He stared at the flower in her hand, then removed it from her fingers. “No,”
An emotion she couldn’t define flickered across his face, but recognition flared in his irises. She grasped his sleeve. “What? What is it? Do you know what this means?”
He held her gaze a moment before looking away. “I think so and I’ll take care of who sent it.” He carefully placed the flower and drink mix in his jacket pocket. He lifted a hand and brushed a lock of hair from her face. “Don’t worry about it. I will take care of it.”
A smile curved her lips. “You used to do the same thing in our old neighborhood, but that was so long ago.” Ever since that night he came to her rescue with the social worker, he always made sure most threats were eliminated from her path. That included those on the streets and from her family. He also made sure she stayed far away from the hustle, but she had to pull her own weight. Most people in her neighborhood respected her because of Buck, but there were a couple who resented the attention she received from him. And she was certain the ones who despised her were the ones who kept calling social services on her. At the first opportunity she moved from the neighborhood and the threat of them placing her brother in foster care. By then she was of legal age, had her associates in accounting and a job with Cal’s Construction.
Dwelling on her past did nothing for her future. She survived her parents’ abandonment and kept the remainder of her family intact. Despite the circumstances she’d managed to put herself and her brother through school.
“Not so long.” He rocked back on his heels, before stepping forward.
She stayed where she was and arched a brow, not sure what he was trying to prove, but Cal was in the next office.
As if sensing her discomfort Buck didn’t move again. “You’ve done very well for yourself and got out the streets.”
She nodded. “It was just temporary. I didn’t plan on making a career of being a runner. It was just until I found something else.”
“That’s good, because you were too beautiful for such a harsh lifestyle.”
Heat cruised her cheeks at the compliment. “So it was because I was a girl.”
He chuckled and nodded. “I thought my explanation seemed truthful.”
“Yeah, it was. Using my brother though was a cheap shot. Thanks.” She looked him over admiring his trim physique. “You disappeared for a coupla years. What happened?”
He lowered his head a moment a hint of color touched his cheeks. “I did a couple years for having an unregistered firearm.”
“What?” That didn’t seem right.
He nodded. “I was grateful for that as it could’ve been a lot worse. I’d just dropped some major weight because I was leaving the game for good and turning the reins over to Red. Life on the streets was getting too dangerous and quite frankly after my stint in prison I didn’t like people telling me when and where I needed to go.” He hooked a thumb on his belt loop.
“Was it your gun or someone else’s?” she asked after a moment of silence.
“It wasn’t mine. It looked like the one I carried, but someone switched it.” He shook his head. “I’ve always thought someone set me up, hoping I’d get caught with drugs and a weapon. So instead of doing life I got the mandatory for carrying a weapon.”
“That’s messed up.”
He shrugged. “Coulda been worse.”
“What do you do now?”
“I own a coupla trucks. Most of the time I’m gone for weeks at a time, but after our phone call, I arranged for someone to cover my long hauls so I could be here at night.”
They fell silent. She was glad he found something legal to do. A man like Buck didn’t need to be gangster all his life. She studied him from beneath her lashes and he was watching her. No doubt he was still waiting on an answer about dinner or his admission about being locked up.
Bonnie chewed her lower lip and noticed how his eyes were drawn to her mouth. She stopped, debating on whether it was a good idea to go out with him and she really couldn’t think of an argument of why she shouldn’t. “And you’re sure you want to take me to dinner?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I’d like to get to know you better, Bonnie and eventually make you my wife.”
Chapter Three
Her eyes widened and her delectable lips parted to form an ‘o.’ Buck was certain if she hadn’t been leaning on the desk she’d have fallen. From the moment he saw her all those years ago he knew there was something about her. She was too young and beautiful for his hardened lifestyle. Life on the grayer side of the law was not the ideal place for someone who had such a bright future and he made it a point to watch out for her.
Very little went down in the neighborhood without his knowledge and he made sure everyone on the block knew Bonnie and Dexter were under his protection. While she was momentarily speechless he perused her body.
Feminine and curvy. Just the way he liked. She wasn’t very tall, her head met the center of his chest. Where last night she’d worn a sultry short dress that accentuated her voluptuous body today she wore skinny jeans and a flirty oversized top that dipped seductively off one shoulder.
Her light brown hair fell in a riot of tousled curls and he longed to drag his fingers through the pretty spirals.
“We’ve just reconnected and you’re already talking marriage?” She shook her head. “I’m not looking for anyone to take care of me. Thank you for the flowers and candy, but I think you need to leave.”
If he wasn’t mistaken fear flashed through her eyes. Maybe he’d been too direct. Although it wouldn’t be the first time. “Are you afraid of me?” He moved close until the toes of his cowboy boots touched those of her ballerina flats. He then leaned forward. planting a hand on the desk on either side of her thigh. She lifted her hands and pressed her palms to his chest. Her warmth seeped through his shirt. He wanted to feel her hands roaming over his bare flesh, but first things first.
Bonnie lifted her chin, a spark of challenge in her honey-almond eyes. “In your dreams.”
He liked that bit of defiance. She wasn’t a pushover. “So what time should I pick you up for dinner this evening,” he stated rather than asked. He leaned in a little farther, dropping his head to inhale her soft feminine scent. When he straightened he thought he saw a flicker of disappointment. Did she think he was going to kiss her? He bit back a smile.
“You’re very presumptuous.”
“Maybe. I know who I want and I’m not afraid to go after you.”
She arched a brow.
“I’m going to kiss you.” The pulse jumped in her neck, but her dewy lips parted in invitation. He slanted his mouth over hers. His intention was to keep the kiss light and experimental, but one taste of chocolate wrapped in feminine spice and he was hooked. He nibbled the fullness of her bottom lip, savoring the simple way she yielded to him and he longed for privacy to explore further.
She slid her hands up his chest, circled her arms around his neck and combed her fingers through the errant curls at the back of his head. He felt each stroke as a jolt to his rampant hard erection.
Buck skimmed her thighs with his hands, then grasped her hips to pull her close. She wrapped her legs around his, her heels scraping the backs of his calves as he lifted her up and settled her over the bulge in the front of his jeans. His cock throbbed at her heat, straining to break free of its confines and find a haven within her warm body. He squeezed her buttocks as she thrust her tongue into his mouth.
So much for tender and sweet. He dragged one hand from her luscious derriere to plunge through the thickness of her hair. He curled his fingers in her soft tresses, not as coarse as it looked but silky and springy. She made a small noise and all he could think about was getting her alone in a room where they could be skin to skin.
He tugged her head back, dueling with her tongue for dominance. A chair creaking reminded him they weren’t alone. With reluctance he broke the kiss. She stared up at him through the
thick fringe of her lashes. And God help him he could imagine waking up to her everyday for the rest of his life. He flicked a glance over her kiss-swollen lips before they settled on her eyes.
This close and he could see the raised welt running from the bridge of her nose to just beneath the corner of her left eye and briefly wondered what other scars she harbored from the attack.
“I could spend the rest of the day kissing you.” Delight washed over him at the bright red flush creeping across her cheeks. Slowly he lowered her back to the desk, then shifted his erection to a more comfortable position. “I think dinner and dancing is our future”
“You dance something other than a two-step or line?” she teased.
He winged a brow. “Is that a challenge?”
Her sweet lips twisted into a smirk.
“All right, sassy. I accept your challenge and my reward when I show you my moves?”
“Another dance.” She grinned. “What time should I be ready?”
“7:30 p.m..”
“I can do that.” She slipped past him and sat behind her desk. “Don’t be late.”
Buck nodded and left the trailer whistling. He pulled his sunglasses from his pocket and stopped as his fingers also brushed paper. The drink mix. Anger burned away his earlier happiness. This was a blast from his past he couldn’t afford to have complicating his future. First he’d keep his date with Bonnie and then he’d find the punk responsible for hurting her.
***
Bonnie hummed to herself as she fastened a pair of silver dangly earrings to her lobes. She doubted Buck could dance, but it would be fun to see him try. Even if he couldn’t, she’d have a nice evening. Life was about living, not hiding away in her bedroom day after day.
Earrings in, she studied her reflection. She could still see the scars despite her make-up, she wondered if Buck noticed them, but after last night and the kiss this afternoon, maybe she was the only one who saw them. If nothing else, Buck seeking her out reminded her that she was attractive and desirable.
“You look very pretty,” Dexter said plopping in the arm chair behind her. “Going somewhere?”
“I have a date.” The last part was said under her breath.
“A date?”
She nodded and faced him. “Yes. Buck is taking me to dinner.”
Her brother grinned. “About time you agreed to go out with him.”
“Why do you say it like that?”
“You’ve had a crush on him forever.”
Heat burned her cheeks. “Did not!”
He smirked.
“Sometimes you should mind your own business.”
“You light up when he’s around. What’s wrong with being with someone who makes you happy? Besides it’s been a really, really long time since you’ve dated.”
She met his gaze in the mirror. “You’ve been keeping an eye on my dating habits?”
He shrugged. “You’re twenty-five and since I’ve been home you haven’t gone out once. You don’t talk about a boyfriend or even someone who mildly interests you.”
“Haven’t met the right guy,” she muttered brushing a curl from her face.
“Or maybe you’re in love with one particular guy and just don’t realize it.”
“You’re mighty vocal about my love life.”
He grinned. “Someone has to be.”
“We’ll see how you like it when you’re in love with some pretty girl.”
“Didn’t you know, I plan on getting married and have a houseful of kids.”
She shook her head. “You are such a romantic.”
“You’ll see.”
“Well it’s going to take more than a dinner date to make me a believer.”
He snorted. “What time is he picking you up?”
The doorbell trilled and she glanced at her watch, five minutes to spare. “That’s probably him.”
Dexter tossed aside the newspaper, he was holding. “I’ll get it.”
A small ripple of panic coursed through her. What if her brother decided to get all protective on her? “Maybe I should get it.”
“Fix your hair or something. Try to appear like you’re not so eager for a date.” He shook his head as he crossed the room. “You act like you’ve never been out before.”
Bonnie giggled and returned to the mirror as Dexter ducked around a corner. A moment later a familiar deep voice drifted to her ears as pleasantries were exchanged. She was actually going on a date with Buck.
“Your date is here,” Dexter said entering the room.
She turned toward the door and her breath caught in her throat. Buck wore a crisp black suit, but no tie. However the look worked for him. He also carried another bouquet of flowers.
“You’re early.”
“It’s never a good idea to keep a beautiful woman waiting,” he countered.
“Smooth talker.” She accepted the proffered flowers and buried her nose in the fragrant blooms. “These are gorgeous, but you’re gonna go broke bringing me flowers.”
“Not a chance.” He grinned. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you.” She touched her hair then smoothed a hand down the skirt of her cranberry red dress. The soft chiffon whispered against her knees. “Dex, could you put these in water for me?”
He nodded and left the room with the bouquet.
“You’re very welcome.” Buck offered her his arm. He glanced at Dexter when he returned. “You and I should share a beer sometime and talk young blood. Maybe this weekend. You can tell me about that pretty girl you’ve been seeing.”
“I’m not dating anyone,” Dexter mumbled, but a blush crept into his cheeks.
“Don’t let him fool you. He’s been real secretive about this girl. He’s even started locking his phone.”
Buck chuckled. “Then we really do need to talk.” With that he led Bonnie from the room.
She enjoyed the flustered look on her brother’s face as they left. Bonnie waited until they were outside before she spoke again. “So where are you taking me?” He held her door open and she slid into the supple leather seat. He tucked a curl behind her ear.
“Wait and see.”
She chuckled as he closed the door. Where could this man possibly take her where there was dinner and dancing? He hopped into the drive’s side and flashed her a smile. As long as she was with him, the place was irrelevant. Buck made her feel safe. She couldn’t explain it. Being with him just felt right and she couldn’t remember the last time anyone had done that.
***
Bonnie was so easy to talk to and dance with. Buck slipped his hand a little lower on her back and buried his nose in her hair, taking her scent of peaches and cloves, deep into his lungs. “Do you always smell like peach cobbler?”
She chuckled. “I did make one of those today.”
“You always did love to cook.”
“Yes..” She angled back to meet his gaze. “Why does that surprise you?”
“Most young women your age only know how to press buttons on a microwave.”
“You make a habit of dating younger women?”
“Only when one truly piques my interest.”
She ducked her head, a lock of hair falling across her forehead. “What makes me so special?”
He maneuvered them deeper into the throng of dancers. What better way to seduce a woman than with a dance. She followed his steps with ease and he wondered if she made love the same way. “You have my attention.”
“C’mon. You’re a handsome virile man I’m sure you have dozens of women falling over themselves to impress you.”
“And they get upset when I don’t pay them attention.”
“So I shouldn’t be concerned about the few females shooting me daggers since we’ve been out here.”
He chuckled. “I only have eyes for you sassy.”
She lowered her gaze again, resting her head against his chest. The smooth jazz bled into a faded love song from his youth.
“I love this song
,” she murmured.
“Really? It’s always been one of my favorites.”
“You’re just full of surprises.”
“Why do you say that?”
“No tie, but you wear a suit with cowboy boots.”
“That bothers you?”
She shook her head. “I find it very sexy.”
“That’s good to know.” She found him sexy that warmed him.
She ran her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. He closed his eyes savoring her caress. “You’ve got this whole bad boy, knight in shining armor thing going on. Why me and after all this time?”
“Come back to my place and I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”
“Right.”
He grinned. “And we can have dessert and a nightcap.”
***
Bonnie accepted the slice of cheesecake and cup of coffee before Buck settled on the sofa next to her. She placed both on the low coffee table in front of her.
“Cream and sugar?”
She shook her head. “No thank you.” She picked up the dessert and a fork. “So why this need to make me your wife and you haven’t seen me in years?”
“Did you ever experience a moment in life when you knew you were meant to be with someone, but the time wasn’t right?”
She’d felt like that every moment since he appeared on her front stoop. Slowly she nodded, not quite sure where he was going with this.
“I had that moment when I saw you, but you were way too young.”
“Eighteen was too young?” She ventured.
He flashed a smirk. “Still adding a few years to your age?”
She coughed. Goodness what didn’t this man remember?
“I couldn’t bring the two of you to live with me, so I did the next best thing.” He ran his fingers through her hair.
“Gave me a job as a runner then fired me,” she supplied. She brought a forkful of cheesecake to her lips. “You could’ve said something.”
“I had enemies. Still do for that matter.”
“After all this time?”
He nodded. “I seldom go back to the old neighborhood.” He stretched his arm along the back of the sofa. “Although if you were still there, I’d brave a firing squad, but this is much nicer, don’t you think?”
Forever in Love Page 4