by A J Love
“What the fuck?” I ask.
He drops the last piece of the Harley he has brought in onto the pile of the rest of it. It’s in fucking bits. “Some son of a bitch lowlife Miner fuck took whatever the shit to my bike and left this as a fucking gift.” He kicks at it. “Fucking asshole motherfuckers.”
I sigh and turn back to Layton. She’s no longer looking at me with need and now looks a little concerned. The mood is officially fucking gone. I push back from her and grab my shirt off the floor, quickly shrugging it on, and head over to Trev.
“What did you do to piss them off now?” I ask, knowing full well that the rivalry between the Rippers and the Miners is all the excuse any side need to fuck each other over.
“This and that. Is it fixable?”
I shake my head. “It’s in six pieces, Trev.”
“And?”
“What do you expect me to do? Duct tape the fucking thing?”
“Just do what you can. She’s my favorite.”
“It won’t be today. Or tomorrow,” I blow out a breath and crouch down to take a closer look. Both wheels have been removed, the handlebars are off, too. But the body seems sound, so hopefully some welding will do the trick. “Fuck, I don’t even know if it will be this week. But I’ll see what I can do. I can’t promise she’ll be pretty though.”
“Yeah, man. Okay.” He looks up finally and raises his eyebrows when he sees Layton sitting on the work bench. “Hey, Lay. Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
She offers a shy wave. Trev chuckles then slaps me on the back. “Let me know what you think next week,” he says, then leaves the shop.
I grab my jacket and my keys, then walk back to Layton and help her down from the bench. “Come on,” I say, leading her out of the shop.
“Where are we going?” She asks, her hands shielding her eyes as she watches me lock up.
“Home, so I can shower, and then for dinner.”
“For dinner?”
“Yeah. At my mom’s.”
Layton
A smart girl would say no to this because it’s a ridiculous idea. But I am not a smart girl, nor am I capable of saying no. For the love of all that’s holy, Kane Thatcher is taking me to meet his mom, and apparently has no idea of the significance this holds.
I frown at my bed where I’ve emptied my entire closet in the hope I have something that doesn’t make me look like I’m homeless. I hardly think jean shorts and a cheap tee will do the trick. When I told Kane that I had to change for this, he looked at me like I’d grown a third head. Men. They never understand this stuff. We might not be together like that, and he might just be doing his control thing where he likes to know where I’m at, but this is still big. And after that kiss earlier, which was so rudely interrupted, I don’t know where we stand anymore. Fuck, it was like nothing else. And I know I sound like a trashy romance novel, but I felt like the stars aligned when he finally put his lips on mine.
And now I’m meeting his mom.
“Layton, are you about ready?” I hear him call as he lets himself into my bedroom.
I turn to face him, standing in only my underwear, and grab at the first bit of anything I can get my hands on to cover myself. It barely does the job but gets my point across. Sort of. I mean, he doesn’t turn away or anything, but it at least lets him know that I’m actively not trying to be half-naked around him. Though I wouldn't be opposed if he was to cancel this dinner with his mom and dive right into me for dinner instead, to finish what he damn well started at his auto shop. Oh Lord. I’m out of control.
“Shit, Layton. You need to get dressed or we’ll never get out of here.”
Please, God.
“I don’t know what to wear.”
“Anything.”
Kane appears directly behind me, so close I can feel his breath on my neck. His hands grip my hips, and for one blissful moment I think I’m about to get my dirty wish, but no. Instead, he whispers into my ear, “Time to go, sweetheart.”
Internally, I groan when he moves away from me and leaves the room. What is this man doing to me? Nothing, and that’s the damn problem.
I roll my eyes and scan the bed, my eyes landing on a white sundress with lace. I forgot I even had this. This will do nicely. I reach for it and shrug it over my head quickly, then I push my feet into some sandals, shake my hair out of the ponytail I had in, and follow him through the door. He’s in the kitchen, drinking from a bottle of water. He stops when I walk in and stares at me. My steps halt without my brain telling them to, caught in the intensity of his gaze. There’s something different in the way he’s looking at me, something behind his eyes, I don’t quite understand. He’s assessing me, and, oh my god, he actually looks kind of awkward. It’s etched on his face, almost ridiculous in contrast to the beast I know him to be.
Kane coughs, pulling my attention back to what I was doing.
“You look nice,” he grunts, then walks by me and out of the apartment.
Was that a compliment? From the great and almighty Kane Thatcher? I think it damn well was. I release a long breath and grab my purse. I can already tell it’s going to be a long ass night, but at least he thinks I look nice.
I think I’m in love.
Not with Kane, that would be ridiculous, but with his mom. She’s fantastic and I could watch her verbally kick Kane’s ass all the damn day.
I settle on the sofa and smile to myself as Lori berates him for not contacting her more. She’s already raised hell over him not giving her a two-day warning for bringing me along. Apparently, the two-hour warning he did give her wasn’t enough. I half expected him to throw some attitude back at her, or at least grunt at her like he does to me, but no. He’s taking it all, and even smirking and laughing about it with her.
Kane Thatcher is one hundred percent a mama’s boy, and it’s kind of adorable.
When we walked in five minutes ago, I noticed the change in his attitude straight away. It’s like the weight of the world that he always seems to carry around with him lifted and he finally relaxed. Witnessing it was something to behold, and not something I’m likely to forget. I don’t know what happened in his life to make him the person I know, but I do know he leaves it at the door when he walks into his mom’s house.
As Lori continues to lecture him, I look around the small living room. There are pictures hanging on the walls of what I assume are family members, lots of Kane and of someone who looks very much like Kane. Does he have a brother? Jesus, I’m not sure how I feel about two of them, especially if this one has the same attitude as the Thatcher that I know. God help all the women in Texas if he does.
“So, Layton,” Lori says, distracting me from my curiosity. “You live next door to Kane, is that right?”
I smile. “Yeah, that’s right. Thanks for having me tonight.”
She waves me off. “Oh honey, it’s no problem at all. I’m just glad my boy hasn’t scared you off with his mean face.”
“Hey,” Kane objects, making me laugh. “I’ve not got a mean face.”
“The hell you don’t,” Lori shakes her head. “And the cocky attitude to boot. I’ve a mind to put my boot up your ass half the time.”
This woman is my hero.
“Ma,” Kane moans. “I’m sorry I didn’t call, okay? Sheesh, woman.”
“Don’t you get smart with me,” she warns, then turns to me. “Now, Layton. How’re ya fixed for having mac and cheese for dinner?”
“That would be great,” I smile. “Thank you.”
Her eyes narrow a little. “I know that accent. Louisiana, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“You’re a fair way from home. Why’d you leave?”
“Leave her alone, Ma,” Kane says before I can answer.
“No, it’s okay,” I laugh a little nervously. “I wanted independence and I’m hoping I find it in Texas.”
Lori nods, approvingly. “Good for you. Not enough women out there with a good set of balls these days.”
I choke a little on my drink at her brashness. “Thank you.”
“Anyway,” she says, looking at Kane now. “I’m glad you brought us a guest because I have one of my own, so I won’t be putting up with your sass.”
Kane narrows his eyes. “Who?”
“Colin. And he’ll be here any minute now.”
She stands and leaves the room before he can say anything. I guess that’s where he gets it from. I watch him carefully, waiting for his reaction. He surprises me by settling back on the sofa and smiling a little. I get the sense he’s close with his mom, so I assumed he’d be annoyed at her having invited a date. Apparently not. He almost looks happy.
“Colin is an old friend,” he says suddenly, as if sensing my curiosity. “And she deserves someone who isn’t an asshole.”
“You’re protective of her, aren’t you?”
He nods. “Yeah. There’s just her and me, so someone ought to look after her.”
“Oh, I thought…” I trail off, thinking of the pictures on the walls. It’s not my business to poke around in.
“He was my brother,” Kane grunts, his voice a little harsh as he notices me looking at one of the pictures of him and the guy that looks like him. “He’s dead.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“So am I.”
We’re saved from any awkwardness when Colin arrives and Lori ushers us to the table to eat. I’m reminded of home when I say Grace with them before we dish up our food. It’s times like these, which are rare and few, that I miss my parents. I miss sitting at the table with them, sharing our day with each other and just catching up. I miss the way my dad would tell his awful jokes, and how my mom would pretend to laugh at them. I miss the way Mellie would drive me crazy with all her questions and want to be part of every single thing I did. I miss all the stuff we did before I went to college and decided the life they wanted for me wasn’t the life I wanted for myself. Maybe I should have settled. Maybe I should have given in and done what they wanted. All leaving home has done is drop me in hot water and cause nothing but stress.
I glance over at Kane as he talks with Colin about the shop, Lori watching over them like the proud mother she obviously is, and I realize that I’m jealous of this. She loves her son, despite his grumpiness, despite the way he is his own man regardless of what anyone thinks. I want that. I want someone to be proud of me, to love me.
When we’ve finished eating, and I’ve helped clear away the dishes, I excuse myself to the bathroom and sit on the edge of the tub. I pull out my cell and bring up a new message to my mom. We haven’t spoken in a long time, not since I left, but maybe it’s time to start trying to build bridges, especially as I may have to go home one day soon. I type out a text, something simple to portray how I’m feeling right now.
I miss you.
She still hasn’t replied by the time we pull up in the lot of our building and I try not to let it get to me. Maybe she’s busy, maybe she’s trying to decide how to respond—or maybe I’m full of horse shit and she’s just not interested. Which means I should probably start formulating a plan. I have enough money saved to pay for my apartment for the next couple of months, but I know I won’t get by on just my store salary. I need to find another job, and I need it as soon as possible.
Climbing from the truck in silence, I head inside, with Kane behind me. He doesn’t say anything, but from the way he’s been watching me all night, I can tell he knows all my smiles were forced. We walk up the stairs without speaking and I don’t turn to face him until we’re at my apartment door.
“Thank you for tonight,” I say quietly, then I turn back and push my key into the lock.
I walk into the apartment and ignore Kane following me in. I wasn’t naïve enough to think he’d just let me sulk all night by myself. I knew he’d follow me, and I know he’s about to stare me down until I cave and tell him how pathetic I am for feeling so low over watching people I don’t even know. Kicking off my shoes, I slump down onto the sofa. Kane sits on the coffee table opposite me.
“What’s up with you?”
“Nothing,” I lie. “I’m okay. Just tired.”
“Bullshit.”
I sigh. “Honestly, I’m fine. I just miss home, is all.”
He snorts a little. “Yeah, Ma’ll do that to ya. It’s because she has to mother everyone. Why don’t you go see your folks for a while?”
“I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
I shake my head. “Can’t. They don’t talk to me, not since I left. They didn’t agree with my life choices.”
Kane shrugs. “Fuck them. If they don’t appreciate you then fuck them.”
“Coming from the guy with the perfect mother,” I sulk.
Again, he snorts. “Yeah, my ma is an angel, but we’ve our fair share of family drama, too.” He leans forward and takes my hand. “Come on.”
He tugs me up and pulls me toward the bedroom. “What are you doing?”
He tosses the clothes off my bed to the floor and pushes me down onto it. “Sweetheart, if I don’t put my dick inside you soon, then I’m not going to be able to be held accountable for my actions.”
Well. Okay then. Fine by me, big guy.
Kane
She’s a vision as she bares all for me, lying back on the bed. It didn’t take me long to get her naked and it'll take me even less time to have her screaming my name. I’m just hoping I can hold my own and not embarrass myself before I even get my jeans off. Just watching her legs spread for me has me hard as a fucking rock.
I pull off my shirt and cover her body with my own, dipping my head low to take her nipple into my mouth. She moans as I softly bite her, and inside I grin like a pubescent boy with his first erection. Layton likes it rough. This I can get on board with.
I bring my hand to the apex of her thighs, stroking her deep. She whimpers another moan, her desperation making me harder than I thought possible. Her hand squeezes my shoulder as I continue to work her into a frenzy, her other hand gripping the sheets below us.
“Please,” she begs, her release close.
You don’t need to ask me twice, sweetheart.
Her body is shaking as I lean down to her ear. “Turn over,” I demand.
She does, and I watch her raise that perfect ass in the air as I pull off my jeans. Fuck me, she’s perfect. Absolutely fucking incredible.
I just want to feel her.
“Tell me I don’t need protection,” I say, almost begging. “Tell me you’re on something.”
“I’m on something,” she replies, her voice muffled by the mattress she’s pressed against.
Fucking yes.
The need rises within me, a whole-bodied tension that threatens to take over. My mind empties of all thoughts but those of her, of driving myself home inside of her. Every fiber of my being is standing to attention as I position myself at her entrance; then finally, I’m pushing myself in. I’m greeted with her wet and warm pussy, softer than silk. As I hit the back of her, she cries out with an orgasm that almost has me following her over the edge. I continue to thrust, feeling her tighten with every second. She’s moaning, practically fucking screaming my name as I plow into her. My hands tighten on her hips, pulling her back against me as I strive to get deeper. It’s not enough, I need more. My head is pulsing, the desire in me a fever pitch. I’ve never felt this way before, never felt this fucking needy with a woman before. I need to see her.
I pull from her and flip her over, dragging her up to me. She takes the hint and pushes me back, straddling me. My dick finds her instantly, craving the connection of her tight walls. Layton rocks her hips, matching the pace I fucked her with perfectly. She knows what I like, I can tell. She’s already so fucking in tune with me. I reach my hand up to palm her breasts as they bounce, keeping my focus on her face. I want to see her come. Her eyes are glazing over so I know she’s close. Her pussy is practically fucking milking me right now, bringing me to the brink of my own rele
ase.
“Come for me, baby,” I say, ignoring the way my voice has taken on its own tone of begging.
She rides me harder, her head falling back as she cries out my name again. It’s enough to have me following her over the edge.
Her body shifts as she lifts herself off me, and sags onto the bed facing the ceiling as she tries to catch her breath.
This is the part where I normally leave. This is where I should be climbing from the bed, grabbing my clothes and getting the fuck out of here. I’m not the kind of guy that sticks around for cuddles and pillow talk. So why am I not moving?
I feel her turn to face me, but I keep my gaze on the door as I fight with myself internally.
I don’t want to leave. But I know I should.
Slowly, I twist myself so I’m facing her, the way she is me. Her eyes are half closed, her features relaxed. She looks comfortable for the first time since I met her. I feel pretty fucking good myself, to be fair. That wasn’t just sex, that was something else entirely.
“Why are you staring?” She asks sleepily.
“Because for once you’re not looking at me like you fear me.”
She laughs a little. “You’re not so scary, Big Guy.”
“I should work on that.”
Her eyebrows raise, one of her eyes opening wide. “Did you just make a joke?” She places the back of her hand against my forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”
I push her hand away and roll her over to her back, leaning over her. “You’re a sassy little thing after you’ve been fucked, aren’t you?”
She chews on her lip and lifts her hips against me in response.
Fuck.
I’m definitely not leaving now.
“So, are you two a thing now? Pops says y’all were cute at your ma’s place last night.”
I shake my head at Nolan’s comment and make the decision not to answer it; mostly because I don’t know what the hell we are. I didn’t leave her place last night like I should have, and instead spent the entire night losing myself in her and talking with her. Actually talking. She told me stuff about herself, and I told her some shit about me. Nothing major, but more than I usually share with anyone. Eventually, we fell asleep, and I left her in bed this morning to come and work, which would be a damn sight easier if Nolan wasn't hassling me.