by Alli Sims
~~~
Kira was a mess. She was tired, she was brokenhearted and she was pissed as hell. It was all Kyle’s fault. Stupid, sexy, arrogant, rotten Kyle Masters. Yep, it was all his fault and she’d be over him soon. Very soon. She hadn’t seen him since three days ago when she left his apartment and that was fine with her. It broke her heart, but it was also fine with her. Just fine.
Just to make sure she worked with her headphones on so she would hear or be tempted to answer if he knocked. He didn’t. Of course he didn’t, he’d made his feelings very clear. She would respect his feelings and hope like hell she didn’t run into him ever again.
She tiptoed down the hall hoping to avoid making a sound, just in case Kyle was home. Inside her apartment she closed the door and leaned on it, eyes closed in gratitude she’d made it another day without seeing the man who had broken her heart.
“Avoiding someone?”
She screamed at the top of her lungs and threw her favorite Buddha statue in the direction of the voice. “I’m calling the police,” she announced as she pulled out her phone and opened the door.
“Kira it’s me.”
Kyle. “What are you doing in here?”
He stood with that lazy smile on his gorgeous face. “I figured turnabout was fair play, so here I am.”
“Good. Great. Well done. Goodbye,” she opened the door further until the light from the hallway filtered in.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that yet. I need to talk to you Kira, please.”
The please had nearly undone her resolve but she was made of stronger stuff. “It seems to me we’ve both said all there was to say.” She opened the door wider, a clue if ever there was one.
Kyle stomped over to her and slammed the door shot, throwing the locks. “I’m not going any damn where until you listen so put your pretty little ass in a seat before I spank it.”
“Fine,” she grumbled and took a seat at her desk. “Talk.” She watched his large sexy body move with feline grace back and forth across her hardwood floor. He was so good looking it hurt her heart to look at him.
“Kira I’m so sorry. Really I am. I had no right to blame Mona’s situation on you. I didn’t mean any of it, I was just stressed out and feeling helpless.” He stopped pacing and looked at her. “I miss you Kira,” he dropped to his knees and laid his head in her lap. “God I missed you so fucking much. These past few days have been terrible without you. I can’t think or sleep without you babe. You invade my dreams and honestly, it’s been the best part of my day for the past few days.”
A few tears rolled down her cheeks at his sweet words. “Kyle.”
“Just tell me it’s not too late for us. Tell me there’s hope for us, that you still love me.”
She ran her fingers through his mussed russet waves, back and forth while his head lay buried in her lap. “How’s Mona?” He shook his head and a few more tears fell, this time for him and for the parents of that poor little girl. “Oh Kyle, I’m so sorry.”
“Me too.”
“It’s not too late,” she whispered.
His head whipped up and he fought the smile threatening to split his handsome face. “You mean it?” She nodded a small smile on her face. “You still love me?”
“Of course I do, you big idiot.” She smiled down at him, the tall, well-built muscular doctor who’d stolen her heart. “I love you, Kyle. With all of my heart and all that I am.”
Head dipped in relief, he tightened his grip on her hips and pulled her closer. “Good. I love you too Kira, so fucking much. With my whole heart. If you let me, I’m going to love you as best as I can for as long as I can.” He captured her mouth in a slow sweet kiss that quickly grew hotter and hotter.
She cupped his head in her hands. “I look forward to seeing what it’s like to have you love me. Dr. Masters.”
“Oh and you will. I’m going to love you in the bed, on the counter, at the dinner table, in the shower. The elevator,” he scooped her up into his arms, laughing when she shrieked in surprise. “And soon Kira, I’m going to love you as my wife.”
She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “Oh Kyle I want that too, I love you so much!”
“How much?”
She stripped off her clothes and laid on the bed. “Enough to let you be in charge. Forever”
The growl he released was primal. “Damn I love you.”
THE END
A Sinfully Sweet Ride
Chapter One
Cassandra Jackson drove her dark pink mini cooper down the desolate highway on the way to her new home. It was just after midnight, and the countryside was dark as pitch. As she drove she sent up a silent prayer that a deer wouldn’t jump out in front of her ending its life and quite possibly hers before she got that fresh start she’d longed for. Her mini, as cute as it was, certainly was no match for a 200 lb. beast, ever. It was time to start anew in a new town, new home, new friends, and a get a new job. That was the reason was driving down this long stretch of highway known as route 74.
Cassie was certain were it daytime; the scenery would be breathtaking, and spectacular. But this late at night, the only thing lacking on the highway were ghosts hitching rides from comely strangers.
Break-ups were supposed to be hard, but picturing Brad with his new hussy girlfriend made it a little easier. Apparently, Cassie wasn’t good enough since she wouldn’t put out, unlike Gretchen who put everything out all of the time, to many, many people. The bitter memory faded as she remembered the feel of that hunting knife in her hand as it slid into his $400.00 tires like they were butter: slicing them up was the perfect revenge. A wonderful, albeit, evil goodbye present, something he’d remember her by for quite a while. A sly smile spread across her lips at the memory.
With school a distant memory, and Brad left far behind, Cassie could feel that wonderful taste of freedom that lie several more miles ahead waiting for her with open arms. She’d enjoy her new found freedom, settle in, get a decent job that she hopefully enjoyed, and quite possibly if someone was watching out for her, she’d actually fall in love and spend the rest of her life with the man of her dreams. Or at least have some fun trying to find him.
After another hour or so of listening to the radio and driving, Cassie realized she hadn’t eaten much, was thirsty, a little tired, and had to pee. According to Jezebel, the nickname she’d given her GPS once when it took her down the wrong road, she was about another 45 minutes outside of town, near her final destination. Deciding she wanted a break from driving in the dark, she turned the mini around, and headed to the little bar/restaurant she’d seen about a mile back ‘Lucky Jacks.’
As she pulled her mini into the dirt parking lot, Cassie took notice of a dark blue, metal flake, 1947 Knucklehead Harley cycle, just like her dad used to ride. From where it was parked, under the fluorescent light in the parking lot, it looked as if it should be in a showroom, not a dirty parking lot in the middle of nowhere. She’d recognize that sleek design anywhere, with its unique fenders, customized leather seat, and chrome shiny enough to see your reflection in. Resisting the urge to climb onto it, and run her hands all over it like a shiny new pair of boots, she shoved her hands into the pockets of her hoodie just in case. She remembered how much her dad loved his bike, and how he would take her for rides up and down their street when she was little. That bike was a gorgeous specimen of power and pride: right down to its wired rims, she’d love to ride on one again. Heading toward the door, Cassie took one more admiring glance at the beautiful piece of American pride, and opened the large wooden door leading into Lucky Jacks.
Numerous aromas assaulted her nose as Cassie closed the door behind her, French fries, smoke, beer, sweat, even the smell of BBQ, but mostly she smelled freedom. Now if her eyes would adjust to the lighting, she could actually look around. A moment later, she was able to take in the sights of Lucky Jacks. Three felt covered pool tables stood in one corner, all occupied by various patrons. An old fashioned jukebox stood in another c
orner, blasting out some old time rock n roll, and a digital dartboard next to it. She didn’t seen any video games, but there were a couple of Foosball tables in another corner, and three HD TVs hung from various places around the area, all tuned into the History channel it looked like. In the middle stood an L-shaped bar, made from mahogany maybe, she wasn’t sure, but it was nice, with bar stools surrounding it.
Behind the bar stood a chubby barmaid with a button nose, a purple streak running the length or her long, brown hair, and a smiling face that reminded her so much of her best friend Charlie back home, she couldn’t help but smile at her.
Walking across the wooden floor toward the barmaid, Cassie swore her smile had broadened even more.
“Hi Sugar, new in town I’ll bet, I’m Chrissy, what can I do for you?” She asked, her smile never fading.
“Hi, could you tell me where the ladies’ room is please?” Cassie asked.
”Sure, take that hallway right there next to the jukebox, and it’s the first door on your left.” Chrissy responded, wiping down the bar with a dishtowel, still smiling, more like the Cheshire cat this time.
“Thank you Chrissy.” Cassie turned in the direction she was told, and headed across the floor, her boot heels clicking behind her. Just as she entered the hallway, she got an odd feeling that someone’s gaze was on her backside, and it wasn’t the cats’.
Chapter Two
Jackson Pierce peered out from his office door through the one-way window and watched as the sexy, brunette walked down the hall he assumed she was going to the ladies’ room. Over the intercom on his desk came Chrissy’s voice.
“Seriously Jackson? You’re ogling at the poor girl like a hormonal teenager. You’re a grown man that owns a damn bar. Get the hell out here, and act like a man! And stop staring at her ass, we know when a man is staring at our asses, and YOU are definitely staring at her ass.” With a click, Chrissy let go of the intercom button. He could picture the amusement on her face and the shaking of her head.
A moment later, he let out a sigh, opened his office door and made his way to the bar where Chrissy grinned her mischievous grin.
In his defense he said, “I was not ‘ogling’ her, I was simply interested in the stranger that had walked in, and wanted to get a good look at her.” It was lame he knew, but it was all he had at the moment.
“Oh please, a good look at her ass maybe.” Chrissy snickered and went back to cleaning her bar. Jackson may be 5 years her senior, but sometimes he did in fact remind her of a hormonal teenager. He’d had a few girlfriends, even a fiancee’ at one time, but he’d been hurt more than once and she couldn't help feeling protective of him. Sure, he was on the early side of 30, but the sweet girl that had asked to use the ladies’ room, didn’t look much older than 23, so she wasn’t sure how this would turn out. She’d keep her nose where it belonged for now, because keeping an eye on Jackson was her first priority, he’d be none the wiser.
“Who was that?” Jackson asked Chrissy.
“I didn’t get her name yet. She came in and asked where the ladies’ room was, that’s it. She’s not from around here though, at least she doesn’t look familiar. Maybe when she comes out you can introduce yourself, and ask her if she’d like a drink or something to eat.
“Yeah okay.” Jackson agreed, solemnly.
At last he heard boot heels clicking on the wood floor coming closer. Why he found himself nervous was crazy, he was acting like a boy, not a man. He scolded himself silently, realizing that Chrissy was right.
Jackson eyed her warily, not wanting to seem nervous, and pasted his easygoing smile on his face as she approached the bar.
Cassie took a seat on one of the barstools, looking up to meet his gaze.
“Hi, is the kitchen still open?” She asked reaching in her purse to grab out her wallet.
“Yes, open 24 hours actually. Would you like a menu?”
“No thank you, just a bacon cheeseburger and some fries. I’ve been driving for a few hours and I’m absolutely famished. Also, a large mountain dew if you have it.”
Nodding, Jackson grabbed a glass, put some ice in it, and filled the glass for her. He tried to ignore the sultry, soft spoken voice that came from her, causing his knees to almost buckle. Damn, but she was gorgeous, not in a runway model way, more down to earth, girl next door type. She could be dangerous to him, but what fun they could have along the way. Breathe, he thought.
“Here you go, I’ll get your order up as soon as possible.” He said as he placed a napkin on the bar, setting her glass of soda on it, and then turned to walk to the kitchen.
Chapter Three
Wow, he was gorgeous! Cassie thought to herself as she watched the man walk to the kitchen. His eyes were her downfall; crystal blue-green reminded her of the Caribbean Sea. Not that she’d ever been there, but she’d seen enough photos to know that it was a beautiful sight. Brown hair with a touch of gray on the sides, dark eyelashes surrounding his tranquil eyes, and an aquiline nose, made the combination, dark and sexy. . He was a pretty snappy dresser to be working in a bar. A dark blue button down shirt, tucked into a pair of black jeans, with a simple black belt around his thin waist. She didn’t see his feet, but maybe a comfy pair of hiking boots or something similar, especially working on his feet all day. And what an ass! She hadn’t seen an ass like that in sometime, Cassie would guess that it was toned and tight, just like a man’s butt should be. His jeans snugged it up real good, definitely worthy of a second glance or more. She giggled to herself about that last thought.
Stirring her drink, Cassie glanced around the bar concentrating harder than when she entered earlier. Lucky Jacks was a simple place, clean, welcoming and it smelled good with the food in the kitchen cooking. The patrons all looked as if they were having a good time, talking among themselves, sharing laughter, food and drink with each other. There were various photos hanging on the walls of motorcycles that she hadn’t noticed before. Some were picture of people standing next to their bikes, dressed in biker garb and smiling for the camera. There were some small license plates going back many years hanging on one of the far walls near the pool tables. It finally dawned on her, Lucky Jacks was a biker bar. Not what she would have expected for a biker bar, but that did explain the parking lot with motorcycles and only a few cars.
Turning back toward her drink, she shook her head slightly realizing she should be more observant sometimes.
“Something wrong Miss?” A baritone voice startled her out of her stupor. It was the gorgeous guy with her food in hand that looked positively appetizing, him and the food.
“No, I just realized that I was in a biker bar. Not what I pictured that’s for sure. I was in such a hurry to get to the ladies’ room, paying attention to my surroundings wasn’t my first thought.” She answered as she snickered slightly, but remembered that sleek machine outside she dared not touch.
“Understood. No, Lucky Jacks isn’t exactly what anyone pictures as a biker bar. I wanted to make it more family friendly, not a place that you drive by, see that it looks scary and keep driving by instead of stopping. It’s much better this way. And we do have the best bacon cheeseburgers within a fifty mile radius.” Jackson said as he set down her plate of food and smiling proudly.
Taking a bite of her burger, Cassie closed her eyes, savoring the taste and wiping at some grease that had dribbled down her chin.
“Oh God, this really is good and homemade, not like those frozen hockey pucks at the grocer. By the way, my name is Cassandra, Cassie for short.” She smiled up at him.
“Nice to meet you, Cassandra. I’m Jackson, Jackson Pierce and the barmaid from earlier is my sister Chrissy. Welcome to our little corner on the map. Where are you from?” Jackson finished smiling.
Cassie took a sip of her soda, thinking of the smiling barmaid that had greeted her, and recognized the similar features she and Jackson shared. Good, no competition there, she thought quietly.
“Nice to meet you too. And thank you, espec
ially for this wonderful food. Tell you cook kudos for making such an awesome burger.”
“You’re welcome, and glad you like it, I do have a way with burgers.”
“You made this? Damn, you’re handsome, polite, AND you can cook? I’ll bet your wife or girlfriend can’t get enough of you.” Cassie replied, a little curious how he would answer.
“I’m sure they wouldn’t be able to, if they existed. I thank you for the compliment though.”
Aha, she thought, he is single. That worked just the way she expected, thankfully.
“Well, they don’t know what they’re missing then.” She smiled, truly meaning it.
Chapter Four
Four weeks later …
Cassie was putting the finishing touches on her new found living quarters; a charming little cottage style house with two bedrooms, a large dining room decorated in wolves, her favorite décor. Along with a large bathroom with double ceramic sinks, a claw footed bathtub and a shower. It was nothing spectacular, but it was perfect for her. She might even get a cat at some point she thought.
The cottage had a sort of ruggedness sporting knotty pine walls, and old outhouse in the back, and a small car port that looked hand built. It was the perfect little place on the outskirts of Gray Falls, Michigan. Her little house had a nice circular driveway, lined with white pines, red pines, and jack pines with a few stands of hardwoods surrounding the property, and it was hidden from the main highway route 74, so the noise was kept to a minimum. She’d heard it was used for a hunting property and summer getaway until the owners decided it was time to sell and retire to Florida. All the better for her, the price was right, and it was time for that new beginning she’d been longing for.