“You’re not in our hair. It’s nice to have you here,” Caldwell said and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and lowered her head.
Max cleared his throat.
“It’s this way,” Max said and motioned with his hand for her to follow him.
He could smell her perfume and he hoped the hallway, their house, still smelled of it when she left so he could enjoy it some more.
He opened the door and they headed down the stairs. She seemed hesitant to follow them into the basement. He couldn’t blame her.
As soon as the cellar came into sight he heard Alicia sigh.
“Oh my, this is stunning, and so big,” she said as she moved around the room and toward the window.
“That’s a lot of wine bottles you have in here,” she said, looking at the custom-made wine racks and tasting table. Her hands glided along the wood and he gulped down his own thoughts of those hands on his body. Touching him. Exploring him. No woman ever made Max feel this way. Not by a long shot. In fact, most women would have already been in their bed by now, but Alicia was different. She was the first woman they wanted to take their time with. Although watching her in the sexy skirt, her tanned legs down to her small heeled sandals and manicured toes, then up her flat belly to her well-endowed breasts was causing his heart to race. Was it hot in here? He pulled the collar from his neck and tried to ease the sensations. She made him nervous, uneasy, and out of sorts. He didn’t like the feeling. It made him desperate to end this and just kiss her already.
“Over eight hundred bottles can be stored on the racks alone, never mind the special cellar below,” Monroe said.
“A special cellar?” she asked.
Max smiled as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“Here we go. Caldwell and Monroe spared no expense when it came to this project.”
“Come over here, Alicia, and I’ll show you,” Monroe said and took her by her elbow. Max watched her pull her bottom lip between her teeth and hesitate, but she went with him. Her knee-length flair skirt tapped against her knees.
“Can you reach up and grab me that statue of the wine maker? I want to show you something,” he said. When Alicia reached for the statue and pulled back, the door began to open from behind the bookcase.
She stepped back and Monroe pressed up against her as he clutched her shoulders.
“Don’t be afraid.”
“Yeah, it’s not quite a dungeon,” Max teased.
“A dungeon. I don’t think so,” she said and turned as if she were going to leave. Monroe gave Max a dirty look as he grabbed her hand.
“Please, don’t listen to him, he’s trying to get a rile out of you. It’s safe and even cool. I promise.”
As they headed inside, the small hallway wound to the right and Monroe hit the switch on the wall. Immediately the inner room illuminated and Alicia gasped and placed her hands together moving closer.
“Oh my God, Monroe, this is incredible,” she said and entered the private wine-tasting room decorated in Tuscan colors and a vintage feel. There was raised grape wall paint surrounding the arched doorway to the room and then authentic barrels of wine and some wrought iron cabinets that encased expensive wine bottles being aged for the right occasion and Alicia looked impressed.
“Do you like it?” Caldwell asked, joining them.
“Like it? Are you kidding me? I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’m very impressed. Do you do tastings down here during parties?” she asked, letting her hand slide along the marble counter and tasting area, then against the wood that a local wood-making artist created just for the room.
“Only a select few people have seen this room. Monroe likes to escape down here when he’s overstressed,” Max told her.
“Hmm. That must be nice to have a place to go to in order to separate from the stress. Some low lights or candles, a nice glass of wine and some—”
The sound of Italian music began to play softly in the background. Max chuckled.
Alicia looked so beautiful and being in this enclosed space sent his body into such a need. Max wanted to hold her in his arms. He wanted to touch her. Hell, he wanted to claim her as their woman and bypass all this courting stuff, but his brothers and him agreed to ease her into a relationship. They needed to gain her trust and what better way than to have her work here.
“So what do you think about the window and how we have everything set up? Any ideas come to mind for it?” Monroe asked as Caldwell led them out of the secret cellar and back into the main cellar. She watched as the bookcase moved back into place.
She walked over toward the window and then back toward Monroe and Caldwell.
“You could go as extreme as you want here. I don’t know what your budget is for the job but let me think of a few ideas and get back to you. Traditionally speaking, a set of grapes clustered between a few bottles of wine that say Bordeaux, Chardonnay, and Cabernet or Pinot noir would look great. The word winery at the top, or maybe even some scene from Italy like a vineyard and people working the fields? There are lots of options,” she told them and then she took a notebook from her bag and then jotted some things down.
“Could I take a picture of this area?” she asked.
“Sure thing. Whatever you need. Oh, and there’s really no budget. We want something unique and we love your work,” Monroe told her.
“Thank you, Monroe. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I’m certain I can come up with something the three of you will love.”
She took a few different pictures showcasing each angle and then wrote some more notes. Max watched as she pulled out a tape measurer and measured the window, needing Monroe’s help to hold the tape at one end.
“You really love doing this stuff huh, Alicia?” Caldwell asked her.
“Oh yes. I love creating custom designs for people. It’s harder to recreate designs I’ve already made when people order online. I like the pieces to truly be unique but people have ideas in their heads and they are paying me. I try to get them exactly what they’ve ordered but sometimes my creativity sends me a little different way and thank God no one has complained or pulled out of an order,” she told them.
“You should open up your own store and sell the things you create and love to do. Then you won’t have to worry about recreating the same identical things for people. You can be completely in charge,” Monroe suggested.
She took a deep breath and exhaled.
“I would love to but I honestly don’t know if I can handle it on my own. I get so caught up in the creative part and the designing and making things that the business end would suffer.”
“You could always have a partner, someone who could assist you with the business aspect, marketing, advertising and all,” Monroe suggested.
“That in itself is a risk,” she said to them.
“Not with the right partner. If you’re really interested in pursuing a storefront, let me know and I would be willing to help you.”
“Oh God, Monroe, I couldn’t ask that of you. You hardly know me.”
“Well, my brothers and I are working on getting to know you, but I see your determination and your love of this art. Why don’t you mull it over while you’re working here and maybe we could come up with a deal? One that won’t make you feel like if anything went wrong we could lose this comfortable relationship and friendship we currently have?”
Max watched her hesitate and Monroe pushed. “Come on. I promise to come up with something you’ll feel comfortable with, and by the time you’re done working here and finishing the mosaic, you’ll know my brothers and I a lot better and you’ll feel comfortable. Come on,” he pushed.
“No promises but I guess so,” she replied then pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. Max saw the delight on Monroe’s face and Caldwell didn’t hide his smile as he stood by the window, arms crossed, and watched Alicia. She turned around and looked at the window again and then the wine cellar before writing some things down in her notebo
ok. She looked comfortable and happy in her art and designing. Now he understood at least something that brought a smile, a glow into her eyes. Hopefully this didn’t backfire on them.
“Great, now how about something to eat? We prepared some food earlier.”
“That wasn’t necessary. I thought I was just stopping in. I don’t want to intrude on your plans, if any.”
“Our plan was to go over some ideas for the window. So let’s head upstairs, grab some wine and snacks, and go over it again. I want to hear your ideas and how you perceive that window to be done,” Monroe said and she nodded her head and they headed upstairs. Max couldn’t help but feel a bit confident about the way things were going. If they played their cards right, Alicia would be their woman and they would focus on getting to know her in no time. Maybe Monroe’s plan would work after all?
* * * *
Initially Alicia felt pretty damn nervous being in the kitchen with Max, Caldwell, and Monroe. Soon they were joking around with one another and making her feel pretty comfortable. She found out that Max was investigating a local crime where someone was breaking into unlocked vehicles and stealing any change or sellable items. He felt that the culprits were teenagers and more than likely not from Chance. He warned her about locking her doors and she nodded in agreement but knew she would leave the door unlocked. It was easier than having to carry a key when she went jogging. She felt a bit guilty because she left the house today and left the doors unlocked, too. Maybe she should listen to his advice?
“What other businesses are you involved in right now?” she asked Monroe. He glanced at his brother Caldwell. Caldwell’s eyes were the deepest blue she had ever seen. She couldn’t help but to stare at him until Monroe cleared his throat. Caldwell licked his lower lip as he held her gaze and once again she felt out of their league. She wasn’t used to flirting or being flirted with. The last year she spent trying to gain control of her life and her emotions instead of crying herself to sleep every night. She didn’t need more heartbreak.
“Currently we have about four businesses we own. One we help operate. It’s in Dallas. It’s one of the major dance halls around town. We own two strip malls in San Antonio, one in New York,” Monroe explained.
“We have some smaller shops we own and help support like we mentioned doing for you,” Caldwell said.
She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.
“I haven’t said yes to the help. I’m not sure I really need it.”
“So you have the money to buy the storefront?” Monroe asked her.
“No. I have the money to rent it. Owning it would be even riskier.”
“But when your business does well, whoever owns it gains a lot of control over you and your business. They can raise the rates, the rent. They can build up or break down your business. That’s a risk you shouldn’t take,” Monroe told her.
“But I don’t have that kind of money to buy out a building,” she said, feeling discouraged. What Monroe said made sense. Once again someone would have control over her and her business. They could close the store on her even if she were successful. Then what?
He must have noticed the panic on her face. Max cleared his throat.
“There are other options. How much is Dwyer selling the storefronts for Caldwell?” Max asked.
“Sixty thousand.”
“Sixty thousand? Oh God,” she said and placed her hand over her belly. She instantly felt sick. The heat hit her cheeks and she felt faint. Then someone took her hand and patted it. Caldwell.
“Relax. This is why we suggested letting us go into this as partners with you. No stress or worry about being taken over or losing the storefront. Plus we know Dwyer. We can probably get that number down especially if we buy more than one storefront,” Caldwell said to her.
“More than one storefront? Why?” she asked.
“Well, that location is prime. There are a few different ideas we had about developing them into something this town could really use. Not sure what yet, but it would be wise to invest in one or two of the stores. How much space do you think you’ll need for the studio?” Monroe asked.
“Oh God, I don’t know. I really don’t even know how big the storefronts are.”
“Well, have you been into the Alexa’s boutique and hat store in Chance in the center of town?” Monroe asked her.
“Yes.”
“Okay so the storefronts Dwyer is building with Ferguson construction on the strip are just a little bigger than that. I think it would be more than enough room for you to display your artwork and also create your masterpieces while people watch,” Monroe said.
“People watching me? Oh no. I don’t like the sound of that. I would feel embarrassed and pressured. I need my music and sometimes just silence.”
“It was just a thought. We’ll work it all out. Your art sells itself.”
“I don’t know about that, Monroe. It’s tough when you’re not known,” she told him, lowering her head.
“Let us worry about that. You worry about creating those masterpieces,” Monroe said.
“I really need to think this through.”
“Then think for the next week while you start our project here. By next week or so they’ll only be a few of the storefronts left for sale. You’ll take our advice on which location, won’t you?” Monroe asked.
She felt pressured and unsure. Were they being sincere or would they turn out to be like Tony? Out for themselves.
“I said, I need to think about it. I’ll let you know,” she said.
“Great. Now, what do you like to do when you’re not working in your studio or running out in front of Sheriff patrol trucks?” Caldwell teased.
She felt her cheeks warm.
“That wasn’t entirely my fault.”
“No?” Max asked, his arms crossed in front of his wide chest, giving her that intimidating stare down.
“I didn’t think so. But no worries, Max. I learned my lesson. Every time I move around this ache in my thigh reminds me,” she said and Max’s expression changed to concern. He reached out under her chair and pulled it toward him. She grabbed onto the sides.
Her thighs were now between his large, splayed thighs as he sat in the chair.
“Let me take a look to be sure it’s healing okay,” he said, with both his hands on her knees. He used his thumbs to caress her skin and she felt flushed, excited, scared, and couldn’t speak. Her breasts tingled and she gripped the chair.
“I’m okay,” she said.
He slowly pushed the one side of her skirt upward.
“Jesus, Alicia,” Caldwell said and knelt down next to her chair. He placed his hand on her chair as Max eased the skirt higher.
Any further and she would be showing off her hip bone and panties.
“Alicia, you need to be more careful,” Caldwell reprimanded her as he placed his hands on her shoulders from behind her chair and leaned over looking at her thigh. With three sets of sexy eyes on her she panicked. She shoved her skirt down and pushed up and out of the chair. She nearly lost her balance but Max grabbed her hips as he stood. He towered over her.
“Sweetheart, don’t be scared of us. We’d never hurt you.”
“Don’t say things like that to me.”
“Why not? It’s true. Don’t you believe me?” he asked. She shook her head.
“I need to go.”
“Wait,” Monroe said and took her hand.
“I’ll walk you out. We’ll make plans for designs on the window. I’ll give you my contact info. E-mail, phone number, and we can go over designs together. I can relay the info to my brothers. Maybe you can start in a couple of days? If that’s good for you of course,” Monroe said as he escorted her from the kitchen.
She glanced over her shoulder at Max and Caldwell, who just stared at her. Max looked pissed off. He ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled. She quickly turned around and headed toward the front door with Monroe. Something was going on here, but what, exactly?
> * * * *
“Oh my God we were so close. I thought you were going to kiss her, Max,” Caldwell said to his brother once Monroe and Alicia exited the house.
Max ran his fingers through his hair. Caldwell thought he looked unraveled and angry.
“Goddamn it I wanted to. I’m not used to this sidestepping, waiting shit. Most women would be throwing themselves at us, but not Alicia. I swear when she looks at me sometimes I think she sees a monster,” Max said in frustration.
“I don’t think she sees you as a monster as much as an intimidating, lawful figure. You don’t realize the kind of reputation you have around Chance, Max.”
“My reputation? Shit, I’ve never worried about any of that. Hell, our fathers never did either if you recall.”
Caldwell chuckled as he crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter. Max was right.
“Shit, Brook Gordon still scares the shit out of people when he shows his face in Chance.”
Max chuckled. “What about you? You’re more like Walt than Monroe and I.”
“I’d rather be more like Walt, who holds back his anger, then when pushed over the edge roars like a lion. You’re the one royally screwed with a combined personality of Colonel, Brook, and Sianne.”
“Hey, I’ll tell Mom you said that next time she calls.”
“Ha, she knows you’re just like her. The woman’s quiet as can be and when the fathers ruffle her feathers all hell breaks loose. Come to think of it, I wonder if that’s why we like Alicia so much. She does kind of remind me of Mom. God, if they come visiting, what will they think of Alicia?”
“I think Mom will love her and the dads, too. Especially if she’s shy and timid. Mom will have us boosting Alicia’s self-confidence and helping her to feel loved and protected.”
“Well, don’t go making the call to Mom and the dads yet. I think we might have scared Alicia a little bit, or intimidated her,” Monroe added to the conversation as he entered the room. He leaned one hand on the counter and kept the other on his hip.
“She’s a tough one to read. I swear I think someone hurt her or let her down big time. Do we know if she has any family? Any relatives alive?” Monroe asked.
Dare to Succeed [The Dare Series 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5