The McCallans

by Hadley Quinn

  “Actually there is,” Jay said right away, just so he didn’t change his mind. “And this sounds stupid, so don’t laugh, but a friend of mine made a joke about me a while back and I kinda want to prove her wrong.”

  “Oh?” Nate raised an eyebrow. “Lord, if it’s a story about a beautiful woman, I wanna hear it.”

  Jay was hesitant, but he ended up telling Nate about his facetious battles with Melanie. Nate laughed at the part where she wanted a picture of him shirtless on a tractor with a cowboy hat, but good God, the man was ready to play photographer right that very second.

  “Get your damn ass up there and get it done,” Nate instructed him. “Here, give me your phone. I know I look old and useless, but I can use technology just fine.”

  With a lot of persistence from Nate, Jay finally complied. The hat that he had on wasn’t a cowboy hat, but it would do. He couldn’t believe he was doing something so stupid for a chick in the first place, but hell… It would be a good story at least.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “I think I’d rather gouge my eyes out,” Stephanie whispered as she passed behind Melanie at the receptionist’s counter.

  “I feel your pain,” Melanie whispered back, holding in a smile. “We all have to hear her talk about her latest victims.”

  She watched Stephanie lead a client to a station and shook her head. Chrissy not only shared every sexual encounter she ever had with men, but her voice wasn’t pleasant to listen to and she was never quiet about it.

  Melanie glanced at the clock before filing paperwork on the last two customers at the salon. She still had another hour before she got off at seven. But when her phone vibrated in her back pocket and she saw that she’d received a text from Jay, the happiness she felt from that made a boring night at work disappear.

  Screw that. She was not expecting what popped up on her phone when she opened the text, and she dropped it onto the floor. “Holy shit,” she said out loud when she picked it up and saw Jay shirtless on a tractor with a big ass smile on his face.

  “Excuse me?” a voice asked.

  It startled her because she’d pretty much forgotten where the hell she was and what she was supposed to be doing. She even stared blankly at the lady that was now standing at the counter, waiting to be checked in for her appointment.

  “I’m sorry,” Melanie mumbled, shoving her phone back in her pocket. “Um, name please?”

  When she finally had another minute to herself, she quickly yanked the phone back out and opened up the text again.

  “Holy mother of all hotness,” she whispered to herself this time. “My God Jay, you’re gonna kill me.”

  With the photo he had typed: No cowboy hat but give me credit for trying?

  She texted back: I just cracked the screen on my phone from dropping it. Sexiest picture I’ve ever seen!!!!

  She didn’t receive a text back from him, which was bittersweet. There were things she needed to be doing before she was done for the night, but she would have rather been texting with Jay.

  Or get more pictures from him! Good lord, what if he had more? She would seriously die if he had more to send her.

  What a freaking awesome day…

  “Aw, and I thought you only smiled at me like that,” a familiar voice said.

  Her heart stopped—it literally missed two or three beats—when she looked up and saw Jay enter the salon. He moseyed up to the counter and leaned against it, and Melanie wondered if this was actually happening.

  “Hey beautiful, what’s with the smile?” He leaned closer and whispered, “You look like you’re having a dirty little sex fantasy right now.”

  She could feel her cheeks flush warm because he was right. The little shit was right and he was the reason for it!

  Melanie leaned closer to him until their faces were only a foot apart over the counter. “Guilty as charged,” she whispered back, and she bit her lip with a smile.

  “Ohmygod,” he murmured playfully as he closed his eyes. “Give me details.”

  She tried not to snicker and said, “Well…there was this tractor…”

  When she paused, he opened one eye and smiled. “And?”

  With a sigh she continued with, “And I might just have to show you the rest.”

  Both of his eyes opened and he studied her for a few seconds, a tiny smile playing across his sexy lips. She wanted to lick him right now. How dare he come into her place of employment, dressed in worn jeans and an old t-shirt, looking so damn sexy her panties were trying to pull themselves off.

  “Sounds like a plan, sweetheart,” he winked at her. “I look forward to it.”

  “Oh my God, Melanie, who’s your friend?” Chrissy’s voice screeched from across the room.

  And like a record player, Melanie’s private moment with Jay also screeched. To a stop.

  Jay leaned onto one elbow to face the sea of faces that were now staring at the two of them. Well maybe they’d been staring at them the entire time since Melanie had practically eye-fucked him the second he walked into the salon. But now she noticed that everyone else was ogling him too, and that made her feel self-conscious.

  “I don’t want to bug you at work, but I just thought I’d stop by,” Jay said, turning his attention back to Melanie. He had completely ignored his wall of admirers and for some reason that made her feel special. “But I called the shelter earlier to check on the dog and wanted to tell you that they said he’s doing just fine.”

  His consideration made her chest fill with warmth. “So did I. I was so worried about him.”

  “Yeah, I figured you might have called too.”

  “I can’t get the image of how awful he looked out of my head,” she said quietly. “It is just incomprehensible that there are people that cruel.”

  “That dickhead will get what’s coming to him, don’t worry. I made a couple of phones calls on that, as well.”

  “Oh, I’m so glad,” she exhaled. “I also asked about visiting the dog. They said it was okay if I called first, but not for a couple of days.”

  Jay pursed his lips in thought. “Are you sure you want to do that? I know what a big heart you have and you’re gonna want to take him home,” he smiled. “I don’t think Teague is up for another rescued pet in his house. Tucker and the bird are probably enough.”

  “I know,” she frowned. She so wished she had her own place. Yes, everyone got a kick out of Geraldo—for a parrot he was pretty entertaining—and technically Tucker was a gift to Camryn from Teague. But she’d been thinking of that poor abused dog all day long and just wanted to give him a good home.

  “It’s a Mastiff, sweetheart,” Jay chuckled, obviously sensing where her thoughts were headed. “That is a big ass dog to own. Especially if, you know…” He motioned to her stomach. “Do you really want to raise a giant puppy while you’re about to have a baby?”

  “I know, I know,” she sighed. “Of course I’ve been thinking about all of that—”

  Another customer entered the salon, so Jay moved away from the counter to let Melanie do her job. When the woman was placed with the right manicurist, he returned to the counter and said, “Well I’m gonna jet. I just wanted to stop by and say hey. I wish I had something for you, like a sandwich or something…”

  She laughed and shook her head. “I don’t need anything but you. You’ve made my day.”

  He gave her a soft smile and nodded. “Okay, hon.”

  His attention was somewhat drawn to the wall of admirers and Melanie knew why. She could hear their not-so-subtle chatter, and she picked up phrases like “He’s a McCallan” and “Just a super hot friend of hers.” Again she felt insecure. It was childish, but she wanted to gloat about how “super hot” Jay actually was. Naked images flashed in her head and she had to bite back a smile.

  “So listen,” Jay said softly, leaning across the counter. “I’ll save a place for you in my bed tonight if you feel up to it.”

  Her heart started to race, and when he reached up an
d placed his hand against her neck to kiss her on the lips, she wanted to leave work that very second. She also realized the entire salon went silent, and when Jay pulled away from her after several long seconds of his tongue being in her mouth, he only smiled and walked out the door.

  The silence lasted about three seconds before Stephanie exclaimed, “Oh my God, you never said that you guys were together!”

  “Holy shit, that is one sexy piece of ass!” Chrissy squealed. “Good God, I’m having a hot flash.” She fanned herself dramatically as she took deep breaths. Melanie felt proud at first, until Chrissy added, “I want to fuck him so bad right now.”

  And then her entire body tensed up with an immediate need to cut that bitch. How dare she say something so blatantly rude about someone’s, ehh…boyfriend?

  Wow, unfortunately she had no idea how to classify Jay…

  “Too bad that’s my job,” was all she replied as she smiled at Chrissy with cold eyes.

  Again the entire salon was silent, but everyone was returning to work, casting looks at each other, or having a silent conversation with someone.

  Good. They can gossip all they want.

  “Hi, how can I help you?” Melanie smiled at the next customer that entered.

  ***

  “That is epic!” Tyse laughed, dropping his head back against the couch. “Do you really think that would happen? I would never let it go that far.” There was a pause and he added, “And I see that you’re in space camp again. Hey, Jay!”

  Jay glanced over at him. “I heard you. Epic space camp.”

  Tyse smiled and shook his head at him. “Right. Epic space camp indeed. So what’s up? Long day at work?”

  Jay barely shrugged. “Not really.” He didn’t expound because he just didn’t feel like it, but he glanced at the clock again.

  “You expecting someone?” Tyse teased him. “What time does she get off work?”

  “Seven,” Jay answered, not even caring that he was divulging anything of interest.

  “So…are we getting a new roommate any time soon?”

  Jay craned his head to stare at him. “Excuse me?”

  “Melanie?” Tyse shrugged. “She’s here an awful lot.”

  “And it’s time to move in? Are you fucking kidding me?” Jay laughed sarcastically. “Like she’d want to live with me again.”

  “Uh, yeah dude, I think she would.”

  Jay shook his head but felt uncomfortable that Tyse was looking for him to discuss it. There wasn’t anything to discuss.

  “So you’re seriously just in this for the fun of it, huh?” Tyse finally said. “I am so fucking pissed with you right now. You know, just because she seems to make you think she’s ‘okay’ with your casual relationship, it doesn’t mean she is or even deserves for it to be.”

  “Stop lecturing me, damn it!” Jay yelled. “Jesus Christ, what is it with you people sticking your nose in everyone’s fucking business!”

  “Not everyone’s, just yours. Because apparently you need it.” Tyse didn’t bother waiting for a response. He got up and left the room.

  Jay took in a deep breath of air to keep calm but it didn’t help. What the hell was it with all this up-and-down shit lately? One minute he was happy as can be, and then the next he was miserable and felt guilty about every fucking thing! The money his grandfather had given to help him out: guilt. His fallout with Beck and the end to his job and friendship: guilt. Teague being pissed with him and now Tyse: guilt. And most importantly, the friendship-gone-to-seriously-fucking-complicated with Melanie: guilt.

  Why the hell couldn’t he do anything right? And was that even the case, or was he becoming way too concerned with people’s opinions lately? Why was everything within the last few weeks suddenly making him such a fucking idiot?

  He got up, knowing he needed to be occupied with something so he didn’t go nuts. He headed out back to his shop just as his phone rang, and at first he thought it was Melanie but the number was one he didn’t recognize.

  “Hello,” he answered.

  “Uh, yeah, I’m calling about the car you have for sale? The 429?”

  Mixed feelings pulsed through Jay as he nodded and entered his detached garage that housed the Boss. It was another potential buyer that he desperately needed to meet, but the idea of selling this baby was killing him inside.

  “Yeah, you interested?” Jay replied.

  “Absolutely. It’s listed in Thousand Oaks and I’m in the area right now, but I suppose it’s probably too late to drop in? I feel rude for asking, but just figured I’d try.”

  “Nah, actually it’s fine, I don’t mind. I just came out to the garage to admire her so I can have sweet dreams before bed.”

  The guy laughed and said, “Well cool, then I’ll jot down your address and be by as soon as I find it.”

  Jay exchanged information with the man, whose name was Chad, and then pulled the cover off the Mustang. He did a walk-around of the vehicle like he always did, his thoughts buzzing a thousand miles a minute. The “could-have-beens” were driving him crazy.

  Chad pulled back to the shop ten minutes later. He was an average-looking man in his mid-forties, dressed nicely in slacks and a button-up shirt. Jay was instantly judging his status in life; probably a doctor or a lawyer with the need to have a specialty car the average person couldn’t afford.

  But he had to give the guy credit. He knew what he was talking about when it came to the engine and performance of the Boss. They actually had a nice long conversation on Jay’s experience restoring the car and some of the other vehicles he’d worked on over the years.

  “Well I’m really impressed with what you’ve done to this,” Chad said. “This is a beautiful car. By the way you talk about it, I’m assuming you wouldn’t be selling it unless you absolutely had to.”

  Jay knew it was just a comment, but it still hit him wrong. “Yeah, I’d love to keep it but can’t right now,” was all he answered.

  “Understandable,” Chad nodded. “You can’t keep ‘em all, right?” he chuckled. “Well here’s what we’ll do… Yes, I’m extremely interested in buying this car, but I’m still going to think on it overnight. It’s my rule for anything big like this. I’ll call you in the morning with my answer?”

  Jay nodded and answered, “Yeah, no problem.”

  They shook hands and said parting words, and Jay walked him halfway to his car just as Melanie pulled up on the street. Chad glanced her over as she got out and came up the walkway, and Melanie said a polite hello to them both as she headed for the house.

  “Hey, hon,” Jay replied with a smile. “I’ll be inside in a minute.”

  “Okay,” she nodded.

  When she shut the front door behind her, Chad looked at Jay and asked, “Ahh, expecting a baby? Yeah, it really changes a guy’s financial state for sure. And his entire life,” he added with a smile. “But congratulations. You won’t regret it.” He climbed into his Benz and said, “Have a good night.”

  Jay remained for a few seconds, rifling through his own thoughts. He was always being categorized by his friends and family or by total fucking strangers, but either way he was getting tired of it. Why couldn’t people just mind their own damn business? And the worst part was that Jay had never really given a shit in the past. Now he felt a constant need to either defend himself or correct people’s assumptions. It was confusing because he didn’t know which was expected of him.

  He needed to go back to not giving a shit.

  When he found Melanie it the house, she was in his bedroom. His worries disappeared the second he saw her on his bed, propped up against the pillows with her legs bent but spread open. She was wearing nothing but some skimpy lace lingerie and a sexy smile on her face.

  “What is it you always say?” he asked, locking the door behind him. He walked slowly toward the bed and added, “Yummy?”

  Her smile grew and she bit her lower lip. “You like?”

  “Uh huh,” he nodded mechanically. He star
ted to remove his clothes, but her hand slid down to her panties and it made him pause. He just stood there by the bed as her fingers disappeared and she let out a soft moan.

  “I’m so wet for you,” she told him, her hand slowly and seductively moving back and forth. “Ever since you sent that picture, I haven’t been able to keep my panties dry.”

  Holy fucking hell she was hot. And she knew just how to keep his attention with the way she watched him and the things she did to herself. But as much as he loved what she was doing to turn him on, he was too damn hard and way too impatient to hold back. He ditched the last of his clothes and brought his lips to her thighs. He first kissed her skin, and then ran his tongue up her leg to the lace he slid aside to taste her wetness.

  “Oh my God,” Melanie exhaled. “I love when you—eek! But not when it tickles,” she laughed.

  “Hold still, baby doll, you’ve got a ways to go,” he smiled mischievously.

  He slid her underwear off and returned his tongue to her center. He worked against her until she giggled again. He knew the very thing that gave her the jolt of pleasure that made her squirm and he did it just to get that reaction out of her.

  “You’re tormenting me,” she panted softly.

  “And you love it,” he informed her.

  “I do, but I want you inside me.”

  “I am inside you,” he smiled as he tongued her deeper.

  She moaned as he took the time to pleasure her fully, and after Melanie let out an obvious exclamation of satisfaction, she reached down and gripped his hair with both hands and pulled him up to her mouth.

  “I love when you’re rough,” he murmured against her mouth.

  She smiled as she kissed him back, hard and passionate as she grabbed his body to pull him closer. He tried to go slow, but Melanie was thrusting him against her and there was no chance.

  “Oh God, you feel so good, Jay. I love this with you.” She hooked her arms under his shoulders and pulled him closer and wrapped her legs around him.

  Jay had been trying to hold his body off of her. She was almost half his weight already, but then there was the matter of her being six months pregnant. He placed his hand between them against her stomach and said, “I don’t want to hurt anybody.”