“You did say that,” Jed agrees, nodding his head as he rests his crossed arms on his large belly.
“I mean, Caleb has grown into a complete drill sergeant. You know he served 5-years in the military. Hell, he’s still got the buzz cut,” he jokes and everyone laughs but me, as I swallow hard thinking of my date tonight.
“Don’t get worries, Jessie. It’s not too big of a deal, but we do have to keep an eye on this.” Captain says, noticing my silence, and most likely the pale face to go along with it.
“What do we think they’re escalating to?” Earl says as if he’s been stirring over the question.
“Well, that’s the thing. We can’t be sure, but there’s been a lot of movement between here and Louisville. You know their motorcycle clubs dabble in everything – theft rings, drugs, corruption, the whole bit. So we need to be on our toes, because they could be coming from all angles, looking to bring a lot of trouble to Danville, trouble we don’t need.” Captain glances around the room, looking each of his in our eyes. Forcing myself to sit up straight I clear my throat, searching my mind for a valuable thing to add to the conversation, but I’m drawing blanks.
“That’s it, gang. Just keep that in mind, and keep your ear to the streets,” Captain raises his mug as he gives us our instructions and we all nod while standing before heading out of the office.
The rest of my shift, my head is in the clouds as I worry about different options. I can’t bring myself to cancel the date for selfish reasons, although the thought does cross my mind. Telling Daryl, or even using him for information just isn’t my style either. In many ways, I feel I’ve gone undercover unofficially, and I can’t be sure how it makes me feel.
My newfound dilemma dims as the day goes on, but my stomach still fills a bit unsteady when Daryl pulls to a loud stop at my house, his bike roaring. My heart flutters at the sight of him, a man on a motorcycle has always made my legs tremble, and Daryl is no exception. God, he looks sexy, wearing his regular uniform – destroyed denim jeans, a crisp white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket.
“Ready?” He asks once I slowly make my way from the front door.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming on a bike,” I bite my bottom lip while looking directly into his deep gray eyes. He looks down bashfully, before returning my gaze.
“Don’t tell me you’re scared,” his voice is deep and challenging.
“Of course not,” I move to climb on behind him, but he stops me, wrapping his fingers around my wrist. There’s an electric current between the two of us.
Stepping off the bike, he stands before me, towering over my small frame as he reaches behind the seat to retrieve a helmet.
“Here,” he says, handing the helmet to me.
“You’re not wearing one,” I cross my arms defiantly.
“I’m not special cargo,” he quips and I can’t fight the blush that rises from my cheeks.
“Now, come on. The movie starts in thirty minutes,” he says, looking at his watch.
Taking the helmet, I make an annoying face as I connect the strap beneath my chin while Daryl looks on in amusement. Holding my hands up when I finish, he nods his approval and I follow him onto the bike, wrapping my arms around his midsection.
“Hold on tight,” he instructs me sternly over his shoulder, pulling my hands closer together, and I do as I’m told.
It’s been a long time since I rode on the back of a motorcycle and boy did I miss it. My hair blows wildly in the wind, as my chin rests on his shoulder. Daryl turns to glance at me whenever he’s caught at a traffic light or stop sign, and I promise he gets more handsome with every look he gives me.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” He asks as he takes the helmet off of my head once we’ve arrived at the movie theatre, and I giggle like a school girl, completely smitten.
“Is this how you get girls? Taking them on bike rides?” I tilt my head suspiciously.
“I’ve never let anyone ride with me,” he shakes his head, scrunching those thick eyebrows together as he clips the helmet back to the bike. Butterflies begin to flutter in my belly as I watch him closely, his every move interests me.
There’s something about Daryl that is so different than every man I’ve ever met in LA. He’s quiet, but still confident, and he reveals pieces of himself casually, rather than guarding himself at all times. It’s like he’s an open book, he just doesn’t go around telling his story. Whenever I ask a question, he answers without hesitation, but without my prodding I’m not sure I’d know anything about him.
“Let’s go,” he says, draping his arm over my shoulder, halting my thoughts. Following him into the building, which looks to be stuck in the nineties, I blush as he waves and greets people as we walk by. I’m happy to be with Daryl, everyone seems to know him and it makes me feel rather important.
“So, what are we seeing?” I ask as we approach the ticket stand.
“Well, I ruined a lady flick for you, so I think it’s only fair I replace it with another,” he smirks before requesting two tickets to ‘When Love Hurts’, a new romantic comedy I’ve actually been wanting to see.
Looking up at his five o’clock shadow, which makes him appear even more sexy than usual, I decide in that moment that his brother’s mistakes aren’t his. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt that I would want, and nothing he’s ever done has led me to believe that he’s anything like his brother.
“What do you want?” He tightens his grip around my neck, pulling me closer to him as he stops at the concession stand.
“Raisenettes, please!” I cheer before smiling up at him, but he scrunches his face in horror.
“With all of this candy you want chocolate covered, dried up fruit?” He twists in lips in disgust.
“Well, you don’t make it sound too appealing,” I giggle and he laughs in response before ordering my candy in addition to a large popcorn, a cherry ICEE and a pack of Milk Duds.
Settling into our seats, I instantly lift the arm rest between our two comfortable red chairs, and Daryl wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in to snuggle against him. It’s like we’re two perfect puzzle pieces the way our bodies mold together.
“You okay?” He checks on me, and I nod with a smile, his smirk of a response makes my abs tense, my thighs squeezing tight to appease the arousal between my legs.
A few times throughout the course of the movie, I catch Daryl watching me. Once, I even looked up to catch him, expecting him to turn away bashfully, but instead he just kept staring, his eyes squinting a bit like he was reading me. After a long pause I turned away, and he pulled me tighter before resting his chin on my head.
Even though I was engaged only a short time ago, everything feels so strange and new with Daryl. Maybe its because I haven’t dated anyone new in a long time, or possibly because Michael and I stopped dating rather early on in our relationship. In some ways I think it has to do with my change individually, my new zest for life and emotional availability. Whatever it is, it feels good, and our second date is one of the most intimate experiences of my life.
After the movie is over, Daryl insists on taking me to get ice cream, although I find it hard to ignore the blaring clichés. Does it get anymore middle America than a movie date followed by ice cream?
“What’s your flavor?” He asks as we make our way to order a cone.
“Chocolate!” I chirp and the older man behind the counter smiles before moving to begin scooping. Daryl orders vanilla, and we eat our dessert while walking hand in hand down the street. The sun is has set, leaving the sky a beautiful range of dark orange and red hues.
Honestly, it feels like a complete dream being with him. Danville was the last place I expected to find love, and I don’t want to rush it and say that’s what this is, but its undoubtedly something. The way Daryl looks at me, I’m sure he has some feelings for me, and I can no longer deny how much I care about him. He in
terests me in a way no one else ever has. The more I learn about him, the more I want to know.
After a short walk, we make it back to his bike, and after strapping on my helmet, we head out onto the open road. Daryl left in the opposite direction from how we came, so I knew he wasn’t going straight home, and I was excited, desperate to extend our perfect time together.
With my arms wrapped tightly around his waist, I smile wide as the wind drifts across my face, inhaling the sweet scent of his cologne. Luckily, this new route has no traffic lights, and we’re able to just cruise along for what feels like an hour. It’s the best way to end such a fantastic date, and I’m instantly sad when he pulls up at my cute yellow townhouse.
“Did you have a good time?” He asks after taking my helmet.
“I had a great time,” I assure him, nerves begin to course through me.
“I had fun too,” he admits, lowering his head in that bashful way he does.
“So, what’s our next date?” I boldly ask.
“That was a date?” He squints his eyes while tilting his head.
“Wasn’t it?” I blurt out, a little shocked and embarrassed.
“I’m just joking with you. It better count as a date,” He jokes and I finally exhale.
“Next time I’ll take you on a date,” I suggest and his eyes darken as he looks at me confused.
“What is up with you wanting to pay for stuff? Your new salary burning a hole in your pocket or something?” He asks and between his country twang and the ridiculousness of his question, I burst into giggles.
“I just don’t want you to feel like you have to take care of me,” I reason.
“I don’t, so you can let that go now,” he quickly adds.
“So, I don’t get any say in what we do or where we go?” I challenge as my hands find my hips.
“You tell me what you want or where you want to go, and I’ll find the rest,” he raises his eyebrows as if to ask if that’s clear enough.
“Fine,” I nod once.
“Fine.” He finishes before leading me to my door.
My stomach is fluttering as I wonder if he’ll kiss me with each step toward my house. I know I want him to, but he’s so bashful I can’t even be sure what to expect from him. Sometimes he’s outgoing and friendly, but others he’s closed off and awkward.
“Goodnight, Daryl. Thank you so much for a fun evening,” I gush as we face each other in front of my red front door.
“Goodnight, Jessie,” He leans down to plant a swift kiss on my cheek, his hand grazing my hip in the process.
Making my way inside, I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me once I close the door. I’m such a giddy teenager where he’s involved. Listening to his bike roar to life, I watch him pull away through my front window, wondering where he’s off to next.
While his kiss and gentle touch was more than appreciated, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more from him. I was seconds from inviting him inside, but I think its best to play it slow with Daryl, and I’m just fine with that.
Chapter Eleven
JESSIE
“Well, hello busy-lady! It’s been over a week since I could get you away from Daryl,” Lindsay sings his name into the receiver as she always does.
It’s been a few weeks since our first date and we’re been quite inseparable, spending our evenings at shows, movies, and the occasional sporting event. On the weekends, Daryl shows me around town and introduces me to his friends. It’s been a great way for me to get to know the community, and everyone at work is happy I’ve taken to Danville so nicely. Apparently, they all think Daryl is the perfect tour guide, so it works out just fine.
“So where are the lovebirds going today?” She teases, and I sigh in exasperation, trying my best to feign annoyance, but truthfully, I don’t mind.
“I don’t know,” I begin, paying more attention to styling my hair than listening to my best friend. “Daryl said it’s a day of firsts. Something in Danville,” I share what he’s told me about our plan for the day.
“A day of firsts, huh?” She asks skeptically and I know what she’s insinuating.
“Don’t be fresh,” I tease and she giggles guiltily.
“When are you finally gonna see how that country boy moves?” She jokes.
“Not everyone is a sex fiend like you, Lindsay,” I shoot back.
“Those Kentucky boys are just true gentleman, huh? There’s no way you’re going on weeks of dates in LA without putting out,” she huffs.
“I don’t know about all of them, but Daryl is just real laid back,” I reason, more with myself than her.
Truth be told, I’ve been asking myself the same questions. I don’t want to be the pushy girl from the big city, because I’ve never been promiscuous at all, but every time Daryl drops me off I’m praying he’ll stay longer. We’ve hung out at my house before, and it’s always very comfortable and intimate, but never anything more.
At this point, I enjoy his friendship and company so much I don’t want to risk by taking us to the next level before we’re ready, despite how strongly I feel that I’m ready. Daryl doesn’t seem to be in a rush, and I like that about him. Everything is on my time, because he’s so laid back and soft-spoken.
“I’m gonna have to meet this Daryl when I come to visit,” she reminds me for the millionth time about her trip to Kentucky that we both know is never happening. Lindsay wouldn’t know how to function outside of Los Angeles, and I don’t want her judging the small town I’ve come to love.
“Yeah, yeah. How’s everything in the city?” I change the subject.
“You know, same old,” she begins, but I can sense there’s more before she even continues. “I ran into Michael,” she says softly, and I’m shocked at my lack of a reaction.
“Oh yeah?” I say casually while throwing my essentials into a cute pink wristlet to match my pink and red sundress.
“Yeah. He seemed, I don’t know, Jessie… Bad,” she finally says in a somber tone and I regrettably feel a sting of guilt.
“Did he tell you he wasn’t doing well?” I inquire, hoping my best friend just read him wrong.
“I mean, he’s rich,” she adds before explaining, “So I know he’s ‘doing well’, but he just seemed unhappy and maybe a bit lost.”
“Oh. He probably is just having a difficult time at work or something,” I hypothesize, moving swiftly between rooms as I continuously peek out of the windows, my ears listening for the familiar roar of Daryl’s motorcycle.
“Or he’s finally realized that he let the best thing that’s ever happened to him get away,” she says with an extra ting of pride.
Lindsay has always sought some sort of redemption for the way Michael ended our relationship, and initially I wanted it too. There was a part of me that felt less than because he didn’t want me, and I thought that him realizing he made a mistake would give me a boost of confidence. Now, I didn’t need that. In fact, I didn’t care what Michael had going on. No part of me wanted to see him do bad, or have this immense regret about how we ended.
It really was the best thing for the both of us, and being happy was the only way I could finally see that clearly. Lindsay couldn’t help her protective nature as my best friend, but I didn’t find the hidden joy she seemed to harbor at the possibility that Michael wasn’t doing well.
“He’ll get it together,” I add just before noticing Daryl’s bike racing up my street.
After a quick goodbye and promise to call her after my date, I rush outside to wrap my arms around Daryl’s chest and set off on another fun date day.
We start at an older building, which Daryl tells me is the Boyle County courthouse, the first courthouse in Kentucky. Danville is nicknamed “the city of firsts”, and we spend all afternoon going from one monument to the next as Daryl gives me the sweetest history lesson in between compliments on my dress and the way my hair is flowing in the light b
reeze.
My focus is always in question, as I lose myself in his deep gray eyes, or mentally tracing his sculpted jawline. His hands are always on me in some way, and I’m always hyper-aware of his touch.
We end up at Centre College, which is the oldest college administration in the region, and together we walk hand in hand through the beautifully maintained campus. Finding a nice patch of shade under a large oak tree, we decide to take a break after a long day of walking.
“Is the history lesson over?” I look over at him, trying my best to look disappointed.
“That’s all I’ve got,” he says with a half-smile, his hands raised in surrender.
“Well, I really enjoyed myself, as usual. Thank you,” I wrap my arms around his shoulders and his lips graze my cheek, my body freezing with our faces less than an inch apart.
His eyes drop down to my lips and I just know he’s going to kiss me. I can sense his desire for me, lust ever-present in his beautiful eyes. My own sight is set on his full lips, as his tongue runs across them, leaving a glistening pink color in its wake. The moment grows long, and just before it can reach the cusp of awkward, Daryl moves.
“I should get you home,” he stands abruptly, and I sit in disappointment, watching as he walks in small circles before extending his hand to help me.
“Where are you going?” I wonder aloud.
“What do you mean? To take you home,” he answers with eyebrows scrunched together.
“Yeah, but where are you off to?” I prod further.
“What are you really asking?” He pauses, staring into my eyes.
“I don’t know. Do you have a girlfriend or something?” The words fall out of my mouth and I instantly regret them. Daryl looks at me with his head tilted and if I’m not mistaken, there’s a shadow of a smirk that flashes across his handsome face. He can tell I’ve asked a question to hide what I really want to know – why is he always running away from me? Why won’t he just kiss me?
“Come on,” he motions towards the parking lot, completely ignoring my question.
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