Stealing Conleigh : Part 2 (Stealing Love )

by Glenna Maynard

  He’s crazy. But he’s crazy for me.

  A light tap sounds on the opened door. Turning around, I see Bailey scrubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  “Hey, good morning sleep head.”

  “Whatcha doing?” She questions on a yawn, stretching her arms over her head.

  I take in a breath. Telling my best friend that I am moving into Holden’s room is good practice for confronting Ezra. “I’m moving in with Holden,” I confide.

  Her eyes bulge. “You’re doing what?”

  “I’m going to be with Holden.”

  She leans against the doorframe. “I get that.” She smirks but then her lips turn down. “Don’t you think it’s too soon to be jumping across the hall to his bed. I mean, don’t get mad at me, but shouldn’t you take some time and let it sink in that you ended a two-year relationship. Does Ezra even know?”

  I shake my head. A sinking feeling forms in the pit of my stomach. I know some of what she says is true, but being with Holden feels right. Moving in with him and being in his arms makes me happy. “I love him.”

  “You love him! Jesus, Conleigh. How in the hell do you go from fucking him to loving him in a matter of a couple of days? It just seems rushed and not thought out.”

  “I just do, okay?”

  “I think you’re making a mistake. But you’re my best friend and I will support your choices even if I think you are being dumb.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “At least I’m honest,” she says, shrugging her shoulders in an apologetic fashion.

  “That you are my friend, that you are.” She smiles. “So, you going to help me or what?”

  “After I go to the bathroom I’m at your disposal.”

  “Good. You can tell me about you and Wren while you’re at it.”

  She groans and flips me the bird as she goes to the bathroom.

  When she gets out though, the guys are back and we can’t gossip and compare notes about the James brothers. Wren has a bag of food in his hands whereas Holden is lugging in a stack of boxes and packing tape.

  “What’s all this?” I ask.

  “We’re having a packing party.”

  “A packing party?” I repeat confused.

  “Yup. Told you when Ezra gets back from his trip I want him out and Wren needs a room so we’ll get your stuff separated and Ezra won’t have to worry about packing his shit up because it will be done for him.”

  “Okay.” I don’t argue. Why would I? It’s time to let Ezra go and start anew.

  The four of us work diligently and within five hours, my stuff is all put away in Holden’s room and Ezra’s things are boxed and stacked along a wall in the dining room. It all feels so final. I run my fingers along the boxes, staring at them almost as if I am looking at a casket. No one has died but saying goodbye to the past two years with Ezra nearly feels as though there has been a death.

  Bailey is out with Wren picking out furniture for his room. Apparently, he doesn’t have anything other than a bag of clothes. Living on the road for five years doesn’t leave time for accumulating much material possessions.

  Holden is down in his shop getting the chest he made for Waylon and Missy’s daughter ready. I am going with him to deliver it. Holden closed the bar for today. Said he wanted to spend the day with me and that it wouldn’t kill the business to shut down for one day. I overheard him and Wren talking about the renovations they want to make. I guess Wren is going to be Holden’s partner or something. I think it’s a smart move. The place could use a facelift and relaunch.

  I’m putting my shoes on when there is a knock at the front door. I don’t think to check to see who it is. It could be Bailey and Wren. When I open the door though I am met with my mother’s daggered glare.

  “Ezra told me you were here.” She pinches her eyes as I move away from the door to invite her in even though I desperately want to tell her to leave. “I received word from my lawyer. Your father is being released from prison.”

  “You could’ve called to tell me.”

  “Well, I felt this conversation should be held in person. I came to tell you that should you decide to continue to see him and have a relationship with him that you should know I will no longer welcome you into my home unless you go forward and marry Ezra. He tells me that you are working through things and I can only hope he talks some sense into you and you realize that consorting with your convict father will only bring you down and hurt Ezra’s career.”

  “Goodbye, mother.” There are no tears from me. They wouldn’t penetrate her icy heart. I don’t bother to correct her and tell her I will never marry Ezra and I sure as hell plan on seeing my father whenever in the hell I feel like it. He may have killed someone but at least he’s honest and doesn’t manipulate the people he claims to love.

  “Just think about what I have said,” she tells me, disappearing down the stairs as quickly as she appeared.

  Grabbing my purse, I lock the door behind me. Holden is already waiting for me in the cab of his truck.

  Chapter 12

  Holden

  “You’re welcome. I wanted to do something nice for you. It was Conleigh’s idea to fill it up with the goods.” Missy gives me a gentle squeeze.

  I feel like an ass for not thinking of it myself. I know they do okay working for me, but babies are expensive. I never realized how much so until I went to the baby version of that Toys R Us store today. We spent way too much money but looking at Taitlyn there is no price for how precious she is.

  We bought her blankets, clothes, toys, diapers. The chest I constructed was overflowing when Waylon helped me get it out of the truck. Missy still has tears in her eyes and I admit it feels good to do something nice for them. They are good people and hard workers. Waylon and his wife busy themselves putting things away and enjoying a few free moments together while Conleigh coos over their baby.

  She seems so content with the little bundle of joy cradled in her arms as she dotes on her. Telling her she’s all that is good and beautiful in the world. I can’t help but imagine us someday having a child of our own. It should sound crazy to me but it sounds like a dream come true. A piece of me and Conleigh in this world.

  She smiles at me. “Want to hold her?”

  I shake my head. I’m content just to watch her.

  “You’re a natural,” Missy tells her.

  “You think so?”

  “Yeah. Maybe we can talk the two of you into babysitting for us sometime,” Waylon suggests. “I need some alone time with my wife.” He waggles his brows and we all laugh.

  “I’m sure we can plan something,” Conleigh says, looking at me.

  I nod but I’m not really paying attention to the rest of their conversation. All I can think about is taking Conleigh home and watching her prance around the apartment in nothing but her socks.

  My cell phone ringing loudly in my pocket startles the baby and I step outside to take the call.

  It’s my attorney, Reese gave him the slip again. I’m sick of her shit and have it in my mind to track her down myself. He says he will attempt to serve her personally again tomorrow. He should. I’m paying him enough to get this shit over with.

  Conleigh joins me, telling me she said our goodbyes. The baby was fussy and she figured it was time to go.

  “As cute as kids are, I am in no rush for them,” she says shaking her head as we get back in my truck.

  “That so?”

  “Yeah. I mean, she’s adorable but you saw all that stuff, and I’m not anywhere near ready for that responsibility.”

  Her words shouldn’t deflate me but they do. At the same time though I get it. She’s young and has plenty of time for babies later and so do I. I just want her.

  Her head lays on my shoulder as I pull out and she sends a text to Bailey asking if her and Wren want to go out with us tonight. There’s some club they used to go to and I agree a night out sounds fun. I haven’t really done much of anything with Wren since he showed up out of the b
lue. It feels good to have him back now that I have gotten the stick out of my ass and accepted him into my life again.

  ————

  It’s been years since I have been in a bar that wasn’t my own and being here, I realize exactly what my brother means. The Grill needs a lot of TLC, hell it needs redesigned all around. One thing at a time though. I get another round of drinks from the bar, taking in the décor. It isn’t too fancy but it feels rich and makes you feel like you don’t mind spending seven dollars on a simple drink. The DJ knows how to keep the crowd excited too. Bodies are moving on the dance floor and a line forms at the bar at the end of nearly every song.

  I don’t want to mirror what they have going on here. I liked what Wren said about bringing in some quality bands for live music. Conleigh is moving to the music when I sit her drink in front of her. I kiss her neck as she takes a sip. “Mmm. This is really good. You should get Waylon to make something like these.”

  She offers me a drink and I take it. The peach flavor explodes on my tongue. It’s sweet and fresh tasting. “What do you think of this?” I hand it to Wren for his opinion.

  He takes a hefty swig. “It’s good but not the drink for the crowd we want to target. I’ve been to a lot of bars, believe me, I know what I am talking about.”

  “Watching Bar Rescue doesn’t count,” Bailey teases him.

  “Shut it you. I’m a world traveler,” he tells her, handing the glass back to Conleigh.

  She sips on it and I enjoy my beer. Wren is whispering in Bailey’s ear, making her blush and giggle. It feels as though we have traveled back in time and things are finally transpiring the way they should have from the start. I’m with Conleigh and Bailey may not be with Ezra but Wren serves as the perfect replacement. If anything, she’s gotten an upgrade. My brother can be a dick but he’s honest about it.

  A slower song plays over the speakers and Conleigh grabs my hand. “Dance with me?”

  I lead her onto the floor and the strobe lights have stopped flashing, there’s only a low glow coming from the dimmers overhead. Her arms circle my neck, her eyes never leaving mine as we sway to the music. Bailey and Wren are dancing next to us off in their own little world.

  “Tonight’s perfect.”

  “It is. It kind of feels as though life has given us a do over,” I tell her.

  “In what way?”

  “Well, two years ago or so…two girls came into my bar but shit happened ass backwards and I lost the girl of my dreams but now tonight I may be in a different bar, but I got the girl.”

  She kisses me tenderly. “We are exactly where we’re meant to be. As strange as it sounds had things happened the way you wanted them to, we probably wouldn’t be together now.”

  There is some truth to her logic, but I don’t dwell on it. The song ends and we make our way back to the table. Wren and Bailey are still dancing.

  Conleigh excuses herself to the restroom and I order another beer.

  Wren makes his way back to the table. Bailey joined Conleigh for her bathroom excursion. Women always go in pairs. Who knows why. One of the world’s greatest mysteries.

  “I’m in love,” Wren volunteers to the table next to ours.

  “Easy, tiger. Thought you said you were taking it slow.”

  “I thought so too, but I really like her. A lot.” He squeezes my shoulder and downs the rest of my beer. He leans in close. “Get this. Bailey…” He says her name in a whisper. “She says she’ll go to the strip club with me.” He nods and smirks waggling his eyebrows. “We’re headed there next. You guys coming with?”

  I wrinkle my nose. “Nah, I think I’m gonna head home. You just be careful. That’s asking for trouble.”

  “I can handle it.”

  “No doubt.” I bump his fist just as the girls are making their way back to the table. “You ready to call it a night?” I ask Conleigh.

  Her eyes linger on my lips. “Yeah, I’m ready for bed.”

  “You guys cool to take a cab?” Wren has drunk a lot more than I have. I’m still good to drive.

  “Yeah, man. We’re straight.”

  “Here.” I give him my door key. Conleigh has hers.

  The girls say their goodbyes and I steer my girl to the truck intent on getting her home and naked.

  Chapter 13

  Conleigh

  After three drinks and dancing with Holden my bladder is about to burst. Holden tells me he is going to order another beer while I make my way to the bathroom. The line is long and I am afraid I will pee myself. I observe the women in front of me. They are cracking me up. One is telling the other a story about her youngest child finding her dildo and waving it around when her in-laws came for a visit.

  “I was mortified,” she says.

  “Well, at least maybe they won’t come over so often,” her friend says with a giggle.

  I smile to myself wondering what my mom would do if she came to visit me and my kid did that if I had one. She’d probably die of shock or shame on the spot.

  I move up two spots in line and feel a tap on my shoulder. It’s Bailey.

  “Hey.”

  “I’m having the most fun with Wren. I swear, Conleigh, he’s so…I don’t know…honest. He tells me how it is with him upfront. He doesn’t hold back. It’s so damn refreshing.” She grins and sways to the music that carries down the packed hallway.

  “I’m glad you like him. Though you have to admit him and Holden are very similar.” I smirk.

  “They are very different too.” She shrugs.

  “I guess. If you say so.”

  “I don’t know…I just have this feeling about him. Like maybe he could be my one.”

  “Really? You just met him?” I’m not judging her. I’m just surprised is all.

  “I know!” She grabs my arm. “He’s—I don’t know. I just really like him. He hasn’t tried to sleep with me or anything. Sure, we’ve kissed but with other stuff he jokes around and flirts but no pressure. He seems genuinely interested in what I have to say. He’s taking the time to get to know me. It isn’t all physical and lust.”

  This shocks me but in a good way. “Good,” I tell her and finally, it’s my turn.

  When I’m at the sink washing and drying my hands I look in the mirror and see Judy behind me. My face pinches up but I attempt to ignore her. However, she is intent on a conversation with me.

  She steps up next to me at the counter. “I’m glad you wised up and found someone else to sink your claws into. Ezra doesn’t love you. He would have married you, but he still would have been fucking me. Then when he squeezed all he could from your step dad he was going to divorce so we could be together.”

  I roll my eyes. “Is that why he fired you?”

  “Fired me? He didn’t fire me. I’m on vacation this week.” By the expression on her face, I can see she’s confused and that Ezra lied to me. Not that it really matters.

  “Thank you, Judy.”

  “Thank you,” she sneers as Bailey exits the stall.

  “Yeah, you did me a favor. He’s all yours don’t worry. I don’t want him. I have a real man now.”

  Bailey looks at me like ‘who the hell is this’ and I shake my head and toss my paper towel in the trash.

  What a joke, I think to myself as I step out of the bathroom. I can’t reach the table to get back in Holden’s arms fast enough. I should have known Ezra was full of shit. I feel stupid. I shouldn’t but I do. I can’t believe I almost fell for his lines again.

  Running into Judy only further cements that I am doing the right thing by choosing Holden.

  When I get back to my man he’s ready to leave and the feeling is mutual. I’m ready to take him to bed. Bailey and Wren have other plans and we agree to call each other tomorrow.

  ————

  We’re almost home when Holden detours to the grocery store. “I have a hankering for chocolate ice cream,” he tells me.

  “A hankering? Who talks like that?”

  “I do. C
ome on.”

  Rolling my eyes, I follow him inside. He’s like a kid let loose for the first time. He has a buggy full of junk; whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and waffle cone bowls. The only thing remotely good for you are the strawberries and bananas he picked up.

  “I’m going to make you the best sundae you’ve ever had.”

  “Is that so. What if I don’t like ice cream,” I tease him.

  “Then I will smear it all over your body and lick it off.” He grins at me as if he is imagining doing just that.

  “Then I really hate ice cream.” I smirk.

  “Is that a challenge?”

  “Absolutely. Now take me home.”

  Holden is trying to get through the self-check-out so fast he nearly smashes the bananas. I can’t help but laugh at him. I can’t remember the last time I felt this good and happy. I never imagined we would be doing normal couple shit. I guess I don’t know what I expected out of this man, but I am pleasantly surprised. He holds my hand every chance he gets. I know everything is new and exciting but I get the feeling he’d be holding my hand as much even if we’d been together ten years.

  He puts the bags on the passenger side so that I am forced to sit next to him, not that I hadn’t planned on it. When we get home the living room light is on. I can see it shining through the blinds. I don’t see Ezra’s car though, so maybe we left it on. I don’t say anything to Holden. I ignore my gut feeling that shit is about to go down and help him pack the bags up the stairs.

  When Holden opens the door, Ezra is sitting on the couch waiting for us. I didn’t think he was coming back until tomorrow or the day after. His hands are clenched in his hair. His eyes look wild with anger.

  I breeze past him to the kitchen to put the groceries away. I don’t want to do this right now. Does he know about me and Holden? Has he seen my clothes in his room? What’s going through his head right now? A hand on my shoulder nearly scares the piss out of me. I jump at the contact, but a calm wave washes over me when I feel Holden’s beard at my ear.