"Exactly! This only highlights the fact that life's too short."
His response took me by surprise, "You're not backwards in coming forwards are you?"
I heard the door open behind me and glanced over my shoulder to see a very tired looking Ethan walking towards me. I jumped from the stool and ran into his arms. "Jimmy!" I whimpered and the feeling of being in Ethan's arms opened the floodgates and I began to cry.
Jimmy and I had become close over recent weeks as we'd spent a lot of time together looking after Harlow. He could be annoying at times, couldn't we all but he was like a loyal puppy dog and just wanted a place to belong. I'm pleased that he found it here with the club as he'd had a horrible upbringing, it was just a shame that he hadn't been patched in time.
My eyes eventually began to sting, I pulled away from Ethan's embrace and took a tissue from my pocket to wipe my eyes. I tried to compose myself and was conscious that I'd made a spectacle of myself in the middle of the clubhouse but I was only human. I walked back towards the bar and positioned myself on the stool besides James all too aware of the way he was looking at me.
“How’s Harlow doing?” I asked hiccupping from my latest melt down, with tears still trickling slowly down my face that I was trying to dab with my tissue.
“It’s gonna take her six to eight weeks to heal physically but who knows how long emotionally after what she’s been through.” Diesel said frustrated.
We sat at the bar for a while in silence, contemplating today's events as Ethan wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me tightly against his chest allowing me to snuggle into his side. We both needed this, and I allowed him to take whatever comfort he needed from me.
Connor entered the room and walked up to the bar to join us, “That’s one brave girl you have there Diesel.” He nodded agreeing with Connor's comment and seemed almost proud of the fact. It was great to see him finally happy after the shit life he'd been dealt with Amber and then the loss of Shaun four years ago. That fact alone was slowly helping me to come to terms with my own turmoil. I was grieving a child that I hadn't met but poor Ethan had to live every day knowing that he would never see Shaun again. Yes, it was in completely different circumstances but he knew what it was to lose a child and in turn, he was the best person to help me come to terms with my own grief.
“Is she up for visitors?” I asked sliding from my stool. I really wanted to see her if only for a little while to let her know that I was thinking of her and wishing her well.
“She’s just fallen asleep, probably best to leave her.” Connor said pouring himself a drink from the bottle of jack left on the table.
I nodded my head understanding, “I’m gonna head home then and call back in the morning as I’m not feeling very sociable. I got a taxi here because my car's still playing up. Can someone give me a lift home?” I asked aloud looking at the guys sitting at the bar.
“Where are you going?” James asked looking directly at me.
I could feel my cheeks flush under his scrutiny. “It’s okay I don’t want to put you out James.”
“It’s fine, where do you need to go?” James stood from his stool and removed his keys from his trouser pocket. He maintained eye contact and stepped closer and I could feel the intensity of his stare. His tone surprised me but I felt my stomach twist with excitement at the way he spoke to me.
“If it's not too much trouble then I’d appreciate a lift, I live in Epping.” I managed to say with as much confidence as I could muster.
James looked at Mitchell who had just joined us, “Is that okay?” he asked waiting casually for a response as he leaned on the bar.
“I know Diesel feels like he owes you something, for helping Harlow but I don’t owe you shit. You do anything to Ames that she doesn’t want you to and you’ll answer to me. Are we clear?” Mitchell asked standing with his hands in his pocket looking menacing. I glared at Mitchell but he ignored me and continued to maintain eye contact with James. What surprised me more was that James didn't back down or become a shrinking violet under Mitchell's intensity.
“Crystal!” James finally answered with a simple nod of his head.
I rolled my eyes at the way Mitchell was behaving in front of everyone and the fact that he was talking about me as if I wasn't even in the room. I turned on my heels and walked through the clubhouse, James rested his hand on my lower back, which sent a shiver up my spine. His close proximity sent a rush of excitement through my body and I couldn't wait to get outside in the cold night air as it would hopefully cool me down.
As I stepped from the clubhouse, my head spun and my eyes rolled in the back of my head. I stepped back trying to hold on to something when I felt a pair of large arms wrap themselves around my waist and hold me firmly.
"Amy, look at me babe."
I slowly focussed on James and felt embarrassed as to what had just happened. Once my composure was back, I tried to wriggle free from his embrace but he held firm as I squirmed in his arms. "I'm okay James, honest. I just haven't had anything to eat recently."
"What do you mean recently, dinner, lunch or breakfast?"
"All of the above."
"Amy, we're nearing midnight babe. No wonder you're feeling faint you're on empty." James opened the door to his Range Rover and helped me up into the front before shutting the door behind me. I glanced around the vehicle noticing how clean and tidy everything was which made me smirk. I was a generally tidy person and everything had its place, I was also a planner and would write lists which also came with an abundance of piss taking from the group.
"What's funny?" James asked as he sat beside me.
"I was just admiring how clean and tidy it is in here. You're a man after my own heart."
"Ain't that the truth," James winked and started the ignition. His gesture made me smile and I was seeing glimpses of another side to James. "They say that a tidy desk is a tidy mind so I'm assuming that can also mean an SUV."
"Who are they?" I asked sarcastically.
"People like us, the clean freaks." James pulled out from the yard and headed in the direction of Crown Hill that would take us to Epping. "So where in Epping do you live?"
"It's the new estate at the top of the high street, do you know it?"
"No but I'm sure you can direct me."
"I can indeed." His smile made me excited and I had a feeling we were now talking about something completely different.
"Oh I love this song." James turned the music up slightly on the radio station that was currently playing. "Do you have to, do you have to let it linger." He glanced in my direction and smiled, "You've got to love the Cranberries."
"You surprise me."
"Surprise you how?"
"I'm starting to think that there are many different sides to you James."
"Ain't that the truth!" He didn't elaborate any further, he just continued to tap away on the steering wheel as he swayed his head in time to the music.
"You need to take the next left." I said giving James plenty of time in order to turn into my street but he drove straight past. "James I live up that turning there," I stated pointing over my shoulder.
"Okay but there's somewhere I need to take you first."
"Should I be worried?"
"Worried?" he drew his brows and glanced in my direction.
"It's midnight and you're practically a stranger. Don't you remember that Mitchell told you to look after me?"
James smiled, "No Duke told me to not do anything that you didn't want me to. They are two completely different things."
Okay, well James certainly had banter and I could do with some cheering up this evening. "Well how can I agree to something when I don't know what it is you're planning?"
"That's true." He indicated and pulled into a McDonalds drive through. "I want you to have some food before I take you home."
"Do I get a say in this?"
"No!"
"Oh domineering James." I stated raising my brows.
&nbs
p; "I can be in the right circumstances but I'll tell you what, I'll allow you to select your own food this time." I giggled like a fucking school girl at his comment and tried to stop myself but he had the ability to make me laugh from the simplest of conversations.
"You're too kind."
He pulled up at the first window, a young boy of around seventeen stuck his head out, "Welcome to McDonalds can I take your order please."
"You certainly can, could I have a large coffee and..." James turned his head in my direction.
"Can I have a tea?" James raised his brows expectantly, "And a hamburger?"
James turned towards the young boy, "Did you get that?" he asked and I could hear the angst in his voice.
"Yes sir. That will be £3.47." James passed him a note from his wallet and waited for his change. "Please drive around to the next window." The young boy stated as he handed James his change.
James closed the window slightly and drove around the building to the next window in silence.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, why?"
"You've gone quiet."
"I'm fine babe." James placed his hand on mine and gave it a quick squeeze before removing it just as quickly so that he could take our order from a young woman at the window.
"Give it here." I took the bag and the drinks from James and rested them on my lap as James drove carefully around the car park looking for a suitable place to park. There were two spaces together under a low hanging tree and James selected to park there as it was out of the way of a group of boy racers in their souped up cars further in the car park.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
I held up my drink and burger, "My breakfast, lunch and dinner."
"I'm not going to give you a lecture but you must eat regularly. That's all I'm saying on the matter, you're a big girl and will make your own decisions."
"Ain't that the truth!" I said throwing his earlier words back at him and he smirked understanding my gesture.
"So how come you were called to the clubhouse? I'm assuming it was to help your dad out with Harlow." I asked unwrapping my burger.
James nodded as he removed the lid from his coffee and stirred it with the wooden spoon. "He needed an x-ray machine to reset Harlow's arm before I put it in a cast."
"Ethan said she'll need to wear it for 6-8 weeks, is that right?"
James nodded, "Yeah she was in a pretty bad way but what I hear from the group is that she's a tough cookie."
"She is, I suppose any woman involved in the club needs to be."
"So how involved are you in the club?"
"Not so much these days. I mean I work for them as I'm the manager of the cafe on the high street which they own but that's as far as it goes."
"And are you a tough cookie?"
There was a long silence while I contemplated my answer. "Yeah I suppose I am, again I've had to be but that's another long story."
"I'm all ears!"
I raised my brows, "We'd be here until morning."
"I get it, well just remember that I'm a good listener should you wish to tell me your long stories."
I sniggered, "I'll keep that in mind."
We were silent for a while as I continued to eat my burger and I felt comfortable in his presence.
"So please tell me a little more about yourself James."
"Not much to tell. I followed in my father's footsteps because I saw that he could help people and the impact that it had on their lives. I opened my own practice recently and things are going well. I'm just missing one thing!"
"And that is?"
"A very long story!" We both sniggered and I was enjoying the banter. James was easy going and had helped me to unwind a little this evening.
I placed my hand over my mouth to stifle a yawn, "I'm sorry, it's not your company I'm just feeling a little tired."
"That makes me feel a little better, give me your rubbish." James held out his hand so that I could give him the wrapper from my burger and my half drunk cup of tea, and he exited the vehicle to find the nearest bin.
On his return, he sat comfortably in the SUV and turned towards me, "Thank you Amy."
I looked at him confused, "For what?"
"For the past hour, this is what I needed after a shitty evening."
"The pleasure was all mine James." I stated and I meant it. I'd enjoyed his company and I hoped he would ask to see me again.
I saw him smile in my peripheral vision as he reversed the vehicle from its parked position and drove out of the car park and onto the A414 in the direction of Epping to take me home.
We remained quiet on the short journey home deep in our own thoughts but it wasn't uncomfortable. James turned into my street and drove slowly, "Which one is it?"
"Just up there on the left by the Mini."
"So what's up with your car?"
"I don't know but Frank's going to look at it for me this week." James nodded his head and parked the Range Rover before removing his seat belt and exiting. Where was he going? I watched as he walked around the front of the SUV to open my door and I could've mentally kicked myself but I just wasn't used to this type of treatment.
James held out his hand for me to take as he helped me from the vehicle. "Thank you," I said a little breathy as I stepped from the SUV and onto the pavement.
"I'll give you this," James pulled out a business card from his pocket and stepped towards me. He reached down to my jean pocket and tugged on the material, the force pulled me closer to his body and I could clearly smell his aftershave. James didn't look affected by the close proximity and simply went about his business by pulling my pocket open and slipped the business card deep inside. His actions could have been seen as a violation as his hand went deep in to my pocket rubbing against my thigh but I really didn't mind and allowed him to carry out the task. I glanced in his direction to see his eyes burn with desire but he quickly pulled himself together and removed his hand. "Now if you don't call me this time, then I'll know for sure that you're not interested in seeing me again."
"Ha-ha!" I said dryly as he planted a brief kiss on my cheek before turning on his heels and making his way back to his vehicle.
I reached into my handbag to retrieve my keys, and had to try hard not to punch the air with my fist from the excitement building in my stomach. As I opened the door, I glanced over my shoulder and although I couldn't make him out because it was dark, I waved towards the Range Rover and was greeted by a flash of his headlights. A smile crept across my face as I entered my flat and leaned my back against the door as it closed behind me. I delved deep into my pocket and pulled out the business card that James had placed there and twirled it around contemplating what to do next. I hadn't felt butterflies in my tummy for a long time now and it would be a shame to pass up on that feeling.
I hurried up the stairs and let myself in the front door, and made my way into the living room where I threw myself onto the sofa. Excitedly I removed my phone from the breast pocket of my jacket and decided to text him.
Thank you for being my chaperone this evening
I would usually use text talk but I decided to try and be a little more adult. The thought amused me as I was trying too hard. It didn't take long before I got a response that surprised me as he was driving home.
My pleasure, hopefully we can go out again soon.
I didn't think I would receive a text back from him to at least the morning as he was travelling home, wherever home was.
How are you texting? Are you not driving home?
I was now puzzled, maybe he was more local than I thought. I glanced at his business card to see that his practice was in Bishop's Stortford, which would take him a good twenty to thirty minutes from here even at this time of night.
I haven't left the car park yet
I pushed open the door to my spare bedroom as it was at the front of the property looking over the car park and made my way to the window. The blind was closed but I prised open one o
f the wooden slats so that I could see into the car park and there it was, his SUV still parked in the same position. I texted a quick response and smiled to myself as I knew it wouldn't be long for him to reply.
Are you stalking me?
Not stalking just making sure you're safe and remember, I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't want me to!
Mitchell's earlier words rung in my ears and made me snigger.
Okay, well I'm in my flat now so you're relieved of your stalking duties.
Thank you. Can I tempt you in to having dinner with me next week?
"You most certainly can." I said aloud as I typed my response trying to play my excitement down.
Dinner next week sounds great.
I'll call you in the week. Good night x
And a kiss, woohoo! Let's give him two.
Good night xx
I held my phone tightly in my palm as I scrolled through the messages again trying to analyse what the hell had happened this evening and I didn't just mean with James. I had been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions today and wouldn't wish how I felt on anyone. Jimmy had been taken from us in such horrific circumstances and I knew that I needed to keep it together otherwise I may spiral out of control again. I saw the concern on Connor's and Ethan's face, they were thinking exactly the same and I knew now that they'd watch me like hawks making sure that I was coping with the loss of Jimmy. We'd become close over recent weeks, he'd become like a little brother an annoying little brother at times but with a heart of gold and I was going to miss him, really miss him. A tear trickled down my cheek and splashed on the screen of my iPhone. I wiped it away with my thumb and took a deep breath. I needed to get some rest, it had been a very long day and I was pleased that it was Saturday tomorrow as I wouldn't be working. I wasn't in the mood for small talk, I sniggered at the thought as it wasn't exactly true as I'd just spent the last hour with James. I turned around and pulled the slats apart to see if James was still out there but he'd gone.
Glancing at my watch, I groaned at the late hour and took myself into my bedroom. I lay on the bed fully clothed too exhausted to even change into my pyjamas and it wasn't long before sleep took over.
Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) Page 8