“Justin,” Emily said, trying to sound irritated though she loved that he cared enough to make sure she was alright. She had not had anyone care in a long time and wasn’t used to it.
“Emily. What else do you need?”
“A kitchen table and chairs. Dishes and silverware,” Emily said after several minutes of silence. She hated saying it out loud and knew if he offered any of those things she would decline no matter what he said.
“We can go see if we can find those cheap if you’d like? We have dishes but I have the feeling you would decline anything else I try to offer.”
“You are correct and I’ll need to wait until next payday,” Emily said honestly. He had seen where she lived and he knew she hadn’t had a job for very long, which made her not care if he knew she was poor.
“Fine, but we will find you what you need. I’ll keep an eye out for anyone selling anything. There are the guys so I think we have to move.”
Soon they were walking to her apartment, four guys carrying a couch behind them much to her surprise. She had expected them to have a car or something, but they truly intended to hand deliver the couch to her apartment. It made her feel slightly uncomfortable, but when they had put the couch down in her apartment she couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you guys. I would offer you a drink but I don’t have anything,” she said apologetically.
“It’s alright,” one of the guys smiled. “You’ve made Justin smile, that’s payment enough. He’s like a little brother to me and he’s needed a good smile. Are you joining us later?”
“She is,” Justin said, punching him in the upper arm. “And I have not been that bad.”
“You have gotten more whippings than anyone else in the group. That’s a sign that Mark truly cares about you and that you are truly going the wrong way in life. You have not smiled because you haven’t had much reason to smile. She makes you smile, so even if you’re just friends I approve of the friendship. Which means it’s time to go cause some trouble. We have to go make sure Mark doesn’t need anything, meet you there in an hour?”
“Sure,” Justin replied.
“That’s Josh. He’s been there from the moment I started living with Mark. He used to live with Mark too, until he got out on his own two feet. It’s why he calls me his little brother. He still comes for all the holidays, and he helps me stay out of trouble when it looks like I need some help. He still causes just as much trouble as I do, don’t let him fool you,” Justin said by way of explanation once they had sat down on the couch and the other guys had left. Emily nodded, glad that he had explained as she had wondered how that worked.
“He seems nice. So does he get the belt treatment?”
“He would if he needed to be bailed out. I can’t remember that ever happening though. He’s the master at graffiti, he taught me everything I know.”
“Good, I’ll get to see a master at work. How far from here is it?”
“About a twenty minute walk so we have time. You should wear something you don’t mind getting dirty and shoes you can run in, just in case.”
Chapter Three
Emily knew it had been a bad idea to go with the guys, but she had never had so much fun in her life. She had gotten to know the other guys fairly well and they had a lot of fun creating their designs on the wall, until they heard sirens. Justin had grabbed her hand and they had made a run for it, running through alleys and in directions she had never been in before. Now, on the couch above Mark’s shop, Josh was laughing along with them as they all tried to catch their breath.
“I should ask why you three have been running but I have a feeling I won’t like it. Should I be worried cops will show up at my doorstep?” “No, we’re fine,” Justin laughed, pulling Emily into his side. Emily didn’t miss the smile that Mark sent in Justin direction and she had a feeling it was because he was smiling and laughing the way he was.
“Hmm. Emily, I was hoping you’d be a better influence on those two boys. Troublemakers. Are you staying for dinner?”
“I don’t want to impose,” Emily started but Mark held up his hand.
“I wouldn’t ask if you were imposing. Stay, I’d love to get to know the girl Justin won’t stop talking about,” Mark said as he turned and walked to the kitchen.
Emily looked at Justin with a raised eyebrow and he had the grace to flush slightly. “You talk about me?”
“I talk about a lot of people, but yes, I have talked about you. There was something about you that intrigued me.”
“If you say so. I hope its good things because you don’t want to see me if I find out it wasn’t good.”
Josh started laughing and they both looked at him as he raised his hands. “You found exactly the right woman for you,” he grinned. “I like a woman who stands up to her man and tells it how it is. Emily, if he turns out to be a jerk, I’m available.”
Emily looked him up and down as if appraising him, before shaking her head. She didn’t notice Mark watching from the doorway in amusement. “Not interested. There’s just not enough of you,” she said, looking at his crotch as if indicating that was what she meant. Apparently Justin found that hilarious as he was now doubled over laughing, before pulling her closer to him.
“I love you. Marry me? Anyone who can put that look on his face is worth keeping.”
Emily smiled back at him before giving him a once over. “Who said I’d be with you? You’re very confident.”
Mark now laughed from the doorway, shaking his head at her. “Stop riling them up young lady, I’d have a riot on my hands if you kept it up. You are welcome here anytime, it’s good for them. Dinner is ready, boys, go wash up.”
Justin and Josh immediately got up and pushed each other out of the way on the way to the bathroom, while Emily got up and smiled at Mark. “It’s good to keep them on their toes. I appreciate you letting me stay for dinner.”
“I’ve been told you don’t have anything except leftover Chinese at your apartment. Get some groceries tomorrow, alright?”
“I will,” Emily smiled. “I planned to do that today but I slept longer than intended.”
“Just making sure you take care of yourself. If you become part of Justin’s life you become part of mine. Do you like lasagna?”
“Love it,” Emily smiled, feeling touched that Mark clearly truly cared about the people around him. It was also very clear that he hadn’t always walked the right path of life, which she suspected was why he could relate so well to people like Justin and Josh.
“I think they are done in the bathroom. I’m sure after what you lot were up to you’d like to wash your hands,” Mark said before turning back to the kitchen to finish putting things on the table. Emily knew it was a suggestion, but she had to admit it was a good one as she looked down at her hands and saw some paint stains on them. She chuckled, knowing that Mark knew exactly what they had been up to and hadn’t said anything.
“He doesn’t care as long as we don’t get caught,” Justin whispered before pointing towards a door on the other side of the living room. “The bathroom is through that door. I’ll make sure those two don’t eat everything before you get to the table.”
“That’s usually you who does that,” Josh said as he slapped Justin on the back in passing. Emily laughed as they both started towards the kitchen, with Justin shoving Josh, and turned towards the bathroom to wash her hands. She was glad they cleaned fairly easily, but then again she assumed the soap they used would have to do that considering they worked on cars all day. When she returned to the kitchen, everyone was waiting for her and Josh immediately stood up. “What would you like to drink?”
“Anything is fine, thank you,” Emily said as she sat down in her seat. “Trying to impress me to get me to reconsider?”
“Absolutely. Is it working?”
“Not yet but keep trying.”
“We have water and coke.”
“Coke please,” Emily smiled, winking at Mark as Josh turned back to the fridge and got her a d
rink. “Now if you had sweet tea you’d make an even better impression.”
Mark was clearly trying to hold back his laughter as he shook his head at her. “You are too good for these boys. Now I’ll have to watch them fight over figuring out what that is and how to get it.”
“I know what it is,” Justin grinned. “And I will be making it. Next time, expect to find sweet tea. Two cups of sugar?”
“Is there any other way?” Emily asked, trying to sound offended.
“Absolutely not. Consider it done.”
“Alright, I don’t know how to make that,” Josh said, putting a coke in front of Emily and returning to his seat. “But I’ll let you get food first?”
“You would be doing that anyway,” Emily said confidently and she reached for the serving spoon. “Right Mark?”
“Absolutely right. Ladies first.”
Once Emily had served herself her eyes widened as the rest of the food disappeared on the other plates, with all three guys loading their plates full. She was glad she got to go first, as there would not have been anything left. She started eating and smiled at how good everything was. Banter continued between Josh and Justin, while Mark and Emily shared the occasional amused look. Once they were done, Mark guided her towards the living room. “Boys, I expect the kitchen spotless before you join us.”
“Oh come on!” Justin complained, looking at all the dirty dishes. Emily had already seen there was no dishwasher and she knew lasagna left messy dishes.
“Problem?” Mark asked with a raised eyebrow.
“No sir,” Josh quickly replied, silencing Justin with a look. Emily looked hesitant but Mark guided her to the living room.
“It’s their job, always has been. Might I start by saying thank you? I know he’s not completely back to himself yet, but I have not seen him joke around with Josh like that for a long time, and he hasn’t laughed like that either. Even if nothing happens between you two, you will be a great friend in his life. Mind if I ask how you ended up here?”
“Trouble with the law one too many times so I needed a change of pace, and a place where not everyone knew before giving me a shot. It wasn’t easy and I just started my job this week so hopefully it will get better.”
“You’ll find that many of the guys, and some girls that come through this shop have been in the same situation. If you ever need someone to talk to, or need help finding another job when your employer isn’t as open to your past as you thought, don’t hesitate to come to me. You are no longer alone in this city, and we all need help at some point.”
“Thank you,” Emily smiled shyly. “Justin told you about my apartment didn’t he?”
“He did and I’m not sure I’m happy about you living there alone. If I had space here I’d have you move in but I don’t. Please be careful, it really isn’t a good part of town. I’m sure you can stand up to anyone if you needed to, but if you ever need to go somewhere else, just come knocking. If need be I have a couch. Deal?”
“Deal. I’m not used to asking for help or having anyone offer.”
Mark nodded, as if he had expected that. “And that is fine. You’ll learn that not everyone is bad. So what are your intentions with Justin?”
“I don’t know. He’s really nice and we have fun together, but I don’t know if I’m ready to date, and he clearly isn’t. I also will never date another guy who drinks too much again. I had that go bad once before and will never do it again. The first time he drinks too much he will find me gone faster than he can sober up. I don’t mind flirting with the law and causing general trouble, and will likely join in with that, but drunkenness and straight up criminal behavior is not acceptable.”
“I’ve been trying,” Mark said quietly. “Which I’m sure you know. I’m hoping you will have better luck than me. Just so you know, if I have to bail you out I will not care that you are a girl.”
“You would bail me out?” Emily asked, sounding shocked as she had always had to rely on bail bonds to get out.
“Absolutely. And then make it very obvious how I feel about it.”
“Nobody has ever bailed me out before,” Emily said softly. She couldn’t quite believe he would do that for her, when she had barely met him.
“Everyone should have someone in their life. You are not alone anymore. I also have no doubt Justin and Josh would bail you out if they weren’t in there with you, just so I wouldn’t find out.”
Emily laughed and glanced in the direction of the kitchen, where sounds of splashing and soft talking were heard. “You might have a point. Josh seems a good influence on Justin.”
Mark smiled as he also looked in their direction. “He is. He’s about ten years older than Justin, and he lived with me for nearly six years. He’s helped introduce Justin to LA, and there were times when Justin just needed to go out and let loose and Josh has been there for those times. He still works in the shop as well.”
“Your shop came recommended when my car broke down. It seemed everyone knew about you.”
“True. Most people who have been around here long enough know that I would never try to make them get a repair they don’t really need and they know we deliver quality work. I feel it will bring in more customers than to lie to our customers and getting them to pay for things they don’t need, and often can’t afford.”
“I knew my car wasn’t salvageable, but I held out hope. At least it made it all the way here before dying, that helped,” Emily said with a slight shrug. She knew she didn’t really need a car at the moment, and she was just glad she had made it to LA.
“I’m surprised it did to be honest. That car should have died years ago.”
“Talking cars?” Justin asked as he fell down on the couch next to Emily.
“My car to be specific,” Emily smiled. “And how it was a sad excuse for a car. So since you are apparently an expert at cleaning, want to clean my apartment?”
“I’m in no way an expert,” Justin laughed. “But dishes I can do. Which you don’t have.”
“You don’t have dishes?” Josh asked in surprise.
“I have one set, which is enough for one person. I do intend to get more but for now I don’t have them,” Emily said, dreading that one of them would start giving her things.
“I feel like I need to look at this apartment and see what else you are missing,” Mark said seriously. “Did you really just have a bed?”
“Yes and none of you are giving me anything else,” Emily said, crossing her arms and glaring at the three men. Mark raised an eyebrow and Josh was looking between Mark and Emily.
“What did I say about helping?” Mark asked.
“No,” Emily said as she stood up and started towards the door. Mark stopped her before she could walk out, and looked her in the eye.
“Don’t be embarrassed. I won’t force you, but I can help you with anything you need even if you pay something small for it.”
“I’m fine,” Emily said back stubbornly, not sure why she was protesting so much when they were just trying to be nice. “I have to get home.”
“Justin, Josh, walk her back please. It’s dark out. We need to do inventory when you get back.”
Justin and Josh both got up easily and walked out with Emily, both of them looking at her in hesitation to make sure she wasn’t going to snap at them. She saw the looks but ignored it, fighting with her own feelings. She wanted to be part of this group, which seemed very tight knit but at the same time she didn’t want to make herself more vulnerable by opening up to them. She also wanted nothing more than to end up in Justin’s bed, and she was fairly certain Mark would object to that.
“Emily?” Justin asked, sounding unsure.
“I’m fine, just not used to everyone being so nice. I also really want to kiss you.” Emily almost hid away in her arms at being so forward, not believing that she had really said that out loud.
“Good, because I want to kiss you too,” Justin said. They stopped and Emily looked up at Justin, who gently leaned
down as they kissed. She thought it was the gentlest kiss she had ever had, which neither of them let go until Josh cleared his throat.
“As touching as this is, we need to get you home and we need to get back to the shop to help Mark.”
Justin smacked Josh on the arm, but he took Emily’s hand before continuing to walk towards her apartment. “Let me take you to dinner tomorrow,” he said as they got to her building, walking up the stairs.
“Okay,” Emily agreed easily. She didn’t want to hold back any longer, and if it didn’t work it didn’t work but she wanted to give it all she had. She didn’t want to be alone any more, and she hoped that after a year of grieving he was finally over the devastating loss he had apparently had.
Chapter Four
Dinner had been everything Emily had hoped for and then some, and as they walked down the street in the cool evening air, she relished feeling his arm around her shoulder as they walked arm in arm. She wasn’t sure where they were going, but she didn’t really care as she felt comfortable around Justin. They had talked comfortably all evening and she didn’t want it to end. “Mark is out for the night, he won’t be back until late. Want to head back and just hang out where it’s a bit warmer?” Justin asked.
“Sure,” Emily smiled. She hoped they would do more than just hang out, but that would require Mark to truly stay away. The last thing she wanted was to get caught by Mark.
As the streets became a little more familiar, she started walking a little bit faster, knowing that soon they would be inside. She had put on a dress and heels and her feet were getting tired from all the walking, and her legs were starting to get cold. Apparently Justin took the hint as he sped up a little bit as well and soon they were inside, getting comfortable on the couch. Emily kicked off her heels and put her feet up on the couch as she snuggled into Justin’s side, while his arm tightened around her. “Much better,” Emily sighed and Justin chuckled.
“Don’t ever feel you have to wear those shoes for me. You are sexy in anything.”
ROMANCE: SHAPESHIFTER ROMANCE: Dragon Baller's Bride (Dragon Shifter Alpha Male Romance) (Paranormal Romantic Suspense) Page 33