Standing There (Love in the Park Book 1)

by C. M. Steele

  “Sure, I could use some food.” We wait in line for Johnny’s BBQ, ordering some rib tips and two pops. “Grab some napkins,” she tells me.

  “Okay,” I shout walking back to the vendor to grab them. I’m wearing white, going with ribs may not have been the best idea.

  “Thanks for telling me about this. You know anything Beatles, and I’m there,” she shouts.

  “That’s for sure.” I laugh at her because she’s twirling with a broad smile.

  Once we take our seats, she asks, “So are you ready to start your college life?”

  I sigh hard, then let it out. “Not at all. I don’t want to go. I think I should tell my brother.”

  “You should. But why? Are you not ready? Or is it more than fear?” Katherine knew everything that happened to me. Three years and just thinking about that night gives me the chills.

  I shake off the bad memories. “It’s more than that. I don’t know what I want to do or even be. Maybe I should go anyway and figure it out along the way.”

  “Do what makes you happy. Life is too damn short to be playing around with your passions.”

  “Thanks,” I say, giving her a hug. “Thanks for everything.”

  She nudges me, then hands me my rib tips. I take a bite, then take a long drink of my pop, sitting on my chair relaxing and waiting for the show to really kick off. Even though I haven’t decided if I’m going through with college or talking to my brother, I feel a bit of relief. As if just saying it makes it better.

  A man appears on stage and up to the mic, he taps it before saying, “Everyone! On now to close out the event is Standing There.” The crowd erupts in applause and cheers.

  We all jump to our feet as the first notes to She Loves You are played. My bestie and I make a mad dash to the front and start dancing. Song after song, the people get louder and happier. This band is pretty close to the Fab Four.

  “This is so freaking awesome,” she squeals.

  Chapter 3

  Roman

  We pull up to an already crowded park. Our security team is overseeing the event, but I’m not here for that. My father wants me to play nice and meet the mayor. It’s not that I have to, but his office contacted my father personally to see if we’ll be willing to be a sponsor for the event. I’m guessing they want a massive discount on the security. They don’t seem to have more than a few drunks that need to be handled and escorted out, so it’s not a big deal to me, but this didn’t require my attendance. I get a full report of this event from the staff in our debriefings which usually happen the following day, but I’m out of town until Wednesday. I suppose coming here will serve that purpose as well.

  I hate being here at all. I’m not the kind of guy who is good with crowds. I’m not agoraphobic or anything, I just don’t like people. I’ve spent the past five years doing my best to bring my father’s company into the twenty-first century. He’s had the best in old-school alpha badass mercenary type guys working for him, but now the security threats are cyber and chemical. My preference is to be behind a computer and away from the public.

  My sister has tagged along with me to have fun. She’s the one who wants to see the band. I do love the Beatles, but this isn’t them. Also, it helps deter women when they see one on your arm.

  “Roman, are you ready to live it up?” Casey asks, twirling and letting her curls bounce.

  “Not at the moment. I need to meet with the mayor. Why don’t you get us something to drink?”

  “Give me money.” She holds her hand out waiting for me to give her cash.

  “Like you don’t have your own,” I asked while pulling out my wallet.

  “It doesn’t matter.” I pull out a twenty and hand it to her. She’s a super spoiled seventeen-year-old.

  “Be careful.”

  “Really, here? First, we’re in a good area. Second, you have your men patrolling the whole park. You be careful, the women around here have definitely noticed you—and some of the guys too,” she teases, flouncing away with her money and playful attitude.

  Now, to meet with the mayor. I see him with a small crowd of suits. I hoped to catch him alone, so I plan to circle around, but it’s too late for that because he spots me and smiles like a true fucking politician. Fake as fuck. I meet up with him and give him my best bullshit grin.

  “Good evening, Mayor Windham,” I say, reaching out to shake his hand. It’s sweaty and meaty. The man looks as if he’s gone around and hit up every stand for a sample. The stains on his yellow tie say just that. I pretend not to notice and, remark on the crowd, “This year has turned out larger than ever before.”

  “Yes, it seems new people in charge of the event know how to market on the internet. By the way, thanks for coming, Mr. Wolf.” He claps my back and leads me over to the group he was standing around. They’re some of the local council people. They all ooh and aah when they learn I’m the guy they’re trying to please. The older women in the group make no bones about their interest in me more than businesslike ways. I brush off their overt flirting with I have a girlfriend. In truth I do, but she just doesn’t know it yet. I don’t care to talk, but it’s what I have to do, so I make small talk for a few minutes waiting for my cue to exit.

  Once the music comes on, I make my excuses and find my sister who is waiting for me.

  “About time, Roman. What the hell? I was about to go over there, but I didn’t know how important it was for you to do business with them.”

  “Not at all. I wish you would have. Boring as fuck and everyone looking for handouts in more ways than one. I’m a security company, but I don’t deal in securities and investments or horny old married broads.”

  “I know. Next time I’ve got your back.” She winks then moves through the crowd to get closer to the stage. I try to check on her every few minutes because I don’t want to be that close to the masses. The sun hasn’t set, and it’s hot. I’m still in the front area, but I’m sure as more people move in, I’m going to slide back further.

  And that is when my world changes. Fuck, she’s here. I send a text to her guard. He hits back that he didn’t know I would be here. Out with Casey, I text back.

  Are you okay to handle this, boss?

  Okay? She’s mine. Stay back.

  How has it come to this? When a client asks you to look after their little sister, you don’t fall for her…but that’s what I’ve done. I can’t take my eyes off of her. She’s a petite blonde in a white sundress and brown strappy sandals. Her eyes are smiling as she watches the show. I growl internally because from head to toe, she’s fucking sexy and under my protection.

  Shit, I can’t look away. The more I look, the more I want. This interest is beyond more than I can control. I need to talk to her. I want to taste her parted lips.

  I watch like a sick man with an obsession. I want to run my hands through her long golden hair and slip my hand behind her head, cupping her neck and kiss her fucking senseless. She feels me staring and artfully turns my way. She freezes instantly, and her little pink tongue slips out of her mouth wetting her suddenly dry lips. Fuck, she’s eye fucking me, loving what she’s seeing. I’ve never felt this way from one damn look. My face gives away my pleasure. I smirk, then nodded at her.

  She’s not supposed to be out of the house. At nineteen she’s legally allowed to do what she pleases, but she has a stalker who has been released from the sanitarium on good behavior and doesn’t even know it.

  I take a deep breath because I’m ready to make introductions and carry her out of this damn place. Then I feel arms slide around me. Fuck.

  Chapter 4

  Lindsay

  The energy is electric as everyone dances to the end of Twist and Shout. “Welcome Crest Hill,” the lead singer shouts and the people go wild cheering for more and then the next chords hit and everyone screams. I’m so excited as I belt out the words to We Can Work It Out.

  Katherine and I are moving our heads to the rhythm of the song just like the rest of the crowd whe
n I sense a change in the air. It’s a tingling that races up my spine, not in fear but a sense of anxious curiosity. It’s not the fear that I’ve had for years, it’s something so different. The kind of energy that pulls you toward it.

  It’s odd that I feel an overwhelming need to turn my head. I move to the music, twisting just enough to make the look seem accidental, but when I do, I see a man so handsome that my breath catches. I freeze and take him in. He’s over six feet tall with a medium build, smaller than my brother, but in no way weak looking. He has masculine written all over him. My eyes go to the long sleeve shirt he has on. It’s rolled up over his forearm, showing his natural strength. “Wow,” I whisper, ogling his chiseled face covered with a hint of scruff My body reacts in a new way, and I know damn well, I shouldn’t be welcoming thoughts of giving him all of me. He smiles just enough to let me know that he saw my visceral reaction. I blush, but the sun is setting so he probably can’t tell. At least that’s the lie I tell myself.

  I turn back to the stage and try to focus on the music and not my racing heart. I shouldn’t even be thinking about a stranger. I couldn’t trust a family friend or a high school boyfriend, but I have no qualms about wanted to know the hot guy.

  It’s not long before I have to sneak a peek and he’s still staring. His eyes are intense and focused on me. Hell, he’s so damn gorgeous that I give him a weak smile, but it instantly fades when I see a pretty woman rest her head on his arm. Fucking bullshit. Suddenly I need air even though we’re outside. Is gorgeous synonymous with asshole or what?

  I’m done with hot men. At nineteen, I need to just take a break from the opposite sex. It’s not like I’ve been anything more than kissed anyway. I’m not getting sex. It’s my fault, but it was the best decision I ever made. I would totally hate myself if I gave up my v-card to my ex. He wasn’t a virgin and blamed his cheating on the fact that I wasn’t ready to give him my cherry as he so eloquently put it. I never confessed to him that I’d been broken and nearly raped, but he didn’t deserve an explanation.

  I lean over to my bestie and shout, “I’m going to the bathroom.” She nods, and I cut out as fast as I can, looking for the potties. I easily spot them; the bathrooms are located at the field house on the far end of the park much closer to the vendors than the stage. Luckily the front of the stage is practically a mosh pit, hiding me as I make my escape. By the time I get to the bathrooms, I feel like an idiot. It wasn’t like he would have approached me. I shake it off and walk into the restroom area. I don’t have to go, but I want to look at myself. Seeing my reflection, I don’t look as crazy as I feel.

  Good. I wash my hands, then turn to walk out and run directly into his little woman. “Just the woman I was looking for,” she says. My face drops. I don’t want problems with her.

  “Excuse me?” I question, attempting to move past her, but as I’m about to a swarm of women, two with strollers come into the bathroom. They also distract the woman just enough to let me make my escape. The squeeze is tight, and I’m not going to get by easily, but I manage to get away from the man’s angry wife. Do they make men who aren’t complete douchebags anymore? Did they ever?

  I send Katherine a message as I head toward the car. I need to get away.

  Chapter 5

  Roman

  “Casey, what are you doing here? I thought you were on your way to get something to eat,” I bark out in an angry whisper.

  She tilts her head up and says, “I was, but then I saw that chick staring at you, inching closer and all. I know that usually, I back you up when it comes to these eager chicks. What's wrong?” My sister looks hurt, and I feel like a dick, but I can’t think straight. All I can think about is Lindsay was interested until she saw Casey then she ran off.

  “What's wrong is I wanted her to stare at me,” I huff out, looking around for her. I continue with my tirade, “And now she's run off thinking we're together or something.”

  “Oh shit. If you want, I can help you look for her,” she offers in contrition. I wave off in frustration.

  “No, you've done enough damage. I'll see you in a little bit.” I walk away from my sister even though I know I’m a dick right now, I have to find her. Her security detail may have given too much space because I said so which would have put her in more danger than I can fathom.

  I look around, and I can't find her anywhere it's almost as if she disappeared then and there, or I made her up. I've never seen someone so perfect as she smiled and watched the concert. I knew she had to be mine.

  I search everywhere for her but don’t see her or her guard. Then my phone chirps with a text. I take it out and see a message from Casey. She’s in the bathroom. Hurry. I see the bathroom isn’t far from where I’m standing now. I have to meet her, tell her that she’s going to be mine. I see my guard is standing post just ten feet from the entrance. Good.

  I start to make my way there, but I’m stopped by the mayor who has more fucking questions. “Excuse me. I need to get to my sister. Please email me tomorrow.”

  “Will do. Let me know if you need help finding her.”

  “Thanks, I’m good though.” I waved my phone in my hand.

  I saw my sister, but she doesn’t see me. Then I reach her, and she points toward the lot.

  “Shit,” I grumble. I march my way toward the lots on the east side of the park. And as I make my way, I call the guard closest to the lot. “I’m looking for a woman about five-four in a white dress, long blonde hair.”

  “I think I spot her, sir,” Flex says. He’s the leader of this crew working today.

  “Hold her, please.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  I pass her guard and say, “Stay back and check on the friend, but keep your distance. I’ve got her.” He nods and turns off in a slight change of direction.

  I get over there, and she’s standing next to Flex. I don’t like the way he’s got her blocked off, but at least he’s not touching her.

  “There you are,” I say, stepping to her side. She whips her head at me and narrows her eyes.

  “You’re the one stopping me from leaving?” she scolds me.

  “It pays to know people,” I remark which isn’t entirely lying.

  She narrows her eyes shooting daggers at me, and it only turns me on more. “Why? You have a woman.”

  I take her hand while she fruitlessly attempts to pull it away. I stare into her pretty eyes and then shake my head. “No, no, no. Don’t pull your hand from me just yet. She’s my pain in the ass little sister.”

  “Your sister?” She lifts her pretty well-shaped brow.

  I nod lightly. “Yes, beautiful. Now tell me your name.” I already knew more than that, but I had to pretend I didn’t. As much as I’d love to tell her the truth about it all, it’s not the time or the place.

  “It’s Lindsay.” She doesn’t hesitate to give it to me. Damn, I want to pull her into my arms and kiss her, but it’s too soon for that shit. I don’t want to scare her off.

  “I’m Roman. Let’s get back to the concert, we only have a few hours together.” I watch her face fall for a second before she hid her disappointment. I tip her chin and promise, “This isn’t a one-time thing. You’re mine. I’m out of town for two days on business. And now I’m pissed as fuck that I put it off a week.” She blushes because I figured her pretty ass out, but she’s got shit to be embarrassed about. She has no clue what her interest means to me. It makes me come off a lot less obsessive.

  “Did you come here with the chick that was standing next to you?” I ask as we make our way back to the concert area. The crowd hasn’t dispersed at all.

  “Yes, my best friend Katherine,” she answers. I forget that I’m breaking the rules because, with her, none of that matters.

  “Do you think she’ll mind if I steal you away for a few minutes?”

  “She thinks I went to the car. I shouldn’t lie, but talking can’t hurt.” She looks around nervously. I wonder if she’s worried about being out.

&nb
sp; “Are you looking for someone?”

  “No, it’s just…my brother. If he knows I’m out in a crowd, he’s going to freak.”

  “In a crowd?”

  “Yeah. He thinks I don’t know that he put a tail on me to look after me he’s mistaken. I already caught him talking to one of the guys at my graduation.” Fuck, she made my guys. It’s good and bad. That means she’s more observant of the dangers out there, but at the same time means she lives with constant fear.

  “Come on, I don’t like that look on your face. Where’s the woman with her beautiful smile shining up carefree?”

  She lowers her head and whispers, “Sorry.”

  I tip her chin because I can’t stand that I’ve made her say sorry to me. “Don’t ever apologize for your feelings, babe. I want them as real as you have them—every damn day.” I lean in, aching to kiss her but I don’t. Instead, I whisper as her body relaxes with my closeness, “I want to taste your lips and more, but today isn’t that day. I don’t know if I could leave if I did.” I step back and feel the heated blush come off her reddened face. “Let’s enjoy the show.”

  “Where’s your sister?” she asks, looking around me.

  “Up in the crowd. She loves this music.”

  “I can’t believe I made such an ass of myself acting like a ridiculous fool in front of her, you, and anyone who noticed.” She shakes her head laughing at herself.

  I bring her hand to my lips and graze them across her knuckles. “It’s not ridiculous when you know that you’ve found someone and believe they have someone else. Trust me, I understood immediately where you were coming from. That’s why I had to find you.”

  “That is a super cheesy line,” she scoffs, twisting her lips in incredulity.

  “That it is, but it’s real.” She smiles, starting to relax a little, but I want her to feel like she could tell me anything. “Let’s go enjoy the show. I know you are itching to go back over there.”