by Marie Savage
“Yeah,” he said in a long drawn out breath. “I dated her once, long time ago,” he lied.
“Oh, yeah? How long ago?” Aimee Jo asked as she rested her elbows at the edge of the table with her hands joined together to give Luke her undivided attention.
“I don’t know, back in January, I think,” Luke mumbled, playing it off as if it was no big deal.
“You promised to hook up with her later,” Aimee Jo responded as she reached for her phone and started checking Facebook and ignoring Luke. It was rude, she knew this, but she didn’t appreciate the fact he brought her somewhere where he obviously picked up women.
“I just told her that so she wouldn’t do something bad to our food,” he joked.
Aimee Jo ignored him and continued staring at her phone. It annoyed the shit out of him when she ignored him.
“Aimee Jo, she doesn’t mean anything to me.” Luke tried once again to joke, hoping she could somehow find the humor in this.
“That’s supposed to make it better?” she asked as she quickly looked at him before looking back at her phone.
Luke didn’t know what to say to that. Defeated for now, he grabbed his phone and did the same as her, ignoring her. So much for having the night he planned. Again, he was astonished by his behavior. This was so unlike him. Why should he care what Aimee Jo thought? So what? He played the field. It was no skin off her nose, or at least it shouldn’t be. Should it? Luke wondered.
Jessica hurried back with their drinks, and of course gave Luke his first before setting down Aimee Jo’s margarita, minus a cocktail napkin in front of her. If she had her say, the tip just dropped a few bucks. Once again, she did the touchy thing on Luke before leaving again. Aimee Jo stared daggers at her back as she walked away. The girl obviously had no clue on boundaries.
Luke took a nice sip of his beer as he watched Aimee Jo bring the salted rim glass to her lips. She took a sip and he watched her sexy little tongue wipe the salt from her lips. Oh, that tongue was very wicked, and he had many plans for it later tonight, if he could make her lighten up about earlier. Maybe having a drink will loosen her up a bit. At least he hoped.
Aimee Jo took a sip of the margarita and tried not to grimace when the strong taste of tequila hit her. It was her very first drink, but she didn’t want to appear to be a total amateur. She was hoping a frozen cocktail would be a safe choice, as long as she had just one. Her friends used to tell her they hardly put much alcohol in those. She hoped they were right, because she would be damned if she could taste anything that remotely resembled a strawberry. The tequila was overpowering.
“How is it?” Luke asked, hoping it would spark a conversation with her again. He hated it when she ignored him.
“It’s good. Just the way I imagined them to be,” she added before taking another sip—this time a big sip.
Once again, Luke watched her as she took another sip before she licked the salt from her lips. Damn, how he wanted to reach across the table and do it for her. Thoughts of earlier this morning, and then again when they were caught in the thunderstorm, kept playing back in his mind. Maybe he wouldn’t have to take time off and find a girl for some fun. If he played his cards right he could have fun now and then drop Aimee Jo off to follow her plans and he could drive away guilt free.
Aimee Jo continued to enjoy her drink. The taste of tequila was not so bad now, in fact, she rather enjoyed it. She started to relax, and a feeling of confidence washed over her. She was the one sitting here with Luke, not the waitress what’s-her-name. She was the one he’d kissed this morning, this afternoon, and hopefully, again tonight. She was the one that would get to spend the next few days with him. Not her.
They quietly finished a delicious dinner. Aimee Jo was feeling really good now after finishing her drink. She was more relaxed and more determined that she wasn’t going to let some girl from Luke’s past ruin her plans for tonight.
“Are you ready to go? You said you would take me to a bar so we could dance and sing,” Aimee Jo flirtatiously asked.
Luke looked over at her and her drink. Her glass was empty and she was acting funny. Was she already drunk? Luke thought. Talk about a teetotaler. He liked the fact she was loosening up and not still angry about the whole Jessica thing. “Yeah, I’m ready. You okay?” he asked.
“I’m great and ready to partaaaay,” she said.
Well, shit, she’s drunk. That statement just proved it, he thought to himself. “Easy there, killer. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go back to the truck and watch a movie or something?”
“You promised that I could sing karaoke. You said I needed to practice with an audience.” She pouted.
“I did say that, didn’t I?” Luke said, wishing he would have never mentioned the damn place now. If she was this wasted already, his plans for tonight would be shot to hell if she continued to drink. Either she would get sick, or pass out, or both.
“Uh huh.” She smiled as she slipped her sandal off and rubbed her foot up and down his jean clad leg.
This girl had no idea how her teasing was getting to him. He was about to say fuck this place and the bar and take her back to his truck and fuck her senseless. But Aimee Jo was not a fuck girl. She was only acting this way because of the booze and Jessica’s asshole attitude earlier.
“Okay, time to go,” he said as he grabbed their bill and stood up. He would see how she was on the way back to the truck. If she was drunk, then they were done for the night. If she was just tipsy and being flirty, then he might consider taking her to the bar.
Aimee Jo was smiling. Ah ha! She had won. She quickly stood up but was woozy. The room was spinning. Was alcohol supposed to do that? Aimee Jo wondered.
Luke quickly stepped to her and wrapped his arm around her waist for support. She was definitely drunk and no way now were they going anywhere but back to the safety of his truck.
“Is everything all right?” Jessica came up to them with a smug smile on her face.
“Yeah, we’re leaving. I’ll pay up front.” Luke glared at her, wondering if she was responsible for the loaded drink.
“Looks like someone can’t handle a drink.” Jessica once again put in her unwanted two cents’ worth.
“Yeah, but look who is going to bed with him tonight,” Aimee Jo spat out, a little too loudly.
Aimee Jo grinned, while Jessica fumed, and Luke just wanted to crawl under the nearest table. He wasn’t one to be embarrassed, but once again Aimee Jo surprised him. He would be laughing his ass off right now if it was some other poor guy. He just wanted to get them out of there before Jessica pushed it and went there.
“But, I had him first,” Jessica said, going there, just as Luke predicted.
He held Aimee Jo tightly as he felt her wanting to lunge for Jessica. She quickly settled down, and Luke hurried to get them out of there before Jessica said anything more. Luke was relieved she was fine walking as they made it to the counter to pay. She was silent now as she held onto him, hiding her embarrassment.
But the waitress wasn’t done with them yet and approached them again, but this time it would be Luke handling the sassy bitch. Jessica went to speak but was quickly interrupted.
“Not another word from you. And for the record, you are about as lousy at waitressing as you are at sex. So quit flattering yourself,” he said before handing her a tip.
Aimee Jo said nothing when Luke gave Jessica what for, but she was happy he put her in her place. They stepped outside and the light warm breeze of a San Antonio summer night hit them right away. She still held tightly to Luke as she was feeling no pain and still giggling about what he said to Jessica. “You really told her off,” she finally said.
“Well, she was being an ass. She got what she deserved.”
“I could have handled her,” Aimee Jo boasted before stumbling a little.
Luke immediately stopped and faced Aimee Jo, holding her by her upper arms for support. “How drunk are you?” he asked, searching her eyes.
“I’m not drunk.” She laughed as she nodded her head.
“Oh, just great,” Luke said, realizing their night had just come to a screeching halt.
“Are we going dancing now?” Aimee Jo asked, hugging him close once again.
“Yep, let’s go.” He started guiding her out of the parking lot to cross the street to his truck. He stopped suddenly when he spotted the familiar red pickup once again. They were the same Georgia license plates. Coincidence, my ass. He carefully looked around, worried for their safety now. Something was definitely up, and he wouldn’t be surprised again.
“What’s wrong?” Aimee Jo giggled.
“Nothing, but let’s get out of here.” He continued to move them along, but Aimee Jo was dragging, unable to keep up. Luke stopped and looked around one more time for any sign of trouble before bending down and sweeping Aimee Jo up in his arms.
“What are you doing?” Aimee Jo asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Just hurrying us along,” he said as he quickly crossed the street and made it to the truck. He finally set Aimee Jo down and started digging in his pockets for his keys. Aimee Jo held on to him, wondering why he was hurrying but figured maybe he was excited about tonight.
He quickly unlocked the door and held on to her as he maneuvered her inside. He was right behind her and quickly shut and locked the door. Aimee Jo was halfway on his lap and scooted closer to wrap her arms around him again.
“So, what are we doing now?” she whispered, trying her best to be as flirty and suggestive as possible. Apparently, that was the kind of girl Luke McIntyre desired. She wanted him to desire her as well. At least that is what she thought.
Luke glanced around to make sure everything was clear. No surprises tonight, at least he hoped. He looked at the very beautiful, but very tipsy girl on his lap right now. Someone was following one of them, and with Georgia plates, he was sure it had to be her—probably the ex-boyfriend. He liked that she was being flirty, but as much as he would love to take advantage, he just couldn’t. Not with her, not to her.
“We’re going to bed, sweetness,” he said before helping her off his lap and making their way to the room.
Luke grabbed her suitcase from the closet and looked for the nightshirt he had bought her. Once he grabbed it, he put the suitcase back and handed the nightgown to her. “Here you go,” he said.
“But I’m not sleepy.” She pouted. “I thought we were going dancing?”
“Trust me, darlin’, as soon as that pretty little head of yours hits the pillow, you will be out. We’ll go dancing another night.”
But Aimee Jo wasn’t ready to call it a night. She wanted to go have fun. So she stood there, hands on her hips, a determined look on her face and faced him.
Luke was amused as she stood there challenging him, but with Jessica at the restaurant and the red pickup that was obviously now following them, game time was over. “Don’t make me undress you. I will if I have to,” he said.
She didn’t move an inch and then she dropped the nightshirt to the floor.
Luke stood up and reached for the bottom of his shirt, sweeping it up and over his head. He tossed his shirt behind him.
Aimee Jo was mesmerized by the naked chest before her. Earlier, she had wanted to touch him so badly, but was too shy. Now, with a little liquid courage inside her, she dared.
She reached to touch him but he ducked, and the next thing she knew, her dress was up and over her head and joined Luke’s shirt on the floor. Now she stood before him in just her bra and panties. Would he remove them too? God, she hoped so. No sooner had the thought come to her than Luke had the nightgown over her head and had maneuvered her arms in it.
“Now, get in bed, Aimee Jo,” he demanded.
Aimee Jo could tell by his tone that he was no longer playing. She crawled into the bed and scooted up against the wall. She watched him unbutton his jeans and pull them down and off. Now, he stood before her in only his boxer briefs that left nothing to the imagination. The sight of his impressive erection brought back thoughts of that morning when she’d been on top of him and had felt that hardness next to her.
Luke didn’t say a word as he turned off the light and climbed in next to her. He hoped she would just go to sleep and they could talk in the morning. And they would talk in the morning. This flirtatious thing they had going on had to be resolved, one way or another. Either she would agree or he would have to hurry his ass to California and get back to his life.
“Are you mad at me, Luke?” she whispered, sounding more like herself.
“I’m not mad. Just go to sleep,” he answered.
“Thank you for dinner. I had a nice time. I’m sorry I got drunk.”
Luke smiled in the darkness. The things she said always surprised and amused him. “Don’t worry about it. Go to sleep,” he once again commanded.
“Aren’t you going to kiss me good night?” she asked.
Luke was at the end of his rope with her as he quickly grabbed her body and pulled her under him, his face hovering over hers. She could feel his warm breath and the hint of beer he had been drinking earlier.
“Aimee Jo, let me make something very clear to you, from now until we reach California. I desire nothing more than to kiss you, but I don’t kiss girls I don’t plan on fucking. Do you understand? You have tested me all day and I have held back. I promised you I would get you to California, no strings attached, and I meant it. But don’t tease me. If you want, I will kiss you senseless right now, and then I will fuck you like you have never been fucked before. I can show you a good time, but I’m no Romeo or Prince Charming or any of those guys you dream about. Once I drop you off in California, we say goodbye. I don’t do relationships. Those are my rules and I will not change them for anyone, including you. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she whispered, so low that Luke barely heard her, but he did. He released her, thankful that she finally understood.
“Good. Now, good night.” He turned to his side, his back facing her now.
Aimee Jo stared at his bare back as the effects of the alcohol were starting to wear off. Or was it Luke’s declaration that was quickly making her sober? She understood his terms but the desire for him was not tarnished one bit. If anything, it made her desire him all the more. She wasn’t looking for a commitment, just a friend. She could live with the fact that they only had a few days together and would try to make them memorable.
She didn’t understand his resistance to relationships, but she knew that everyone had their own set of demons. She had barely known him a little over twenty-four hours now, but he’d already demonstrated how he could be caring and protective. Even his little speech was his way of protecting her and warning her from him. She reached out her fingers to softly touch his back. “Luke,” she whispered.
“Yes,” he mumbled.
“Will you kiss me now?” she asked.
Luke thought he must be dreaming when he heard her request. It took him a minute to let it sink in. After all he had just said, she was okay with it? Did he have her pegged all wrong? He was certain his little speech would clam her up and they would have a respectful, and most likely, quiet few more days together. He genuinely liked her, but he didn’t want to be the asshole who fucked her and then dumped her off in LA. She was too good for that. Maybe she wasn’t as innocent as he’d thought her to be? She’d had a boyfriend, after all, an asshole boyfriend apparently, but a boyfriend, nonetheless.
Her fingers fell from his back and he immediately missed them. He liked her touching him. She was silent now, and as he rolled over to face her, he was praying she finally went to sleep. From the dim moonlight shining in the cab, he could see her eyes were closed. She looked so beautiful, and he was about to lean in to give her just a quick kiss, when she opened her eyes.
“Did you hear me?” she whispered.
“Yes, I heard you,” Luke answered. He was tired of fighting off his attraction to her. He was tired of warning her. If she was
still okay with everything, or even remembered in the morning, they would proceed. But he had to be absolutely sure. With Aimee Jo, somehow it mattered. He softly kissed her lips, once again, breaking one of his rules—nothing too intimate. “Go to sleep. We’ll talk in the morning,” he said.
She pulled her fingers up to touch her lips and reached over to softly touch his. He savored her sweet gesture, even though the intimacy of it scared the hell out of him.
“Good night, Luke,” she said before closing her eyes and finally falling asleep.
Luke woke up early; he may have gotten some sleep, but not much. The angel lying next to him in bed was the cause. He was worried about her. Whoever was driving that red pickup was following her, but why? Was her ex-boyfriend that obsessive? He never understood guys like that. It’s like, just get over her, dude, she’s just not that into you.
He went ahead and got up, not wanting what had happened yesterday morning to happen again. He was going to give her one last chance to change her mind, if it was indeed the tequila talking last night. Not once had he ever been in the predicament of trying to save the honor of a girl. Don’t get him wrong, he was a complete asshole to all the other women, but he made sure they knew the score.
Last night Jessica was a special case. He’d let her know up front what the score was but she must have lied when she said she’d understood. They’d only spent one night together and it hadn’t even been the whole night. When Luke had started getting hints that she wanted more, he’d politely left. Actually, he’d made up an excuse by telling her he had to hit the road.
He dressed as he watched Aimee Jo still sleeping. Last night she’d managed to crawl next to him, and when he awoke, he found he was spooning her. That couldn’t happen again. He had to keep the line drawn, no matter what. If she did go ahead and accept his terms, he would have to be stern with her. He didn’t want her getting attached to him.
As if Aimee Jo heard the internal argument going on his head, she began to stir. She stretched and yawned before finally opening her eyes. Her baby blues locked on to his deep brown eyes. A pang of something unfamiliar hit him in the chest, and as she smiled the tightness grew.