“She seems like she’s fitting in nicely.” Carl nods towards the office. I glance over and see Lanie fast at work. She’s not only reorganized the entire office these past three weeks, she has also made arrangements for ten customers to come and make payments on their bills and two of them paid them in full.
“She’s done far beyond what I expected of her.” I return my focus on the engine at hand.
“And she has some excellent ass candy too.” Jerking up too quickly, I hit my head on the hood of the car and drop my pliers. Shit, that hurt!
“What did you say?”
“Ass candy.” He shrugs. “She’s fucking hot, boss. You can’t stand there and tell me you didn’t notice.”
“You’re fucking married with another baby on the way. Why the fuck are you even looking at her like that?”
“Geez, chill man. I was just stating a fact.” Standing tall, I step in front of him, making sure he sees me for the true asshole I’m known for around here. “Just because I’m married doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a nice piece of ass.”
“Keep your eyes and hands off of her, or you’re fired. Do you understand me?”
“You like her?” He smirks. “You fucking like her, don’t you?” He repeats again. “Why did I not notice it before?”
“Go home.” I turn and walk away.
“Look, I’m sorry.” He calls out to me, but right now, I need to get far away from here as possible. Just as I get a few feet from the office, Lanie steps out, closing the door behind her.
“It’s okay if I leave, right? It’s four o’clock and everything is done for the week.” She actually looks embarrassed to ask. “You did say Friday’s were early days if we got our work done, didn’t you?”
“Uh, yeah. Go ahead.” She nods, but looks hesitant. “Is there anything else, Lanie?”
“Have I done something wrong?” Her voice is soft and she won’t make eye contact with me, which bothers me more than it should. I take a few steps towards her. She freezes and brings her hands up in defense. I lift my hands up, letting her know I mean no harm and immediately take a step back. The last thing I want to do is hurt her or make her fearful of me.
“What did he do to you?” I whisper loud enough for only myself to hear. When she looks up at me in confusion, I decide on answering her.
“You haven’t done anything wrong. Carl said some things that made me upset just now. I’m sorry. You’re actually doing an amazing job.” Even though I can still see the fear in her eyes, I notice her body relaxing some. “I’m going to go out to my sisters place for dinner. Then we’re all going to the theater. Would you like to come with us? They are playing one of my favorite old movies. It’s a horror. Are you okay with horror?” Shit, I’m mumbling.
“I love horror movies. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen any movie.” She hesitates, obviously contemplating her decision. I don’t want her to feel like she has to go. What she does is her business. I only figured I would help get her out a little more.
“Look, you don’t ha…”
“I guess I can go.” She cuts me off with hesitation in her voice. I don’t answer, but nod. I lead her up the stairs, smiling like a kid in a candy shop, knowing I’ll get to spend some time with her outside of this this place.
When we reach the landing, I grab my door handle as she grabs hers. “I’ll see you in about thirty minutes or so? Is that enough time?”
“Yeah. I just need to change.”
“You look great already.” Lanie’s face immediately goes red. “I mean. No. I don’t know. Oh God.” I rub my hands over my face. Open mouth, insert foot.
“It’s okay.” She opens her door and steps inside. “I’ll see you in a little bit.” She says softly and closes the door.
Twenty minutes later, I’ve officially changed in and out of a dozen shirts and made sure that I put enough deodorant on. Looking at the clock, I realize I have time to call Brad.
“Bradley Tows. Leave a message.”
“How did I know you’d not answer the phone on a Friday night? Give me a call, I have a few questions for you.”
I end the call in just enough time to make sure my shirt is decent. I jump when I hear a small knock at the door. I stumble over the dog statue that my sister bought for me, resulting in me tipping over the bar stool and falling to the floor. The door swings open while I’m lying on the ground ass up, face down.
“Jax. Are you okay?” Lanie steps in and begins to laugh when she sees me being attacked by a fake dog. Somehow, watching the amusement on her face makes it all worth it. She bends down and straightens the bar stool while I push myself up, finding the restraint to kick the dog across the room. “I’m sorry, I heard the commotion and it sounded bad. I wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt.”
“I’m fine. Ready to drop kick this dog across the room, but otherwise the only thing hurt is my pride.” I grab onto my chest as if my heart is breaking. Without thinking, she places her hand over mine.
“I’m sorry for laughing. Please don’t be angry with me.” Her face is serious now as moisture begins to form in her, now sad, eyes. Whatever has happened to her, has hurt her deep to the core. I begin to think this is a protection mechanism she puts into place when something goes wrong. I don’t want to scare her off, but I can’t be this close to her either. If she only knew what she does to me? I never thought someone would have this effect on me. Even when I was with Melissa, she never made my heart race the moment she touched me. I’ve never thought much of myself, which in turn, letting some people get what they wanted out of me.
“Lanie, you couldn’t possibly have done anything to upset me.” I set my hand on hers in the slowest fashion I could, making sure not to scare her in any way. She breaks her gaze from mine and focuses on our hands that are placed on my chest. “Forgive me for upsetting you.”
When her gaze returns to mine, her eyes are filled with tears. “It’s been a long time since a man has asked me for forgiveness.”
“A man who can’t right his faults, is no man at all.” Bringing my hand to her cheek, I wipe the moisture with the pad of my thumb. We stare in each other’s eyes for what feels like eternity before she shakes herself from her thoughts.
“We should go.”
“Um, yeah.” I take a step back before turning to grab my wallet and keys from the counter.
“Are you sure this is okay with your girlfriend?” She asks when we take enter my car.
“I’m sorry, what?” I ask, confused with her question.
“Your girlfriend. The woman you were with that night in the Square. I’ve seen you two around when I’ve gone out for groceries or for a walk. You’re always together.” She says nonchalantly, as she runs her hand over the interior of my 68’ Ford Mustang. “My dad used to have a car like this.” I’m not sure if she’s speaking to the car or to me. I decide to ignore her and start the car.
When I pull into the drive, I try to hide the fact that my hands are clammy. Sofie has been hounding me about Lanie for three weeks now and tonight is the night she finally gets to meet her. Regardless of how many times I’ve told my sister that all I’m doing is helping Brad out, she still reads into things. Shaking myself away from my thoughts, I step out of the car and make my way around to the other side. Opening the door, I offer my hand. Lanie hesitates at first before sliding her delicate fingers into mine.
“If things get too crazy, just let me know and we can leave early. There’s a burger joint just outside the theater. Sometimes my sister can be a little overbearing.” I release her hand and close the door. She clutches her bag tightly and follows me towards the house.
“I’m sure I can handle a sister. What’s her name?”
“Sofie.” I answer quickly, placing my hand on the knob of the front door. “You say you can handle her now, but wait til you meet her.” I chuckle, opening the door for her.
“She can’t be any scarier than you are.” She smirks, stepping through the doorway. Without thinking, I place my hand on the small of her back. I’m a gentleman, if not anything else. “Besides, if she’s responsible for the wonderful smell, I think I can handle some craziness. I’m starving.”
“Just for the record, I taught her everything she knows.” I reply proudly. I guide her into the house and call out for my sister.
“Ben?” Lanie stops when he turns the corner. “Is this for employees too?” She asks me. Ben laughs, shakes his head and walks away.
“No, Ben is my nephew. He belongs to Sofie. She made me hire him. I don’t have the heart to let him go.” She smiles and nods in understanding.
“That explains why you’re so patient with him.”
“One of the reasons. C’mon.”
We make it past the kitchen and to the back patio. I grab us both a drink while she takes a seat at the table.
“Will there be many people here?”
“No. Just us.”
“So, you, your sister and nephew and your girlfriend?”
“Um, about that.” I begin to explain to her that, in fact, there is no girlfriend when Sofie steps out onto the patio.
“Ben told me you were here. Sorry, I dropped salsa on my blouse and had to change it.” She steps towards us. I immediately stand and pull her into a big bear hug.
“You’re Jax’s girlfriend.” Lanie stands and offers a hand with a fake smile. “I’m Lanie.”
“I’m sorry.” Sofie laughs, patting me on the stomach. “Did you just say girlfriend?” Lanie looks between the both of us.
“Well, yeah.”
“Jax isn’t my boyfriend, honey.”
“But…” She waves her hand between the both of us. “I’ve seen you two.”
Breaking my hold on my sister, I stand between the two women. “Lanie, I want you to meet my sister, Sofie.” I place my hand on the small of her back again. I want her to feel at ease. Wherever she came from, she was obviously in a bad spot.
“Oh my God! I’m so sorry.” Lanie leans into me, embarrassed. Of course, it doesn’t go unnoticed by my sister. She gives me a knowing glare before replying to Lanie.
“It’s okay, you didn’t know. Most people who don’t know my brother here, don’t realize he’s nothing but a big teddy bear.” She takes Lanie’s hand and pulls her into a hug. “And you poor thing, have to deal with him as a boss and a landlord.”
“He’s not that bad.”
“You obviously haven’t gotten to know him well enough. Just wait. Most people are afraid of him because of his tattoos and crankiness.”
“You have tattoos?” Lanie asks.
“Uh, a few.”
“Is that why you always wear long sleeves?”
“He usually doesn’t. Most of the time, he’s shirtless or wearing a torn t-shirt.”
“And that’s enough talk about me.” I interrupt, trying to change the subject. “Where’s the food?”
Sofie shuffles me back into the kitchen while sliding her arm into Lanie’s. “Go and play with Ben. I’m sure Lanie has had her fill of testosterone since she’s lived here.”
“Okay, okay. I’m going.” I step inside to get my sisters chips and salsa. When I return, my sister is sitting in my seat.
“So that’s why Peter has been the perfect boy at school.” Sofie states.
“Peter? Peter Mark?” I place the bowls down, and sit on the other side of Lanie. She slides her chair over towards me slightly. “What did he do now?”
“Lanie said the night in the Square, he tried going for a beer run.”
“What happened?” Without thinking, I rest my arm on the back of Lanie’s chair causing my sister to grin.
“I stopped him, but his friends fled.” She reaches out for a chip. I can’t stop watching her move. She brings a chip, filled with salsa, to her lips. Once she’s placed it in her mouth, she rolls her eyes back and moans. This is going to be a tough night. Shifting in my seat, I try to hide the immediate reaction of tightness in my pants. “This salsa is amazing.” She reaches for another.
“County’s best.” Sofie gleams with pride. She stands, stealing a chip. “I’ll go get dinner ready.” She shoots me a wink before leaving Lanie and myself alone.
“Why didn’t you tell me she was your sister?” Lanie asks while we’re waiting in line for the doors of the theater to open.
“I was trying to, but we kept getting interrupted by something or someone.” I usher her to take a step forward. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to check it quickly. It’s Brad.
Sorry, I was in the air. Call me in the morning? ~Brad
“And the tattoos?” Thankfully she doesn’t ask about the text. I answer quickly before dropping the phone in my pocket and focusing on Lanie.
“I don’t hide them like my sister says I do. I keep them covered when I’m working. I don’t like to scare off the customers.”
“Are they scary?”
“You could say that.” We make it to the door. I hand the attendant our tickets and we enter the theater. I buy our popcorn, drinks and one of her favorite candies. Then I follow her to a seat.
“Will you show me?”
“What?” I ask. “My tats?”
“Yes.” She replies. I push the long sleeve of my shirt up to show her one.
“Is that?”
“David? Yes.” I slide the sleeve back down.
“That’s one of my favorite movies.” Her eyes light up. I finally found something that excites her and he’s permanently placed on my arm. “I used to watch Lost Boys over and over again. I think it’s awesome you have him on your arm.” When she stops fidgeting with her popcorn and finally looks at me, I find myself getting lost in those beautiful eyes. I have no words for her, all I want to do is watch her. I can stare into those eyes all day if she would let me.
“Where did you come from?” I ask. She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and tugs at it before looking down. Lifting her chin with my thumb and finger, I force her eyes to return to mine. “I’ve never met a woman like you before. You’re not afraid of me.”
“You intimidate me sometimes.” She answers honestly.
“I don’t mean to.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s…” Her voice cuts off as the dim light turns off and the movie starts.
During the show, I can’t think about anything but her. Why do I intimated her? What caused her to be intimidated by me? I need some answers if I’m going to be watching over her. To hell with the fucking contract I’ve signed with Brad. I’m going to insist on answers and won’t be satisfied until I get them.
About half way through the show, the murderer, who’s hiding in the trees, steps out and scares the victim. Lanie jumps in her seat, throwing popcorn everywhere. Out of instinct, I wrap my arm around her and she burrows her face in crook of my neck where she remains until the movie ends.
“I don’t understand movies like that. It’s obvious he isn’t dead.” She says, taking the last set of steps up to the top landing between our lofts.
“That’s what makes for a great sequel.”
“I swear, that monster never dies.” She opens her door and steps in, leaving me standing between doors. She leans against the door jam. “Jax, I really had a great time. Thank you for asking me to go.” I take a step towards her and reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Something I’ve noticed her doing all night and something I’ve been dying to do. Leaving my hand in place, I run my thumb along her jawline. Her breath hitches and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m scaring her or enticing her.
“I’m glad agreed to go. I had a good time as well.” She looks up at me and leans her face into my hand. “I would really like to kiss you, Lanie.”
“I think I would like that too.” She whispers her reply. Her breathing has picked up as fast as mine has. I lean in, watching her close her eyes and press my lips on the corner of her mouth. As I pull back, I wait for her to open her beautiful eyes. When she finally makes eye contact with me, she licks her lips. I want to give her more, so much more, but I’m afraid to move too fast. What I didn’t expect was her to slowly lean her face closer to mine. I can taste her breath on my lips and immediately, I’m lost. Ever so gently, she presses her lips against mine before pulling away. Just as I begin to lean back in for another kiss, her phone rings, causing us both to jump. I rest my forehead on hers as we regain our subtle breathing.
“I should get that.” She whispers. I nod, listening to the constant ringing between us. “I really did have a good time. Thanks again Jax.”
“You’re welcome.” I give her a weak smile. She leans in and kisses my cheek before closing the door behind her.
When I close the door to my loft, I could have sworn I heard her crying. Of course, it’s probably my overactive imagination. I did kiss the most beautiful woman known to man after all. Of course, that would cause any man to lose his mind.