“That is very generous of you, but you really not need to do that!” she said shyly.
“I insist. Allow me to take you to dinner as you thanking me!” Ethan said as he smiled at her again.
Every time Ethan smiled at her she felt butterflies in her stomach. She was incredibly attracted to him, but this was going against everything she had planned for the next few years. Her mind was screaming NO to her, but the butterflies overpowered her mind.
“OK! I would like that.” She said nervously.
“Program your number and address into my phone. I will pick you up at 5 PM.” he said as he handed her his cell phone.
Brooke took his phone and entered her details into his phone and handed it back.
“Thank you again.” She said.
Ethan took his phone back and looked at the information she entered. He noticed that she did not live far from the club. He wanted to ask her a million questions, but the night was late and he knew he had tomorrow for questions.
Chapter 4 – Dreams
Ethan arrived at Brooke’s apartment just before 5 PM. He pulled out his phone and sent her a quick text saying he was out front. A few moments later he received a reply of ‘be right down.’
Ethan got out of his Camaro and leaned against the passenger side door awaiting the arrival of his date.
A minute later the front door of the apartment opened. Brooke walked out slowly and walked down the front 3 stairs of her apartment. Ethan could not stop staring at her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever set eyes on.
Brooke was over a foot shorter than him, she presented herself beautifully. Her fiery red hair curled and blowing softly in the wind. Her form-fitting dark red dress highlighting her ample cleavage beautifully and a slit up the side of her dress that stopped just before her hips exposing her right leg fully with every step she took. Ethan was staring.
Brooke walked up to him and Ethan extended his arms to give her a welcoming hug.
“You look stunning my dear!” he said as he held her in his arms.
“Thank you, I am sorry I didn’t know what to wear. So I thought better to over-dress than underdress.” She said as they broke the hug.
Ethan opened the door for her and waited until she took a seat in his car.
He gently closed the door behind her then walked around to the driver’s side and got in. He pushed a button on the dash of the car and the car started. Brooke could feel the vibration of the engine and he revved the car once it was started. Ethan looked over and saw the uncomfortable look overcome Brooke’s face.
“You OK?” he asked.
“I’m fine. I am just not a fan of fast things. Like this car!” she said faking a laugh.
“I will drive within the speed limits!” He said as he smiled at her.
His smile eased her nerves a little. But they were still parked so she was not totally comfortable yet.
Ethan put his car into first gear and slowly pulled away from her apartment. She looked over and admired her date one more time. He wore a black suit, crisp white shirt with the first 3 buttons undone, exposing just enough chest hair to make her stomach fill with butterflies.
She looked down at his right hand that rested on the shift knob. She could see the end of his tattoos peeking out from the edge of the cuff of his shirt. On his pinkie finger, he wore a gold ring with what looked like a wheel on it with a diamond in the corner.
“That’s a beautiful ring!” she said trying to start some small talk.
Ethan looked down. He had worn that ring for many years. It was the same one his brother Hunter wore. It symbolized their need for speed. The street racing legends they had become. And it was a constant reminder of who he had become in this city. Running the North Side with his brother and crew.
“My brother and I had these rings custom made. It signifies our love for fast cars, racing and what we’ve become.” He explained as he drove.
“When did you start racing?” she asked.
“My first race, I was only 8 years old. It was out in the country with some friends and our dirt bikes. I caught the bug bad. Very first time I raced, I won. And I have won almost every race since then. I think it’s in our blood. Racing, cars, speed. It comes naturally to us.” He explained. “I’ve been part of my brother’s crew since I was 14. Won my first street race at 16. I didn’t even have a license yet!” he continued with a laugh.
“And how old are you now?” She asked.
“I just turned 32.” He replied as he looked over to her and smiled.
His smile melted her. His steely eyes, his chiseled chin, coffee colored hair, and his perfect white teeth. The butterflies multiplied in her stomach. He was bit older than her, but she didn’t care, in fact it was sort of a bonus. He was tall dark and handsome.
“I noticed last night that you have two sleeves of tattoos. Is there a meaning behind all that as well?” she asked.
“The tattoos serve a few purposes. Each tattoo is meaningful in one way or another. Mostly racing or speed-related. Some for people I have lost that were dear to me over time. And some just to fill space.” He said. Before Brooke could ask he continued, “When I was 13, I was working on a car, and there was an accident. I accidentally spilled gasoline on my arm and it caught on fire. I was able to put it out but not before I had severe burns to most of my arm. The doctors spent the next few years doing skin grafts and piecing my arm back to a semi-normal state. Once that was done I started getting tattoos to cover the remaining scars.” He said.
Ethan pulled in the restaurant and parked his Camaro away from the rest of the cars that were parked nearest the door.
He walked around and opened Brooke’s door and held her hand as she exited his car. He closed the door behind her and pressed the lock button on his key fob. The car chirped indicating it was locked.
They held hands as they walked towards the front of the restaurant. He opened the door for her as she walked in and he followed her admiring her perfect ass. My word she’s so gorgeous, she just drives me crazy.
“Good evening, would you like a table for two?” asked the hostess.
“Yes please,” Answered Ethan as he stood beside Brooke and placed his arm around her waist.
The hostess grabbed two leather-bound menus and walked into the dining area as Ethan and Brooke followed her. They took a seat in a booth as Brooke looked around at the fine restaurant.
“Wow! This place is beautiful!” she said.
“Yes! This is a two-star Michelin restaurant. I love it here. The food is always second to none!” Ethan replied.
Just then the waitress appeared.
“Hi, my name is Julie and I will be your server tonight. Can’t I start you off with a drink?” she asked.
Ethan looked at Brooke, allowing her to order first.
“Yes, could I get a Crantini please?” She asked.
“I’ll have a Bud please,” added Ethan.
“I’ll be right back with those drinks for you.” Said the waitress.
“So tell me about you.” Said Ethan.
“Not much to tell really. Originally from Odessa Texas, moved here a few months ago with my friend Paige. I do bookkeeping for a number of small businesses. Self-employed, but it pays the bills.” She started to explain.
“And what do you like to do for fun?” Ethan asked.
“I don’t do a lot for fun, to be honest. But I do love to sing. Back home I used to enter local talent contests and won most of them.” She replied.
“Really? I would be honored to hear you sing one day.” he said, truly interested in Brooke’s talent.
Julie came back with their drinks and placed them on the table.
“Have you had a chance to look at the menus yet?” she asked.
“Not yet, we’ll need a few more minutes, please.” Said Ethan.
“No rush.” Replied Julie as she walked away from the table.
“Obviously, no boyfriend?” He said continuing with his questions.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He said feeling bad for making her sad.
“It’s ok. You didn’t know.” She said solemnly.
“Know what?” asked Ethan unable to contain his curiosity.
“I had a boyfriend in Odessa. He was great at first, then I was working all the time and trying to improve myself. He decided I didn’t keep him occupied the way he wanted. Shortly after that I found out he was cheating on me. I broke up with him. So that’s when Paige and I decided to move here. A fresh start, to make a name for ourselves and be independent.” She explained.
“Is this part of the reason why you don’t want men in your life right now?” he asked quietly.
“Partly. Mostly, I want to make a name for myself. I am great with numbers, and the bookkeeping business is going well.” She replied.
“And the singing?” he said.
The smile returned to her face. It was clear that just the thought of singing brought her immense joy.
“I love to sing. But who am I kidding? This is LA! There are no quaint talent contests in LA.” She said.
Ethan smiled as Julie returned.
“How are we doing here?” She asked.
“What is the special tonight?” Ethan asked knowing full well that Friday night was Steak and Lobster.
“Our specialty is the Steak and Lobster or surf and turf.” Replied Julie.
“That sounds really good!” said Brooke.
“Two surf and turfs?” said Ethan confirming with Brooke as to her order.
Brooke nodded and smiled at him as she looked into his eyes. The butterflies returned every time she looked at his steely eyes. There was something about him that was different. Almost comforting, especially when he spoke, his deep voice drove her mad.
“And how would you like your steak done ma’am?” asked Julie as she looked at Brooke.
“Medium rare, please.”
“And you sir?”
“Rare, please!” he replied.
The waitress retreated again.
“You know, I have a recording studio not far from my brother’s club.” He confessed to Brooke.
“Really?” she exclaimed as her eyes lit up.
“Every Monday night the club was quiet. We wanted to do something to bring in an audience. So we started hosting an open mic. But we turned it into a contest. We have semi-famous judges, people with a name and or connection to the music industry.They listen to the contestants each week, and the top two of the night move on to the finals. Once the competition is done, the winner gets to cut a professional demo tape and it gets sent to record labels with an endorsement from the judges.” He explained.
“Oh my God! That is incredible!” she said excitedly.
“The contest that is going on right now only has two weeks left, and the last two weeks are completely filled. But, I am pretty sure I can create a new spot for you if you would like to compete!” he said.
“YES!” She said barely letting Ethan complete his sentence. “Oh my God! I can’t believe this. YES! Just tell me when and where and I will be there!” she added.
“Well where, you know, it’s the club you were at last night. I am pretty sure I can get you in this Monday. I will make a call in the morning and text you the good news once I have confirmed you a spot.” He said.
Brooke had a sip of her drink. She was lost for words as she did not know what to say next.
“Do you have a song that is your favorite?” He asked, seeing he had rendered her speechless.
“I will always love you, by Whitney Houston.” She said.
“Wow! That is no easy feat!” he replied.
“I started singing that when I was just 4 years old. Probably sounded horrid back then.” She said with a chuckle.
“It challenged me. It taught me how to control my breathing, how to hold a note for a long time, and it taught me key changes. As I grew older my vocal coach taught me how to use that song for dramatic effect and get the audience behind you. Everyone knows the song, but when that key change hits, and you nail it, and you sing it loud and proud, the crowd will erupt! And that is the best feeling in the world. When the crowd is louder than you are, then you know you’ve entertained them.” She explained.
Ethan could see the passion in her eyes as she talked about singing. He could hear the love in her voice. He couldn’t wait to hear her sing, and thought maybe, he had found a hidden talent.
“If you sing, half as well as you just described your love for singing. Then you could very well win this competition!” he said.
Brooke smiled as she took another sip of her drink.
“Thank you! My dream would be to be a professional singer. It’s just impossible to break into the music scene without some inside help.” She said.
“You leave that to me!” he replied.
Julie came by with their meals.
“Surf and Turf medium rare for the lady,” she said as she placed the meal in front of Brooke. “And rare for the gentleman. Can I bring you another round?” asked Julie.
“Yes, please!” answered Ethan.
Julie retreated from the table.
“So you are good with numbers, enjoy bookkeeping, can sing amazingly. Is there anything you can’t do?” he asked with a laugh.
“I was fortunate growing up. Both my parents supported me in whatever I wanted to do. There was a plaque on the wall that read, whether you believe you can, or cannot do something, you are right!” she said, looking deep in thought. “My parents lived by that plaque and recited it to me every time I was having doubts about my abilities. They instilled a positive attitude. They made me believe in myself no matter what I was doing. I graduated with honors, with the highest marks in the school. And I do believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to.” She said.
“Including street racing?” he said laughing.
“God no! I do not want to put my mind to that. Speed and I do not do well together!” she replied.
“Hmm, we will have to work on that.” He said grinning slyly.
“My brother and I have several businesses that could use another good book keeper. A fresh set of eyes would be great. If that’s something your interested in?” asked Ethan.
“Of course! That sounds great!” said Brooke smiling.
“How are you guys so young and yet own an outstanding night club and a recording studio in LA?” asked Brooke.
“It’s complicated, but lets just say we have a lot of influence in this city.” said Ethan with a sly grin on his face.
“Okay, but I’ll find out soon enough if I’m working on the books!” said Brooke.
Silence filled the air as they started to eat their meals. Julie returned with another round of drinks.
“How do the first few bites taste?” She asked.
With perfect waitress timing, they both nodded their head favorably as their mouths were full of food.
They finished dinner and Ethan paid for the meal with cash. “Shall we my queen?” as he took Brooke’s hand and walked out of the restaurant and back to his Camaro. Brooke blushed at him calling her ‘queen’. He opened the door for her and allowed her to take her seat before closing the door behind her.
He got in the driver’s seat, started the car and revved the engine.
“Do you always do that?” she asked feeling comfortable with Ethan now.
“Do what?” he asked.
“Rev the engine every time you start the car.” She said.
“Yup! 1000 horses under the hood and I want to tell each and every one of them it’s time to giddy up and go!” he said as he smiled at her.
Ethan drove off and headed back to her apartment. He pulled up in front of the apartment and pulled the emergency brake. He turned off the car, quickly got out and opened her door. Brooke climbed out, as he took her hand and walked her to the front of her apar
tment block.
“Thank you. I had a lovely time.” She said. “I can’t invite you in as Paige is home, and,” she started to say.
“It’s ok!” He said cutting her off in midsentence.
Ethan said nothing more but took her into his arms and gave her a soft kiss. Their lips met and a moment later their tongues. Passion filled the air around them as she wrapped her arms around his neck tight and kissed him passionately.
The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering strong. Her heart was racing as she felt him pull her body tight against his. She could feel his muscular body through his suit as she kissed him. Their tongues explored each other’s mouths as their kiss lingered on. She raised her right leg as she got caught up in the kiss. Her body was tingling from head to toe and she wanted so much more.
Ethan finally broke the kiss and gently leaned his forehead against hers. He took one of her hands in his.
“Good night, beautiful.” He said in a faint whisper.
Brooke bit her bottom lip. This was like a fairy tale, and she thought for a moment this couldn’t be happening.
“Good night!” she said as she smiled at him and had one more lost look into his eyes.
“Are you free tomorrow night?” he asked.
She stared into his eyes, almost not hearing the question.
“I am!” She said wondering what he had in mind.
“My brother is racing in a street race. Would you be my date, and I will show you what it’s like to be part of the crew on race night!” he said.
“As long as I’m not the one in the car!” She said reminding him of her fear. “I would like that. I think it will be interesting!” she added.
Ethan gave her one more kiss and watched her as she walked up the three stairs and entered her apartment block.
He walked back to his car and drove away.
Chapter 5 – Interrogation
Brooke entered her apartment block and Paige was sitting on the couch watching TV.
“And? What happened?” she said wasting no time in asking for details of the date.
Racer: 10 Seconds or Less (North Side Kings Book Book 2) Page 2