “So, what are the stipulations? I know he had some.”

  “Only one, Carmical Constr-.” I froze mid- sentence. Carmical Construction? Surely it was not the same Carmical? My question was answered as a tuxedo dressed Luke entered the room and shook hands with Mayor Kirkley. He was stunning. Dressed in a black tux with a champagne colored vest and tie, he looked nothing like the biker-Luke that I knew. No, this Luke was all business and the power and attention he demanded when walking into a room did not go unnoticed by anyone, including myself. He drew the eyes of every woman in the room, and I was immediately jealous. This was my Luke. Well, maybe not this one, but the Luke under those clothes belonged to me and no one else. He seemed oblivious to the women who were gathered in small crowds around him, whispering and smiling. It seemed that he had eyes for only one woman, and I knew exactly who that was as soon as he turned and looked at me. I could feel the pull that was between us. The chemistry was there, even amongst all of the people, and I felt as though we were the only two in the room. In what seemed like only a second he was there, standing in front of me.

  “Dance with me?” he asked, holding out his hand. His voice stood out over everyone in the room. I thought the chatter quieted down somewhat when I took his hand and allowed him to lead me onto the dance
floor. My body tingled from his touch. I noticed that the band was leaving the stage, but a man sat on a chair with a single guitar and began playing one of the sweetest melodies that I had ever heard.

  “I requested this song just for you,” he said, looking deep into my eyes.

  He pulled me close, placing his hand on the small of my back, just above my dress. I rested my head on his chest, closing my eyes and inhaling his scent. Oh how I had missed these arms, that smell; this man. I let the lyrics of Joshua Radin’s You Got What I Need take me away.

  I reveled in the feel of his arm’s holding me close. The world had disappeared and it was just us. I sent up a silent prayer, thanking God for the second chance that he had given me. I finally had Luke in my arms and I wasn’t going to let him go this time. The song finished and I looked up into his clear, blue eyes.

  “Come home with me,” he whispered. It was not a question but a demanding plea. Not being able to find my voice, I nodded in agreement and was rewarded with his breathtaking smile. Placing both hands on either side of my face, he kissed me. I opened my mouth allowing his tongue to slowly caress mine. I had never felt so cherished. This man, who was still a stranger to me, was showing a public display of affection in front of hundreds of people and in that moment, I was happier than I had ever been. He pulled his lips from mine and grabbed both of my hands, kissing them, and then led me from the dance floor.

  Every eye in the room was on the two of us. I felt a little guilty for stealing the show, but the feeling faded when I noticed Nathalie wiping tears from her eyes and smiling fondly at us. Luke’s truck was parked at the entrance of the building. He opened the door, and assisted me in then walked around to jump into the driver’s side, pausing to receive my things from Lindsey, who was wearing a face-splitting grin. Luke pulled me across the seat, placing his arm around me and kissing the top of my head.