Chapter Ten

 

JESSIE

 

I awake the next morning with all of my sweet dreams evaporated, the only thing left in my mind is the elephant in the room. Caleb is his brother? What does that even mean? I guess it makes sense why they hang together, and blood relation would be the best excuse, but I still don’t like it.

It wasn’t fair for Michael to end our relationship because of my career, and I don’t want to be hypocritical by disliking Daryl for something he can’t control – like his family.

Walking into work, I’m thankful that my career has slowed down in Danville. Jamie used to always say that you can never bring home to work, because while working for the LAPD, I always had to be on guard. Nothing could distract me, and I stuck to that rule. Here in Danville, I don’t feel the usual anxiety during my shifts, and more importantly, there’s no guilt or danger associated with my thoughts belonging to Daryl.

That is, until Captain McCall calls an impromptu meeting, and my stomach drops. The first at the meeting, I force all of the giddy thoughts about our date out of my mind as my co-workers fill up their mugs with fresh coffee before packing into Captain’s tight office.

“Alright, team. So, I’ve spoken with my sources and I can finally reveal a bit about what’s going on,” he begins and everyone perks up, eager to know what the Captain has been holding so closely to his chest.

“As you probably guessed, it’s the Marauders, but what you may not have anticipated is the depth of it. Now, Jessie,” he focuses in on me, and my heart sinks thinking this could be about Daryl.

“I told you the Marauders were just a small time motorcycle club, and for the most part they are, or at least they have been. We’ve only had minor incidents concerning them, much like what you witnessed from Caleb,” he continues and I desperately want the floor to open and take me whole. I feel like he can see through me.

“Well, my sources in Louisville have let me know they’re interested in being a lot more,” Captain finishes, taking a long sip of his coffee before leaning back in his chair.

“I told you guys…” Cole stands, shaking his head before expounding on his thought. “I’ve seen them escalating. Jane Town, which used to be a local bar, has become their headquarters as of late. They’re got everything but a sign outside, but trust me, once you walk in you know who’s in charge,” he looks around the office.

“You did say that,” Jed agrees, nodding his head as he rests his crossed arms on his large belly.

“I mean, Caleb has grown into a complete drill sergeant. You know he served 5-years in the military. Hell, he’s still got the buzz cut,” he jokes and everyone laughs but me, as I swallow hard thinking of my date tonight.

“Don’t get worries, Jessie. It’s not too big of a deal, but we do have to keep an eye on this.” Captain says, noticing my silence, and most likely the pale face to go along with it.

“What do we think they’re escalating to?” Earl says as if he’s been stirring over the question.

“Well, that’s the thing. We can’t be sure, but there’s been a lot of movement between here and Louisville. You know their motorcycle clubs dabble in everything – theft rings, drugs, corruption, the whole bit. So we need to be on our toes, because they could be coming from all angles, looking to bring a lot of trouble to Danville, trouble we don’t need.” Captain glances around the room, looking each of his in our eyes. Forcing myself to sit up straight I clear my throat, searching my mind for a valuable thing to add to the conversation, but I’m drawing blanks.

“That’s it, gang. Just keep that in mind, and keep your ear to the streets,” Captain raises his mug as he gives us our instructions and we all nod while standing before heading out of the office.

The rest of my shift, my head is in the clouds as I worry about different options. I can’t bring myself to cancel the date for selfish reasons, although the thought does cross my mind. Telling Daryl, or even using him for information just isn’t my style either. In many ways, I feel I’ve gone undercover unofficially, and I can’t be sure how it makes me feel.

My newfound dilemma dims as the day goes on, but my stomach still fills a bit unsteady when Daryl pulls to a loud stop at my house, his bike roaring. My heart flutters at the sight of him, a man on a motorcycle has always made my legs tremble, and Daryl is no exception. God, he looks sexy, wearing his regular uniform – destroyed denim jeans, a crisp white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket.

“Ready?” He asks once I slowly make my way from the front door.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming on a bike,” I bite my bottom lip while looking directly into his deep gray eyes. He looks down bashfully, before returning my gaze.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared,” his voice is deep and challenging.

“Of course not,” I move to climb on behind him, but he stops me, wrapping his fingers around my wrist. There’s an electric current between the two of us.

Stepping off the bike, he stands before me, towering over my small frame as he reaches behind the seat to retrieve a helmet.

“Here,” he says, handing the helmet to me.

“You’re not wearing one,” I cross my arms defiantly.

“I’m not special cargo,” he quips and I can’t fight the blush that rises from my cheeks.

“Now, come on. The movie starts in thirty minutes,” he says, looking at his watch.

Taking the helmet, I make an annoying face as I connect the strap beneath my chin while Daryl looks on in amusement. Holding my hands up when I finish, he nods his approval and I follow him onto the bike, wrapping my arms around his midsection.

“Hold on tight,” he instructs me sternly over his shoulder, pulling my hands closer together, and I do as I’m told.

It’s been a long time since I rode on the back of a motorcycle and boy did I miss it. My hair blows wildly in the wind, as my chin rests on his shoulder. Daryl turns to glance at me whenever he’s caught at a traffic light or stop sign, and I promise he gets more handsome with every look he gives me.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” He asks as he takes the helmet off of my head once we’ve arrived at the movie theatre, and I giggle like a school girl, completely smitten.

“Is this how you get girls? Taking them on bike rides?” I tilt my head suspiciously.

“I’ve never let anyone ride with me,” he shakes his head, scrunching those thick eyebrows together as he clips the helmet back to the bike. Butterflies begin to flutter in my belly as I watch him closely, his every move interests me.

There’s something about Daryl that is so different than every man I’ve ever met in LA. He’s quiet, but still confident, and he reveals pieces of himself casually, rather than guarding himself at all times. It’s like he’s an open book, he just doesn’t go around telling his story. Whenever I ask a question, he answers without hesitation, but without my prodding I’m not sure I’d know anything about him.

“Let’s go,” he says, draping his arm over my shoulder, halting my thoughts. Following him into the building, which looks to be stuck in the nineties, I blush as he waves and greets people as we walk by. I’m happy to be with Daryl, everyone seems to know him and it makes me feel rather important.

“So, what are we seeing?” I ask as we approach the ticket stand.

“Well, I ruined a lady flick for you, so I think it’s only fair I replace it with another,” he smirks before requesting two tickets to ‘When Love Hurts’, a new romantic comedy I’ve actually been wanting to see.

Looking up at his five o’clock shadow, which makes him appear even more sexy than usual, I decide in that moment that his brother’s mistakes aren’t his. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt that I would want, and nothing he’s ever done has led me to believe that he’s anything like his brother.

“What do you want?” He tightens his grip around my neck, pulling me closer to him as he stops at the concession stand.

“Raisenettes, please!” I cheer before smiling up at him, but he scrunches his face in horror.

“With all of this candy you want chocolate covered, dried up fruit?” He twists in lips in disgust.

“Well, you don’t make it sound too appealing,” I giggle and he laughs in response before ordering my candy in addition to a large popcorn, a cherry ICEE and a pack of Milk Duds.

Settling into our seats, I instantly lift the arm rest between our two comfortable red chairs, and Daryl wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in to snuggle against him. It’s like we’re two perfect puzzle pieces the way our bodies mold together.

“You okay?” He checks on me, and I nod with a smile, his smirk of a response makes my abs tense, my thighs squeezing tight to appease the arousal between my legs.

A few times throughout the course of the movie, I catch Daryl watching me. Once, I even looked up to catch him, expecting him to turn away bashfully, but instead he just kept staring, his eyes squinting a bit like he was reading me. After a long pause I turned away, and he pulled me tighter before resting his chin on my head.

Even though I was engaged only a short time ago, everything feels so strange and new with Daryl. Maybe its because I haven’t dated anyone new in a long time, or possibly because Michael and I stopped dating rather early on in our relationship. In some ways I think it has to do with my change individually, my new zest for life and emotional availability. Whatever it is, it feels good, and our second date is one of the most intimate experiences of my life.

After the movie is over, Daryl insists on taking me to get ice cream, although I find it hard to ignore the blaring clichés. Does it get anymore middle America than a movie date followed by ice cream?

“What’s your flavor?” He asks as we make our way to order a cone.

“Chocolate!” I chirp and the older man behind the counter smiles before moving to begin scooping. Daryl orders vanilla, and we eat our dessert while walking hand in hand down the street. The sun is has set, leaving the sky a beautiful range of dark orange and red hues.

Honestly, it feels like a complete dream being with him. Danville was the last place I expected to find love, and I don’t want to rush it and say that’s what this is, but its undoubtedly something. The way Daryl looks at me, I’m sure he has some feelings for me, and I can no longer deny how much I care about him. He interests me in a way no one else ever has. The more I learn about him, the more I want to know.

After a short walk, we make it back to his bike, and after strapping on my helmet, we head out onto the open road. Daryl left in the opposite direction from how we came, so I knew he wasn’t going straight home, and I was excited, desperate to extend our perfect time together.

With my arms wrapped tightly around his waist, I smile wide as the wind drifts across my face, inhaling the sweet scent of his cologne. Luckily, this new route has no traffic lights, and we’re able to just cruise along for what feels like an hour. It’s the best way to end such a fantastic date, and I’m instantly sad when he pulls up at my cute yellow townhouse.

“Did you have a good time?” He asks after taking my helmet.

“I had a great time,” I assure him, nerves begin to course through me.

“I had fun too,” he admits, lowering his head in that bashful way he does.

“So, what’s our next date?” I boldly ask.

“That was a date?” He squints his eyes while tilting his head.

“Wasn’t it?” I blurt out, a little shocked and embarrassed.

“I’m just joking with you. It better count as a date,” He jokes and I finally exhale.

“Next time I’ll take you on a date,” I suggest and his eyes darken as he looks at me confused.

“What is up with you wanting to pay for stuff? Your new salary burning a hole in your pocket or something?” He asks and between his country twang and the ridiculousness of his question, I burst into giggles.

“I just don’t want you to feel like you have to take care of me,” I reason.

“I don’t, so you can let that go now,” he quickly adds.

“So, I don’t get any say in what we do or where we go?” I challenge as my hands find my hips.

“You tell me what you want or where you want to go, and I’ll find the rest,” he raises his eyebrows as if to ask if that’s clear enough.

“Fine,” I nod once.

“Fine.” He finishes before leading me to my door.

My stomach is fluttering as I wonder if he’ll kiss me with each step toward my house. I know I want him to, but he’s so bashful I can’t even be sure what to expect from him. Sometimes he’s outgoing and friendly, but others he’s closed off and awkward.

“Goodnight, Daryl. Thank you so much for a fun evening,” I gush as we face each other in front of my red front door.

“Goodnight, Jessie,” He leans down to plant a swift kiss on my cheek, his hand grazing my hip in the process.

Making my way inside, I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me once I close the door. I’m such a giddy teenager where he’s involved. Listening to his bike roar to life, I watch him pull away through my front window, wondering where he’s off to next.

While his kiss and gentle touch was more than appreciated, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more from him. I was seconds from inviting him inside, but I think its best to play it slow with Daryl, and I’m just fine with that.