by Jordan Marie
“I figured that one was self-explanatory.”
“Lotus Petal Lucas.”
“Umm…”
“There you go, that’s the look.”
“What look?”
“The look my brothers and sisters have seen every time someone asks our names.”
“So, I take it if you ever have kids, there will be no names after flowers or…”
“I doubt I’ll ever have kids, but Green did.”
“You don’t want kids?”
“I don’t want the wife that comes with them.”
“A wife doesn’t have to come with them exactly, not these days. My mom didn’t exactly stick around.”
“They’re still there somewhere, ready to cause trouble. Not worth it. Besides, my life isn’t one that would make having a kid easy.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I’m on the road a lot.”
“You’re a salesman?”
He gets a strange look on his face. “Something like that. Anyway, I don’t really want to settle down, and kids definitely make you do that.”
“Yeah, I guess so. I’m not sure what my life would have been like without Banger and this small town, so I can see that.”
“You’re happy here?”
“For the most part. I don’t have any complaints. And Claude might be horrible, but at least it’s not named after a tree I was conceived under. Then again, knowing my mother, she probably doesn’t know the tree nor the man who was there.”
“Banger wasn’t your real father?”
“He was, in every way that mattered,” I tell him, daring him to argue.
“Good you had him.”
That’s the understatement of the year, so all I can do is nod in agreement. “What’s your mom’s name?”
“Lily.”
I laugh. “So her parents named her after a flower too?”
“Her full name is Peace Lily, so that would be a yes.”
“I bet your grandparents are interesting.”
“I never got to meet them, but I hear they were. They definitely raised a proud, independent, strong woman and, despite her naming abilities, mom is a hell of a woman. Though, I do think she might have cried the day Blackie graduated the police academy.”
“She doesn’t like having a cop in the family?”
“She’s learning to accept it. It became easier when his twin Blue decided to go into ranching full-time. She said it evened out the karma, whatever that means.”
“You have a crazy family.”
“That I do,” he agrees, taking a bite of his food.
“I think you’re very lucky. It’s obvious you care about them.”
“I am and I do, though sometimes I want to kill them too. I’m feeling very lucky, especially since you agreed to come to lunch with me. I’m having a good time.”
“I am, too,” I admit, surprised. I don’t know what I expected from him, but I can’t lie. This has been the best lunch date I can ever remember.
“I’m glad. It will make it easier.”
“Make what easier?”
“Getting you to agree to have dinner with me tonight.”
I smile despite myself. Taking a bite of her salad, I smile at him. “We’ll see,” I tell him, but inside I know that if he asks, I’ll be agreeing.
“I’ll take that,” he says. “And just to sweeten the pot, if you agree, I’ll tell you all about how my mother and father met.”
“As long as you leave out their romps under the Magnolia trees.”
“Oh, no worries, nobody ever needs to hear that story. Even though it’s one of Mom’s favorites.”
“Now I’m scared again.”
“You should be,” he quips with a wink before he waves for the waitress’s attention to get us some refills. As I watch the way Rachel looks at Gray and he seemingly doesn’t even notice, instead looking right at me, I can feel something inside of me giggle happily.
Damn. I think I’m falling under the spell of a traveling salesman. Maybe I’m more like my mother than I ever suspected.
“Fuck, you look good,” I tell her.
The words slipping out of my mouth before I can stop them. Not that I would, but that seems to be a problem with this girl. She’s unlike the playthings I’m used to. By all rights, I should have forgotten her, but the memory of our weekend is just getting stronger and stronger with each minute I spend close to her. Lunch today was fun and one of the best times I’ve ever had with anyone. She entertains me and makes me laugh, and I actually like spending time with her so much that I found myself actually ignoring my rock-hard dick and concentrating on getting her to talk more.
I’m at her house picking her up for dinner. After our lunch date, I practically had to beg for her address—another first for me. Once I got it, I left and went back to schmooze with Riverton some more. While I’m enjoying the game I’m playing with CC, the same cannot be said with Riverton. He’s set a meeting up tomorrow afternoon. If that doesn’t work out, I don’t care what Seth says, I’m done. I’ll find another sponsor. He might not have as much pull with the higher-ups at the tournament, but there will be someone else who will get me the leverage I need with the committee. That’s all that is important. I’m not about to get jerked around, unless it’s by CC. She can jerk me all she wants. Visions of her hand moving up and down my cock spring to mind and, just like that, my semi-erection blooms into a full blown concrete crushing stiffy. This woman is killing me. If I don’t get in her pants again soon, I’m liable to start drooling and talking gibberish. I’m not far from that now, especially when she’s standing there in front of me wearing that auburn and gold hair down so that it curls loosely around her head, framing her face. She’s wearing a dark green silk dress that dips down enough just to highlight her cleavage and short enough to cover her thighs, but only after it curves and hugs the cheeks of her ass. She looked good this past weekend, but standing here right now, I can’t remember another woman before her. This is my first clue that I might be in trouble. My second is when she laughs, those thick beautiful lips curve up into a smile. They shimmer in the pale light with her lip gloss—pale pink in color. I imagine the color in a perfect ring around my shaft. Jesus, I can feel pre-cum gathering on my dick now. If I don’t get inside this woman soon, I’m going to blow.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she says and it takes me a minute for the blood to rush away from my dick for me to remember what we’re talking about.
“Are you ready to go, sweetheart?” I’ve used that endearment a million times, with a million different women. Suddenly, it sounds fake and wrong. CC isn’t like them. She deserves something special—something different. And there’s yet another clue that I might be in over my head with this woman.
“I guess…”
“You don’t sound too sure.”
“I’m still not convinced this is a smart thing to do.”
“You think too much. I don’t remember this side of you when we were in Lexington.”
“It didn’t matter then.”
“Explain,” I tell her, helping her put on her sweater before leading her out the door and waiting for her to lock it.
“It was one wild night out of time. No consequences, no repercussions, no worries. You’re in my hometown now. The place I’ve fought to make a name for myself that I could be proud of. A name Banger would be proud of. It’s taken me years to live down my mother’s past. The last thing I need is for people to think I’m anything like her.”
“This sounds like a deep conversation you can tell me more about over steaks and wine.”
“I don’t think that’s on the menu at Rosie’s, and that’s the only restaurant in town.”
“True, but we’re not going to Crossville. We’re going to Addington,” I tell her, and I can feel the muscles in her back tighten at my words. “Is something wrong with Addington?”
“It’s just not my normal kind of town. I’m more at home in Rosie’s diner, so
unless you’re going to take me to Mickey D’s, I’m not sure I’m—”
“Stop worrying. First of all, the way you’re dressed is way too fine for fast food. Secondly, as much fun as I had at Rosie’s Diner with you earlier today, I want a good thick steak. I’m assured that the place to find that around here is Addington.”
“Listen, Gray…”
“Look at it this way: In Addington, no one will know you, and it will be like we continue our weekend with no worries.”
“It’s not that far away.”
“Does it really matter? It’s dinner, and if anything else happens, we’re both adults and it will be behind closed doors.”
“You’re right. I’m just being silly,” she says, shaking her head. This side of her surprises me. I’m definitely intrigued. I’m going to have to learn more about her mother. She’s mentioned a little about her, and I know the story isn’t pretty, but it seems to have left enough scars on this woman that it alters who she is, and for some reason that makes me mad. CC shouldn’t have to worry about how people look at her, or what she does—for any reason. I lived in a small town in Texas, and with mom’s history, I know a little bit about the damage small-minded people can do. Still, it pisses me off that CC ever had to experience any of it.
We’re mostly silent on the way to the country club. Riverton couldn’t believe I was actually staying in Crossville. Though I assured him I was fine there, he insisted he add me as his guest at the country club in Addington, stating that it was the only place around to get a decent meal. After calling and making sure he had added me on the roster, I made dinner reservations for me and CC. I wanted to give her a great night out and a good meal seems like step one. Though as hard as Riverton has been pushing his single daughter down my throat, I doubt me taking another woman out was what he had in mind when he added me to the guest list. Too damn bad.
“Wait. Why are we here? You can’t be a member, and this place is…”
“Members only, yeah I know. I’ve got a friend on the board here. He offered the use of the place while I’m in Kentucky,” I tell her as I close her car door.
“An associate? Listen, Gray…”
“Relax, buttercup, it’s all okay. I promise,” I tell her, putting my finger under her chin and tilting her head back to look at me. I read something in her eyes that I can’t put a name to, but CC shakes it off and gives me a small smile, allowing me to lead her toward the club. Still, there’s a tension in her that I’ve not felt before and I don’t like it. I’m about two steps away from suggesting we go somewhere else, even if it is fast food, but decide against it. I’m sure she’ll loosen up once dinner is served. She owns a garage and both times I’ve been there, there hasn’t been a lot of customers. I’m sure she just feels out of place. Things will lighten up when she gets some good food, maybe dessert, and then definitely the goal is to spend the rest of the night loosening her up in ways I’ve dreamed about ever since I woke up alone in that hotel in Lexington.
I know that Gray thought he was being sweet bringing me here. He doesn’t know my history and, though we might have spent one mind-blowing weekend together, he doesn’t know anything about me. It’s just one night, and no one will expect me to be here. I’ll just grin and bear it. The sooner we get food and get out of here, the better. There’s no point in causing a scene. To do so would mean me explaining way too much to Gray about my past, which would be stupid. He’s a one-night stand. Okay, two nights. And he’s only here for a limited time. I can’t let myself forget that. I am not my mother. I am not the woman who goes from man to man because I can. I am not the girl with wanderlust in her eyes, never happy if she’s not on the road, off to the next best thing. I have roots here. I have a job—a business. I have goals, even if I can’t remember what those goals are anymore. There’s a reason I made them. I am not… her.
Mental pep talk done, we sit at the table and get our menus. As I look through the different entrees, I find myself missing the meals offered at Rosie’s diner. It’s not that I don’t like a nice night out. I’ve had a couple when I’ve been to the city with friends, but honestly, the diner is more my speed.
“I guess David was right.”
“David?”
“I’m here on his guest list. He said this was the best place to eat in three counties around here. I have to say, the menu definitely looks great.”
“It does,” I tell him, wondering if he can tell that I’m lying. I’m busy trying to figure out why it makes me sad that Gray seems so at home here. The man who talks about his brothers and sisters reminds me of a country boy. This Gray seems one step away from…
Something uneasy shifts in my stomach. He’s wearing a suit. He’s different. Even his attitude here seems different. It’s a cold reminder that though I might have slept with him, I don’t really know anything about him.
“What are you thinking?” he asks, and though I know he’s asking about what I want to eat, my first thought is, I’m thinking I should have never agreed to go out with you. I don’t say that, though it’s on the tip of my tongue.
“You order for us,” I tell him, literally unable to care less what he orders and just wanting it over and done at this point.
“You sure?”
“Surprise me.” I don’t even pay attention as he orders.
“Why am I getting the feeling this isn’t going well?” he asks.
I jerk up to look at him. “I’m not really a country club kind of girl.”
“What kind of girl are you?”
I study his face, trying to figure out if he’s truly interested, or just trying to get into my pants. I can’t decide. I take a breath and decide to just put it out there.
“I’m just guessing, Gray, but I’d say that a mechanic hasn’t set foot in the doors of this place, unless it was the back entrance to get to the garage area so they can work on club cars or something.”
“Why does it matter? You’re here now. You’re here with me and I want you here, that’s all that matters.”
His response annoys me. I’m not sure why I thought he would understand, but I did. “You’re right.”
He sighs, as if he can hear the doubt in my voice. He stands up, reaching for my hand. “Come on.”
“What? Why?”
“We’re going to get out of here. If you’re not comfortable, then we’ll go somewhere where you are.”
“Gray! Is that you?” The high-pitched voice, squealing until it rakes across my nerve endings, cries out. I know that voice. I abhor that voice. The fact that the voice is calling out Gray’s name only makes me detest it more.
I look up at Gray and see a look of distaste cross his face. I feel a little better. I would almost smile if the bane of my entire childhood Cammie Riverton wasn’t standing there looking at Gray like a moon-eyed dog in heat. What the hell?
“Cammie,” Gray says, and I think maybe I mistook his look, because his voice sure does seem awful warm now—welcoming, even.
“What a great surprise seeing you here! I thought you said you had another business meeting today.”
“I did, I was…”
“Oh. My. God! Claudia Cooper, is that you?”
I grind my teeth together, wishing I had the superpower to turn invisible. “That’d be me. How are you, Cammie?”
“What on earth are you doing here with Gray? How could you two possibly know each other?” she asks. Her voice is so snide and her eyes shoot imaginary bullets at me. I probably shouldn’t do it, but as always when Cammie is involved, I find I can’t stop my mouth from reacting.
“I gave him a head job and he’s taking me to dinner as a thank you.”
“You what?” Cammie asks, her head reeling back as if I slapped her. I probably spoke much too loudly for this place too because it’s deathly quiet now, and I can see all of the eyes on me. I’m in too deep to back down now.
“I said I gave him a head job and he’s buying me dinner to show me his appreciation.” I hear Gray cough and when I
look over at him, he’s smiling broadly and giving me a look I can’t quite decipher.
“Dear Lord! I can’t believe you,” Cammie whispers. “Gray! I don’t think my father will want to do business with a man who…”
“She means my car broke down and she fixed it.”
“She does?” Cammie asks, confused.
“Yes. A part of the engine is referred to as heads. Sometimes they blow a gasket,” he explains, but he’s looking right at me. I do my best to give him an innocent look. I know I fail. I don’t give a damn. I just want out of here.
Why is Gray doing business with Cammie’s father? A better question is: why do I even care?
“Goodness, I should have known that’s what it was. Really, Claude was always so coarse, it shouldn’t surprise me that she hasn’t changed,” Cammie answers, as if CC isn’t even in the room. I see CC’s face tighten and her eyes narrow. I am tempted to see just how this exchange will go down because I think I might get an honest look at CC—and that is very enticing indeed—but Seth would probably kill me. I wasn’t sure I liked Cammie before this, and now I’m positive. The little minx currently trying to figure out how to leave, however, is someone I definitely like. After this, I believe she does in fact owe me a head job.
“I like the way CC is upfront. Kind of like, what you see is what you get. It’s much better than trying to figure out who a person is when they pretend to be someone else entirely,” I tell Cammie.
I see CC sit up at my barb just as it flies over the top of Cammie’s head. Cammie might be pretty in a clean, polished, Ivy League kind of way, but she’s obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed. Maybe her parents kept her too sheltered. If that’s the case, they didn’t do her any favors.
“I suppose,” Cammie agrees reluctantly. “But really, Claude, you should be more aware of your surroundings. I mean, you are sitting at my father’s table. Your behavior reflects on him.”
“Well, we wouldn’t want that, would we?” CC asks loudly, and I’m thinking this could get ugly real fast. “Tell me, Cammie, how is dear old Dad? Still feeding your trust fund monthly?”