Mick: My Curvy Girl

by Fox, Nicky

  Switching out Lenora’s feet, I start on her other foot. “I just don’t think he’s right for me,” I say solemnly.

  “Why, sweetie?” Lenora asks above me as she closes her magazine on her lap.

  Pausing for a moment, I hesitate to answer her. Not wanting to divulge too much, I give them as much of an answer as I can. “I don’t want to have children and he seems the type of guy that would want a family. I’d hate for him to have to choose.”

  Evie slowly lowers her phone. “You could ask him.” Evie is always direct and to the point, no bull crap. She reminds me of me a little. Except she can function in the corporate world. I’m more of a free spirit. I have roots here, but I don’t like feeling out of control in my life. That’s why I’m a business owner. I make my own schedule and decisions about how I want to run things. “What if he chooses you?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t want to force him to choose, Evie. I don’t want him to regret it later. I’m happy with how my life is now. I’m in control. I don’t have to answer to anyone. I just need to get laid. I think my vagina is sad.” I look to Evie and she belts out a huge laugh. Not so long ago, Evie was complaining about not getting laid. She said her vagina was sad. Lenora just looks at us like we’re weirdos. “Barret! Get your ass in here and work on Evie’s toes and stop hiding.”

  Barret sighs loudly in the back. I wink at Evie and she returns it.

  I don’t tell them I keep everyone at a distance. I’m incapable of a real relationship. I don’t trust easily. Children will never be in the cards for me. When I decided that, I knew I would never marry or have a serious relationship. Why would I need one? Most couples don’t stay together anyway. It’s just something I don’t need in my life.

  Now, a one-night stand is something I can handle. Hell, if the sex is good, I could handle multiple nights. By then, one of us usually gets tired of the other. That was what I was hoping from Mick. But he wants more. That’s just not something I want nor can give right now.

  “Maggie, my love. I’ve missed you these past few days.” I giggle at Eric from the other side of the counter. “The usual?”

  “Yes, please.” Drumming my fingers on the counter, I sigh as I think about the last time I was here. It seems ages ago, meeting Mick for the first time. He took my breath away in his uniform. His gorgeous eyes checking me out, that smirk, those handcuffs. The sound of the door opening brings me back to the present. My skin prickles as air moves around me. I know he’s here before he speaks.

  “Hey, cupcake.” Turning my head to look over my shoulder as if my mind conjured him up, there is my hot cop. His stance is relaxed. Mick has his hands in his pockets like he’s trying to keep them contained, like he wants to reach out and touch me but is restraining the need.

  I rock on my heels avoiding eye contact. “Hi,” I mumble.

  “Fresh donuts for my girl.” Eric comes out of the back of the store and breaks the silence between Mick and me. My head turns to Eric as I pull out some cash. Eric sees Mick and frowns. “It’s on the house, Maggie.”

  “Oh, no. I couldn’t.” Eric shakes his head and hands me my bag of donuts. I get the sense Eric wants me to leave quickly so I don’t have to be in here with Mick. I’m grateful. I accept the bag and shuffle around Mick’s large frame, keeping my eyes down. If I look at his face, I’ll be tempted to say something stupid.

  I’m finally able to breathe when I push the door to the donut shop open. I’m only out the door five steps before I hear my name being called behind me. “Maggie, wait. Please.” Mick is fast on my heels. Since I can’t outrun him, I stop, unable to turn around.

  Coming to stand in front of me, he says, “Look, all I’m asking is for another date. Shoot. It doesn’t even have to be at night. I can take you out for lunch, wherever you want to go. Lady’s choice. Will you please give me something, anything? I just want to spend more time with you. I had a great time the other night and I think you did too, right?”

  I nod, not trusting myself to say anymore. Mick slowly grabs for my hand, waiting if I’ll pull away. When I don’t, he must take that as a sign because then he’s on me.

  Without preamble, Mick steps forward until our chests meet and weaves his hands through my hair to the back of my head. Pulling my face toward him, his mouth finds mine with a kiss that consumes me. Right smack dab in the middle of the sidewalk off Main Street, Mick Styles kisses me roughly, ravishing me, as if I’m his air and he needs me to breathe. His stubble scrapes against my chin and all I want to do is get closer.

  I can’t help but return the kiss with fervor. His lips are soft, but persistent. Mick’s minty breath tastes as good as it smells. Which reminds me, I probably taste like that donut hole I sampled at the shop while I waited for Eric to finish packaging my donuts. Mick moans as I slide my tongue between his lips. Soon, we’re grasping at each other’s clothes in an attempt to get closer. His large strong arms encase me and I can’t help but lean into him even more. More, I need more of him.

  “Mick.” I moan between hurried kisses. One large hand slides down my backside and grasps my ass. For some reason that show of dominance revs up my libido even more. It’s like he’s stating that I’m his, right in the bright of daylight for everyone to see. Right now, I don’t care if the whole town is watching us. I’m so in this moment right now. All I want to do is feel this man’s body against mine.

  His utility belt digs into my stomach and . . . is that handcuffs I feel near my hip? Sweet Jesus. I run my hands through his hair, causing it to stick up all over. He looks so cute and disheveled this way, with my red lipstick smeared all over his lips. I stare at him as he looks into my eyes while our tongues fight for dominance. Eyes still open and watching him, I capture his lips again with mine, as the heat scorches between us. A fire burning from head to toe.

  “Ten-forty-five in progress, Baskin Street, code three response.” Mick’s radio chirps from his parked squad car.

  “Fuck.” Mick pulls away quickly as if he’s now out of a trance. I almost giggle at his state. It looks like he just rolled out of bed from a good fuck. And damn, is it hot. He’s even hotter right now, if that’s even possible. I’m taking a mental snapshot when he interrupts my wanton thoughts of us in bed together.

  “I gotta go. That’s a burglary in progress and they’re calling for sirens.” Mick hastily rushes to his car, stumbling on his way. “I’m coming over to your shop in a bit and we’re settling this date, Maggie.”

  With that, he slides in his squad car and then he’s off like a rocket, lights and sirens blaring.

  “Damn. That is one hot cop,” I mutter to myself.

  Seven p.m. on the dot, I flip over my open sign to closed. Candy is in the back, restocking. Barret is sweeping away the rest of his clients’ hair as I make my way over to the till. “He hasn’t showed up yet.” Barret ceases his sweeping and stares at me over his broom, his lips pulled down.

  “I’m sure he’s busy or he forgot, Bear Bear,” I say, trying to keep the mood light. “Mick probably got another emergency or something. I’m sure I’ll see him around.”

  “Tell me again the part where fucked you with his mouth in the middle of town where everyone could see.” He leans on his broom and fans himself. I muster a smile even though I’m looking out the window every other minute for a certain squad car to pull up.

  “I didn’t say it quite like that, you dirty boy.” Counting the cash quickly, I plop it in a zippered pouch. Barret begins sweeping again.

  “You didn’t have to, babe. I could see it in the smeared lipstick all over your face. Not to forget your tousled hair. I wonder if he left a bruise on your ass where he grabbed you. Bend over and let me see.” Flicking a hairband at him, I miss by a mile. He laughs at my fail.

  “You’re ridiculous.” Removing my apron, I wad it up and finally get him with a direct hit on his head. Laughing, I rush past him to get to the safe in the back of the stock room. Barret laughs at me. I tell Candy she can go and we’ll see her tomor
row. She grabs her purse and is out of the store in record time. Maybe she has a hot date too?

  Barret comes into the backroom after locking Candy out. “Okay, well, tell me when he stops by because I want to hear all about it. I’m out. You need anything else, doll?”

  The safe clicks open and I deposit the bag inside. My gut is telling me Mick isn’t going to show up. I’m used to disappointment with men. But I know Barret is enjoying this new infatuation so I won’t rain on his parade. Closing the heavy door and then spinning the doohickey, I shuffle out toward the front of the store.

  “No, I’m about to leave. I just need to check my schedule for tomorrow. Have a nice night, bear.” He blows me a kiss as I lock the front door behind him. His car headlights eventually shine into the store and then retreat as he leaves the parking lot.

  I don’t usually like staying in the store by myself because it creeps me out. I’m dawdling, waiting for my hot cop. Tapping my foot for a moment, I check my watch to see it’s half past closing time. Forget it. He’s not coming. I reach for the light switch, turning off all the lights, except the neon nail sign that glows pink against the glass window. Grabbing my purse and my keys harshly, I click open the lock, shove the heavy doors open, and then slam them shut with a loud thud.

  Damn men. Suddenly, there’s a crash inside the store. I halt my movements and listen. Did Barret stack those bottles haphazardly in the shampoo station again? Wait. Did I forget to lock the back door? Then, I see it. A small flashlight roaming across the inside of my store. I cover my gasp with my hand, not wanting to make a sound. My legs can’t seem to move and my eyes are riveted to the scene unfolding before me.

  A figure all in black slinks around in the back of my store, the pink neon light reflecting off him every so often. I can tell it’s a man by how he moves, his stance, and of course, his large build. Finally able to get a hold of my motor skills, I fumble inside my purse to grab my cell phone. There are notifications lit up all over it, but I don’t have time for that right now. My hand is sweating and I fumble with my phone, dropping it on the pavement below.

  “Shit,” I whisper. The street is quiet and there are a few lamps lit toward the main square. It’s difficult to see my black phone. It blends in with everything else around. Thankfully, my phone lights up with another notification and I swiftly grab it. When I glance up, the man is looking straight at me. I press the button to unlock my phone, all the while looking back at him. There’s no telling what he’s going to do. The thief could come right for me. Who knows, this guy could be a killer too.

  The harsh lines in his face pull down into a scowl. His demeanor changes. The man in black puffs out his chest and takes a step toward me. I don’t wait for what he’s going to do next. I dial nine-one-one.

  “Nine-one-one, what’s your emergency?”

  8

  Mick

  My shift has been over for two hours now and I’m waiting at Maggie’s apartment doorstep for her. Instead of meeting her at the store like we discussed, I messaged her to let her know I’d come to her place instead. After a dozen texts to her, still no reply. I hope she’s not avoiding me. I swear, if she comes home with another guy, I’ll flip my shit. I’m already on edge as it is. Glancing at my watch, I see it’s nine o’clock. Where is she? I’m about to jump in my truck and scour the streets for her when I notice her SUV come into view.

  I hastily stand and bound down the stairs toward her. Her headlights fade out as she exits her vehicle, wearing the same sexy dress she wore earlier this morning. Damn. Her long flowing red hair is piled over one shoulder and she’s frowning, but she still looks so damn beautiful.

  “Hey, cupcake.”

  Maggie throws her purse at my head and shrieks for all the neighbors to hear. Luckily, I catch her bulky purse, managing to keep all its contents inside. “What the hell, Mick?” Her hands go to her curvy hips and so do my eyes.

  “What?”

  She takes a calming breath and grabs her purse from my grasp.

  “You scared the shit out of me. I’ve had a rough night.” Maggie strides past me quickly and I follow. She can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ve waited for her almost two hours. I’m not about to be brushed off.

  “I texted you. Didn’t you know I was coming?” Following her up the stairs, I watch as she fumbles with her keys, her movements jerky. This isn’t going to be a fun conversation, I can tell. Maggie flips her long hair over her shoulder, whipping me in the face during the process. When the door unlocks, Maggie quickly slips in and tries to shut the door in my face. I slam my hand against the cheap fiberglass door. “Maggie, what the hell is going on?”

  She turns, finally facing me. Her face is still marred with a frown, her eyes are red, and her hand shakes as she rests it against the door.

  “I’ve had a rough day, Mick. I don’t want to do this right now.”

  I consider her request but all of this seems off. She seems off. Something happened to her and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.

  “Cupcake, let me in. I’m not leaving this doorstep until you tell me what’s going on.”

  Her body sags and slowly moves from the door. “Fine, but I’m taking a bath.”

  I cease my steps into her apartment. She expects me to talk to her while she’s naked in a bath full of bubbles as she rubs soap all over her curves?! Shit. I close her apartment door and lock it behind me. Maggie has made her way into what I assume is her bedroom, so I take the time to check out her apartment.

  It’s a mismatch of shabby effects similar to my place. An old, worn-in couch that looks comfy enough. Two chairs flank it that are more contemporary in style. An old wooden coffee table centers the room with a large geometric print rug underneath. Behind me, sits the dining room—small but cozy, with a round wooden table and four wooden chairs painted black surrounding it. The kitchen sits to the right of the table further into the apartment. It has the usual faux wood Formica counters and contractor grade cabinets in white. Everything is neat and clean.

  “Some of the furniture is my roommate’s, or was . . . she doesn’t really live here anymore. She’s moved in with her boyfriend. Evie was an interior designer. She tried to update some of my pieces, but I’m sentimental to that old couch.”

  Turning to face her, I see Maggie is wearing nothing but a slinky robe. I can make out her dark nipples through the sheer fabric. The slender belt tightened around her waist accentuates her luscious curves. Maggie’s barefoot and beautiful. Then, her nipples harden under my appreciative gaze. I clear my throat.

  “You have a nice apartment. I like the couch. It looks comfortable.” Maggie nods her head and smiles slightly. There’s still something wrong. “What happened, Maggie?”

  She crosses her arms, guarded. I can tell she doesn’t want to talk about it, but if someone’s bothering her, I want to know. I’m a fucking cop; I can do something about it. That’s why I became a police officer in the first place. I wanted to help people. I want to help her more than anything.

  “Someone broke into my shop as I was locking up tonight.”

  My jaw drops to the floor. Rage burns through my veins so hot I can feel it on my skin.

  “What!?” I roar, charging at her. Grabbing her shoulders, I bring her to close to anchor me. I can feel myself losing it. “Were you hurt? Were they armed? Did you see the perp? When was this? Why didn’t you call me?”

  I spit out my questions in quick succession, waiting on pins and needles for her to give me something, anything. She looks flustered and scared. I feel like my heart is jumping out of my chest.

  “It was at closing time, well, a little after. I was just locking the door outside the shop when I saw a large dark figure with a flashlight in the back of my shop heading toward the safe in the backroom.” She pauses a moment and taps her fingers on her lips. “It’s like he knew when and where to go. He must’ve been watching my business. Maybe watching me too.”

  “He? You saw him? It was just one perp? What did he look
like?” I rub her back to comfort her. She sounds on edge and I hate she’s having to relive this to tell me, but I need to know. Hell, I’m worried. There have been numerous break-ins to businesses in the downtown Plano area. I know, I’ve answered the calls to many of them. I wish I could’ve been there to answer for her tonight. I should’ve been there for Maggie. I thought I was doing the right thing by rushing here tonight. Instead, she really needed me at the salon. I failed, but I won’t fail her again.

  “He was a big guy, somewhat short. I didn’t really see his face. I only saw one person in the store. Look, I talked all this over with the police earlier. I don’t really feel like living it again. I’m taking a bath.” Maggie turns down the hall and off to another door beyond sight. I follow slowly, not wanting to leave her. I have this extreme need to protect her.

  “I’ll wait outside the door,” I call out to her as I hear the water move with the dip of her body. Damn. She’s just on the other side of this door, naked. Sliding down the wall, I sit on my ass and bring my legs to my chest. My head drops back against the wall with a thud. Concentrating on my shoelaces and not the gorgeous woman wet and naked a few feet away, I pull my phone out of my pocket, wanting to let Travis know I’m staying out late. My roommate always worries I’m going to get shot in the line of duty and not come home one night, so I like to let him know all is well. He’s like my mother sometimes, but it’s nice to know he cares.

  Water splashes, bringing my thoughts back to Maggie. “I didn’t get your texts until I was calling the police about the break-in.” Her voice is muffled through the door.

  “It’s okay, Maggie. I didn’t want to bother you at your work. I thought that would be a better way. Maybe next time, if I don’t get a response, I’ll ring you there too.” We’re still learning things about each other and what works. I had already mauled her with that kiss near her work. I didn’t want to overstep and harass her there too with my phone calls. I thought texting her on her cell was sufficient enough. Now, I know that she doesn’t check her cell until after work. I’ll have to keep that in mind in the future.