by E. L. Todd
“I’ll think about it…”
I growled in irritation.
We ordered our food then stared at each other across the table.
“You look beautiful tonight.” I liked staring at her. She was a vision. Her hair was styled and her dress highlighted all her features. She was petite and strong, but curvy in the places I loved.
“Thank you.” She fidgeted with the necklace around her throat.
I’d known Alex for a while but I really didn’t know anything about her. But that didn’t bother me. What I did know, I liked. She was sweet and funny, and she had a rockin’ body. “When did you first pursue martial arts?”
“Years ago.”
“Why?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Why did you?”
“My parents put me in lessons when I was young. It became my passion at some point. What about you?”
“I started when I was in high school.”
“That’s kinda old,” I noted. “Any reason why?”
She shrugged. “No.”
Her vague responses made me wonder what she was hiding. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable so I let it go. “Did you grow up here?”
“No, I grew up in the Bronx.”
Really? “That’s pretty close.”
“Yeah, but it’s a different world. Where did you grow up?”
“Manhattan. So, we weren’t that far away from each other.”
“Actually, I think we were,” she said with a light laugh.
Was I missing something? “You look beautiful tonight.”
“You already said that.”
“It’s worth mentioning again.”
Her eyes softened. “It’s weird seeing you be this nice.”
“I’m actually a good guy. I understand why you didn’t notice…since I never showed this side of myself to you.”
She continued to stare at me, her face giving nothing away.
“I’m really sorry for my behavior. I was a jerk to you and I wish I could change that.”
She nodded.
“And I’m not apologizing because I feel bad for you,” I said quickly. “I’m apologizing because I want to sleep with you.”
Her eyes widened in alarm and she looked like she might slap me.
“Kidding.”
She relaxed and released a sigh. “Not funny.”
“If I wanted to sleep with you, I already had the perfect opportunity. So that’s obviously not what I want.”
“And what do you want, Theo?” she asked.
I shrugged. “Whatever happens, happens.”
“Meaning?”
“My dad always told me not to live my life on a timeline. I would marry and settle down when I found the right girl. It doesn’t matter if I meet her in high school or when I’m thirty-five. So, I’m just going with the flow, basically.”
“Have you ever been in a serious relationship?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I’m very picky,” I said honestly. “It takes a lot to impress me and hold my attention.”
“Do I impress you?” she asked.
“What do you think?” I asked with a smirk. “You’re the only woman who’s ever kicked my ass—and my mom has a good arm.”
She smiled. “So, you actually admit it?”
“I guess so. And you know what? It’s actually kind of hot.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re hopping off the sexist train.”
I laughed. “I was never sexist. I swear. You just rubbed me the wrong way when we met.”
“Am I rubbing you the right way now?”
“I’m asking you to see no other guys, I’m having dinner with you, and I can’t stop staring at you. You tell me.”
She looked away but there was still a slight smirk on her lips.
The food was brought and we dug in. Alex ate like a princess. She had manners and used her napkin even when nothing was on her face. I watched her eat when she wasn’t looking then dropped the look once she noticed me.
When the bill came, she did the check dance.
“No.” I put the cash in. “When I take a girl out, I do it right.”
“At least let me pay for my half.”
“Nope.” I handed it to the waiter. “Keep the change.”
“Thank you, sir.”
When he was gone, she folded her napkin then placed it on the table. “Well, thank you for dinner.”
“Don’t say thank you yet. The night isn’t over.”
“What did you have in mind?” she asked.
“Dancing.”
“You dance?” she asked incredulously.
“I know a few moves…”
“Where was this fun and adventurous guy months ago?” she asked.
“I don’t know…crawled under a rock and was being grouchy.”
“Apparently…”
“Come on. Let’s go.” I grabbed her hand and we left.
***
When we reached the bar, people were flooded in the middle dancing. Most people were holding drinks and having a good time. I kept my hand around her waist so any admirers would know she was taken.
“Are you ready for this?” I yelled over the music.
“Bring it.”
I spun her around then danced with her close. She grinded against me and I nuzzled my face into her neck. Perhaps dancing wasn’t a good idea because she got me excited almost immediately. If I pushed against her too hard, she would feel it. I spun her around again then moved with her face-to-face.
“You’re a good dancer.”
“My mom taught me.”
She gave me a disgusted look. “To dance like this?”
“No,” I said immediately. “She’s a professional dancer. She taught me the basics.”
“Phew, I was worried for a second.”
“Where did you learn?”
She shrugged. “TV.”
“Well, you’re good.”
“Am I really?” she asked. “Or do you just like pressing up against my ass?”
I smirked then held her close to me. “Would you be offended if I said yes?”
“A little,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s okay.”
“You want a drink?” I asked.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“Maybe,” I said. “You were a lot of fun.”
“I’m a lot of fun now.”
“Debatable…”
She smacked my arm. “I’ll take a water. I’m going to head to the bathroom.”
“You want me to walk you?”
The only response I got was her rolling her eyes.
I headed to the bar then ordered two drinks. While I was waiting for them to arrive, I heard a familiar voice.
“Look who’s looking delicious tonight…” Deana sauntered to me then immediately wrapped her arms around my neck. “I was looking for a new fish but you’ll do. You’re good at the…stuff.” Her breath reeked of alcohol.
I peeled her fingers off of me. “I’m unavailable. I have a date tonight.”
“Ditch her,” she said. “Let’s go in the bathroom and have some fun.” She laughed like she just said a loud joke. Then her hands were on me again. She leaned so close to me she almost kissed me.
“Deana, no,” I said firmly. I didn’t want to be too harsh on her because she was drunk. She wouldn’t understand me anyway.
Her lips landed on my neck. “My car is just outside.”
“Ah-hem.” Alex crossed her arms over her chest and gave me the stink eye.
Oh shit.
I pushed Deana off me. “I’m with my girlfriend. I’m sure there’s some other hot guy here waiting for you.”
“You’re right…there probably is.” She sauntered away then started flirting with a total stranger.
Alex gave me a pissed look. “Who the hell was that?”
“Some girl,” I said. “I wasn’t hitting on her.”
“Some girl?” she asked incredulous
ly. “It sounded like you knew her pretty well.”
“Well, I do. I mean, I did. There’s nothing going on though.”
She stomped her foot. “She was kissing your neck!”
“Okay…that looked bad. But I was trying to get her off and—”
“Why was she kissing your neck at all?”
“She wanted to sleep with me.”
“Oh, so that makes it okay?”
I smirked at her. “You know, it’s a little early in the relationship to be this jealous already...”
She put her hands on her hips. “So, it’s okay for some woman to kiss your neck when you’re on a date with me?”
“No…but you’re getting awfully mad.” She was actually really cute when she was pissed off. I liked it.
“How would you feel if some guy was kissing my neck?”
“He’d be dead on the floor.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Who was she?”
I shrugged. “This girl I slept with a few times.”
“And are you going to keep sleeping with her?” she demanded.
I came close to her then gripped her hips. “I thought I wasn’t your boyfriend?”
“Well…” She searched for an argument.
“Let’s make a deal. I won’t sleep with her anymore if you don’t go out with Yates. That sounds fair.”
She thought for a moment. “I suppose…”
“So, we’re good?” I pressed my head to hers. “Because I want to get back on the dance floor and feel you rub your ass against me.”
She tried to stay upset with me but she couldn’t. “Okay. Fine.”
***
“Come to my place,” I said in the truck.
“I don’t know…” She looked out the window. “I’m tired.”
“Sleep with me.”
“That was a one-time thing.”
“Why?” I asked. “It was the best night of sleep I’ve gotten in a long time.”
She crossed her arms over her chest.
“That’s it. We’re going to my place.”
“Wait, hold on.”
“Nope,” I said. “We’re having too much fun to end the evening this soon.”
“I get a say in this too, you know?”
“You do?” I asked. “I don’t remember that part of the deal.”
She smacked my arm. “Take me home.”
“Nope.” I headed to my place.
She growled. “I’d kick your ass if you weren’t driving.”
“And I’d let you because you’re cute when you’re mad.”
She growled again.
“There you go, being cute.”
She shook her head and looked out the window.
When we arrived at my apartment, she walked inside then kicked off her heels. “God, my feet are killing me.”
“How about a special massage?”
“You’re going to rub my feet?” she asked incredulously.
“Yep.”
“You don’t have to—”
I nudged her onto the couch then started to massage her feet.
“Oh my god…” She leaned back and sighed.
“You think this feels nice?” I asked with a laugh. “Wait until I’m inside you.”
She smacked my arm. “Keep it PG.”
“You’re the one who flashed me.”
She smacked me again.
“What was that one for?”
“For not being a gentleman.”
“Um, hello? I’m rubbing your feet.”
She leaned back and closed her eyes and I tended to her aching muscles. Her feet were petite, smaller than my hand. I could fit them both in my palm. I rubbed each toe then switched to the other foot.
“Are you glad you stayed?” I asked.
She smirked but didn’t open her eyes. “Maybe.”
I brought each foot to my lips and kissed it.
Her eyes flashed open. “Did you just kiss my feet?”
“Yes. I worship you.”
“That’s so gross but so cute at the same time.”
“Let’s go with cute,” I said.
She moved closer to me then stared me down. “Isn’t this weird?”
“What?” I moved my hand to her thigh.
“We used to be so evil to each other and now…”
“We’re head over heels for each other?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t say that…”
“Well, I would…on my part.”
“You don’t even know me.” Her voice grew quiet.
“Actually, I do.” I stared her down. “You said a lot of things to me that night you were drunk. I feel like I understand you better.”
Alarm moved into her eyes. “What did I say?”
“Something about no one loving you…you feel alone…someone tortured you…you mentioned drugs…it sounds like you had a hard life, Alex.” I looked to her for confirmation.
Emotion pooled into her eyes then she averted her gaze.
“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m not going to judge you. But when you opened up to me, I realized we were a lot alike. We project different versions of ourselves to the outside world, holding back who we really are. You’re so strong and confident all the time but you revealed a vulnerable side of yourself. I like the latter, Alex. You can be yourself around me. I prefer it, actually.”
“And that’s why you’re into me?” she whispered.
“Not exactly. But I realized there was a lot more to you. And like I said before, you have a gorgeous rack.”
She smirked and her mood lightened slightly. “Maybe we did just get off on the wrong foot…”
“I think we did.”
“You’re actually…the sweetest guy I’ve ever known.”
“I told you so,” I whispered.
She smacked me gently. “You aren’t sweet if you agree with it.”
I chuckled. “I’ll treat you like a queen, Alex. You’ll never know pain and you’ll only be happy. But you’ve got to let me in.”
“Are you like this to all your girlfriends?” she whispered.
“I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”
Surprise came into her eyes. “Never?”
I shook my head. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been around. I’ve dated girls too. But no, I’ve never been monogamous with someone before. But it’s not because I don’t know how. I can treat a girl right. I just haven’t found anyone special enough.”
Her eyes softened. “Who would have known?”
“And I’m not keeping our relationship a secret. If Chan has a problem with it, I’ll leave.”
“You would leave your job just for me?” she asked with a smile.
“I’m pretty certain I’d do anything for you.” I looked into her eyes, showing my sincerity.
She opened her mouth to speak but she closed it again. Her hand moved down my chest then she touched my chin, studying me. Emotion was in her eyes but I couldn’t read it. She seemed to be just as fond of me as I was of her. We had an instant chemistry when we allowed it to grow. It was nice not being her enemy anymore. And it was even better being this close to her, holding her.
She rested her head against mine and kept her silence.
“Let’s head to bed.”
“Already?” she asked.
“Yeah, I like to cuddle with you. When you’re asleep, you’re very clingy.” I gave her a cocky smirk. “And I like it.”
“I can be clingy…without being asleep.”
“I’d like that too.”
Chapter Fifteen
Conrad
I was asleep when my phone rang on my nightstand. It beeped several times but I was too tired to answer it. More than likely, it was a booty call, and since I didn’t do those anymore, I ignored it.
It rang again.
I sighed. “Shit, this better be important.” I fumbled for the phone in the dark then answered it without checking who it was. “Hmm?”
“Conrad?” Beatrice�
��s scared voice bellowed in my ear.
Alarm shot through my body, and I sat up in fear. “Baby, what’s wrong?” The nickname slipped out but I was too frightened to apologize for it. She was on the verge of tears. I’d never called anyone by that name before, but I heard other couples do it. It just seemed natural.
“He’s been here all night and he won’t leave. He keeps knocking on my door and threatening to take it down…”
“Who?” I snapped. “Who’s bothering you?”
“My dad.” She took a deep breath and kept her voice calm. “He won’t go away and I can’t get out because he’ll get me. I don’t know what else to do… If I call the cops, it won’t help. I’m sure he’s paid them off already.”
I looked at the time. “What does he want at two in the morning?”
“He’s been here since eight. He’s been hammering on my door and trying to get me to talk to him. He sounds mad…”
“Baby, stay calm. I’m coming to get you, okay?”
“I don’t want to drag you into the middle of this…”
“Your troubles are my troubles. Don’t worry about it.”
“Just hurry,” she whispered.
“I’ll be right there.” I hung up then bolted out the door.
***
Her apartment was on the second story. After I parked and reached the stairs, I saw a man in front of her door. It was dark and difficult to see but I assumed it was her father. No one had called the cops despite the loud yells. It was probably because it wasn’t a nice neighborhood to begin with.
I ascended the steps then turned to him once I reached her door.
He wore a baseball cap, a t-shirt, and jeans. He had extra weight around his stomach, and his face looked old with lines and pockmarks. He clenched his jaw while he stared at me, threatening me silently.
He didn’t scare me. I was bigger, taller, and stronger. Unless he had a weapon, he was no match for me. I stood in front of her door. Then I knocked. “Baby, I’m here.”
His eyes narrowed at me. “You’re seeing my daughter?”
I didn’t answer him. I kept my eyes on him while I waited for Beatrice to open the door.
She opened it then immediately ran into my chest. She didn’t look at her father once.
I made sure the door was locked before I grabbed her hand and escorted her down the stairs.
“How dare you run away from me!” he yelled after her.
If Beatrice was scared, she didn’t show it. She kept a stoic face while she walked with me. I got her to the passenger side of the truck and helped her inside. Then I shut the door.
