The guys continued to try and get Dante, Trevor, and Charlie to join them but it was no use. They wanted to wait until tomorrow to see Lori and he wasn’t sure how he’d handle the jealous feeling he already had about other men watching her and talking about her. He continued to ignore them, then went back to work, and after a while the others gave up.
Chapter 10
He watched her intently as she served the drinks and spoke respectfully to some drunken old-timer who continued to flirt with her. She was sweet and kind despite the disgusting way others around the bar looked at her, undressing her with their eyes. It angered him and that was how he knew she was the one for him. The job itself was never enough. He always craved more, desired more in order to complete him. It was like an addiction. The idea of a beautiful, naive young woman, barely used, refined, desirable and easy to capture made his life complete.
He’d done it so many times, she would be so easy to get to, to capture and take with him when his job here was done. She was the added bonus for staying in this Godforsaken county, the surprise pleasure he’d stumbled upon one very early morning only a few weeks ago. He would take enormous pleasure in having her, and knowing that so many others wanted her as well just made her even more desirable. His body ached for her as he continued to drink his beer and watch the way she worked and socialized. She had an amazing laugh, and an appealing smile. As if her eyes couldn’t get even more mesmerizing, her now naturally tan skin caused them to appear even greener. She would be his. He promised this to himself as he finished the beer and left the bar.
* * * *
Charlie drove his classic 1939 hunter-green Ford pickup truck out of the garage and down the driveway. It was his prize possession and he only took it out for special occasions, car shows or summer Sunday drives. He slowly drove by the Cantrells’ place where he saw Tom finishing up talking to some man in a business suit.
Tom didn’t look too happy as the businessman entered the dark blue Lincoln town car.
Tom saw Charlie and waved him down.
“Hey, where are you going in this beauty? I love this truck of yours, Charlie,” Tom told him as he stood by the passenger side window.
“I’m headed to Casper’s.”
“All alone?”
“Not exactly.” Charlie looked away from Tom and toward the road.
“Oh…a date, huh? She must be someone special. Seeing how you’re all spiffed up, clean shaven”—Tom sniffed the air as he leaned into the window a little—“nice cologne, your fancy truck. This is great, Charlie. How about Trevor and Dante? They going, too?”
Charlie couldn’t help but smile at Old Man Cantrell. Others who didn’t know him well thought he was a mean old bastard. Charlie and his family knew better. He was the best friend and neighbor anyone could ever ask for and he was always willing to help or give a hand.
“Yeah, they’re coming along. She is very special. So who was that guy you were talking to? Someone else interested in your land?”
“Yeah, some business tycoon from Houston. He wants to build condominiums. If I’m going to sell this land, I want nice houses, developments for young people like you to start families, build up the community. Then maybe start some small businesses, a park, that kind of stuff.”
“You have some great ideas, Tom. Why not just get together with an architect and builder and come up with something on your own. It could be your project, perhaps a hamlet of Valley Stream called Cantrell.”
“You and your brothers have degrees in engineering and architectural design. Why don’t we all become partners and come up with something really great?”
“You don’t want to do that, Tom. You said the whole point of selling was to not have to worry about making plans, working with architects, builders, and dealing with the bureaucracy and politics of the town. Even if we work together, we’re going to have to do all that stuff. There’s a lot to consider.”
“I know, son, but it just seems that my land is grabbing the attention of the wrong types of buyers. You and your brothers, I would be willing to work with.” Tom looked away from Charlie and stuck his hands into his pockets. Instantly Charlie knew something was wrong.
“What’s wrong, Tom? Has someone been harassing you?”
“Nothing I can’t handle, son. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt and I feel that my hands are slowly being pulled behind my back. But no need for you to worry, you go have a good time with Lori,” he told him with a smile.
Charlie laughed, knowing it was probably obvious to everyone that he and his brothers were interested in Lori.
“Listen I’m here for you, Tom, so how about when I get back later or tomorrow morning you tell me about things and maybe Dante, Trevor, you, and I can come up with some plans. I feel change is coming and just maybe I might be ready to do something different.”
Charlie waved good-bye and Tom watched as he drove off in the classic truck.
* * * *
Lori was applying her lip gloss and looking at herself one more time in the mirror.
“You look beautiful, sis.” Maggie sat on the edge of her sister’s bed.
“Thanks, Maggie. What about my hair and this outfit?” Lori asked for the tenth time at least, and Maggie knew her sister really liked Dante, Trevor, and Charlie. They were perfect for her, and after Maggie interrogated Jasper about his cousins, Maggie felt they may be perfect for Lori. They were a lot more experienced than she was and Maggie hoped that the men would take things slow.
“I’ve told you a hundred times, Lori, you look great. The one-piece, sleeveless dress was the perfect outfit to wear. The black dress is so versatile. Plus it brings out your beautiful tan, and if the temperature drops, you have this nice light green sweater that brings out the green in your eyes. If they take you to a nice place for lunch, more than likely it will be air-conditioned. Just throw the sweater over your shoulders and tie it in the front like this.” Maggie showed her the different styles she could get from the sweater alone.
“Thanks, Maggie, I appreciate your help. Am I all ready?”
“You sure are and you smell fantastic, too. That jasmine body cologne smells wonderful on you. It’s not too much, just the slightest hint.”
“As long as they’re not allergic to jasmine. Oh man, maybe I should have just used some powder,” Lori said rather nervously.
“Lori, stop it, everything is perfect, now you stay up here and I’ll call you when Charlie comes. He should come to the door you know,” Maggie teased as she left the room. Lori was just as nervous about her parents sitting on the porch right now like bodyguards. She had no idea that Jasper was out there as well.
Lori gave herself an approving smile in the mirror. Then she heard her sister call to her.
Charlie was already there.
* * * *
Lori walked out to the front porch where Charlie was talking to her father and Jasper about his truck. Dante and Trevor weren’t in sight and her stomach clenched. Maybe they changed their minds. Maybe they decided they didn’t like her that much after all. She looked past him toward the truck parked up front. It was a gorgeous green color, a two-seater and Lori was surprised that it belonged to Charlie. She really didn’t know that much about him but it was obvious that her heart and body didn’t care. She was attracted to him and hoped things would only get better.
Jasper whistled as Lori walked onto the porch and everyone turned toward her. She was completely embarrassed as she felt her face turn red, her heart pound even faster, and a ball form in her throat. She could have killed Jasper for making the sound.
“You look beautiful, Aunt Lori,” Ben told her as he gave her leg a hug. “And you smell great, too.” Maggie called him over to her.
“Hi!” she said nervously as she stared at Charlie, who looked amazingly handsome. He was clean-shaven, wore a light blue button-down shirt and a pair of beige khakis. Instantly he was at the porch steps, gently taking her hand to escort her down the three steps. But his facial expression se
emed strained. Maybe he didn’t like the dress? Maybe it was too much for his friend’s place they were going to?
“You looked gorgeous.”
“So do you,” she replied.
They said good-bye then headed toward the truck.
* * * *
“Now that was something else. I’m so glad I was here to witness that,” Diana said as she smiled wide then sat back down in the rocker.
“You think she’ll be all right?” Lou asked, and Diana smiled, nodding yes.
“That was incredible. Did you see the way they looked at one another? I’ve never seen anything like that before. If Trevor and Dante look at her in the same way, there’s no way she won’t be head over heels in love in no time,” Maggie said as she spoke to Jasper.
“You’ve experienced it before though,” he whispered to her, and she smiled, knowing exactly what he meant.
“You looked at me that way just the other day,” he told her.
She was embarrassed at his directness. She had no right to get into a relationship with another man. She had Ben to worry about and he had gone through enough changes. Maggie getting involved with another man could be the worst thing for Ben right now.
Jasper took her hand into his and her parents watched, knowing that Maggie was hesitant.
“Go out with me, Maggie. Everything will be fine. Ben will be fine. I’m sure of it.”
“Yeah, Mommy, you should go on a date with Jasper like Lori did with Charlie. You have a pretty dress you can wear.” Ben stood between Maggie and Jasper. They both hugged Ben and Maggie had a feeling that just maybe things would be all right.
* * * *
Charlie still hadn’t said a word. He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable as they pulled out of the long driveway and headed out of the neighborhood. He just couldn’t seem to speak when all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms, inhale her heavenly perfume and kiss her deeply. He was shocked at the overwhelming need to touch her. But he needed to remain calm. He and his brothers decided that it may make Lori feel less overwhelmed if one of them picked her up at home. They wanted to ease her mind about getting involved in a ménage relationship and make her understand that it meant three men would share in taking care of her.
“You look incredible, Lori, absolutely amazing.” He lightly squeezed her hand. When she looked up at him, her serious expression turned to a small smile. He had succeeded in breaking the ice. Good.
“Thank you, Charlie, and you look great as well. I love this truck. How long have you had it?”
“For a couple of years. It was a hunk of junk actually and sat in my garage for about a year. Then when I had some free time, I decided to fix her up.” He left out the part about tearing it apart one night in a fit of anger over a series of terrible nightmares he had. He had met a woman, thought she was kind of special, but soon found out she wanted him for his money and good looks. He wasn’t some stupid soldier who only knew about war and guns. Nor were Trevor and Dante. He got rid of her quickly, breaking things off and letting her know how spoiled and deceiving she was. It soured him even more.
He glanced at Lori. He prayed she wasn’t pretending to be so innocent and sweet. It would send him over the edge.
“So is there anything original on it or did you completely restore it?” she asked him, and he wondered if she was really interested or just making nervous conversation.
“It has the original V-8 motor with a three-speed manual floor shifter in its original style and condition. I updated the interior with vinyl seats, a new headliner, and new rubber flooring. She’s my prize possession.”
“That’s fantastic, Charlie, where did you learn about cars and trucks?”
“I started out working pumping gas when I was fourteen then watched the mechanics do oil changes, brake pads, and eventually full engine repairs. One of the guys, Johnny, Sheriff Morgan’s cousin, worked on classic cars on the weekend for some big shot in the city. I used to hang out with the mechanic, and I guess I had a knack for it. By sixteen I was working as a mechanic and helping Johnny fix up these classic cars. I knew someday I’d have one.” He headed onto the highway.
“My dad had a cousin they called ‘Fast Freddie.’ He was a nut, a real crazy guy,” Lori told Charlie laughing. “He was always getting pulled over by the police, sustaining injuries from crazy stunts he did. I could tell you some stories about him. Anyway he owned a 1970 Plymouth 440 Barracuda.”
“Wow. Those are nice, do you know if it was a 6-cylinder or what?”
“Originally it was but that wasn’t good enough for ‘Fast Freddie.’ He did an extensive, full-body, rotisserie restoration and turned it into a 440 Big Block with a four-speed pistol grip. It was a gorgeous deep yellow color.”
“It must have been a beauty. You sound like you actually like this kind of stuff.”
“I do, I’ve always found it interesting. I was around it enough and I know from watching that it’s not easy work to do. Plus the closer you keep the vehicle to its original condition the better it is. Restoring vehicles is an awesome hobby. You should be proud of yourself for having this truck.”
“I am and I’m glad you like it and can appreciate my work.” He smiled at her. She just kept amazing him the more they got to know one another. Conversing with her was getting easy, despite that little tug on his gut forewarning him to be careful.
Charlie was enjoying the ride to Casper’s and Lori smelled wonderful. The fragrance was jasmine. He was sure of it, but it was light and clean smelling, not pungent.
“Ben was right. You do smell good.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you like it,” she told him then looked back out the window. Charlie was realizing more and more how wrong he was about Lori. She was shy, very ladylike, and proper as she sat in the passenger seat with her legs together, ankles crossed, and her hands atop one another on her lap.
“Ben’s a great kid. My brother Andrew said all his son Andy does is talk about Ben. They get along well, and if Maggie sends him to the same school, they’ll probably be in the same class.”
“That’s what Ben was telling Maggie and I. He likes your nephew Andy a lot, too. I’m glad to see him so happy.”
“Your dad said the three of you were traveling a lot, where did you go?”
Charlie noticed Lori hesitate and start fiddling with her fingers. He had no idea why she was so secretive and now he was curious.
“We were all over the United States, but I’ll tell you this much. I’m glad I’m back home with my parents and my mom’s cooking. She’s a great cook, you know? How about your mom? Does she cook all the time?” Lori asked. He got the hint that she wanted to change the subject. So he followed her lead.
“Yes, she cooks all the time. She taught me a lot about cooking. Maybe I’ll make you dinner sometime,” he offered with a smile as he searched the streets for a parking spot. The town was crowded and there were people everywhere. There were so many different tables and booths set up selling everything from homemade fudge to handmade jewelry. Dante mentioned there was a street fair going on as well.
“Trevor and Dante are meeting us here. I thought maybe you would feel more comfortable if just one of us showed up at your doorstep for our date.”
“That was nice of you.” She looked like she was going to say something but he saw Trevor waving him over toward an empty spot.
“There’s Trevor over there!” Charlie stated as Lori looked toward an older man, Trevor, and Dante next to a row of classic cars. He moved two orange cones out of the way making room for Charlie’s truck. People who were walking along the sidewalks stopped to check it out.
“Now that’s service,” Lori stated as Charlie gave her a proud smile.
“Every year the same spot and my good pal Al who owns the body shop right there. We’ve known one another for years,” Charlie said as he got out of the truck and then went around toward Lori’s side to open the door for her.
He held her hand, making it clear to her that he w
asn’t letting go of it as they stepped onto the sidewalk.
“Al, thanks a lot for the spot. This is Lori. Lori this is Al.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss.” He nodded his head and Lori smiled in return. Charlie and Al exchanged pleasantries a few moments as people continued to walk by.
“You look beautiful, baby,” Dante whispered, taking her into his arms and kissing her softly on the cheek. She shyly pulled back only for Trevor to approach. They looked so good. Trevor wore a dress shirt in black, dark jeans and cowboy boots with a matching black Stetson. Dante wore a black Stetson, too, but a royal blue button-down shirt and blue jeans. She glanced at Charlie and his dark green button-down shirt and jeans as he placed the black Stetson onto his head.
Three gorgeous, sexy cowboys stared at her.
“There’s a band playing down by the water. You probably wouldn’t have a chance of getting a seat near that place today for lunch,” Al told them.
“Maybe we’ll check it out anyway,” Charlie said as they said good-bye and continued on their way.
The sidewalks were crowded as Charlie took Lori by the hand, moving closer to her and whispering about the stores they passed, which ones were new and which ones were old. He even told her a little bit about the building structures and the builders who created the expanding town. It was very interesting and obvious to her that he enjoyed talking about it.
“So how long have you liked architectural designing and building things?” she asked. Now it was Charlie who was caught off guard. He wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to explain his life to Lori just yet.
“Well I have a degree in engineering and architectural design. I have my master’s in business.”
“Really? That’s fantastic, Charlie, did you ever work in the field or what? Because I thought you and your brothers were in the service?”
The American Soldier Collection 4: Their Blue-Collar Girl (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 11