by Fox, Nicky
“Well, will you at least tell me all about it? It sounded pretty spectacular from the other side.” There’s a gleam in her eyes. Evie freakin’ lives for dirty details like this. I throw the pillow I’m lying on at her. It hits her square in the face and I can’t help but giggle. “You’re the jerk.”
She tosses the pillow at me. I throw it right back because I have pretty good reflexes and then I grab another one to lob at her. Soon, we’re having a full-on pillow fight in my room.
“Holy shit,” I hear from the doorway and I get smacked on the side of the face with a pillow while my attention is diverted. Jake is hastily trying to get his phone out of his pocket and then he’s aiming it at us. “Fucking hot-as-hell pillow fight. Continue please, ladies. Don’t let me stop you. Pretend I’m not here,” he whispers. I give him a death glare. Evie seems oblivious and falls on my bed, laughing. “Dang, babe. I was really digging that. I don’t think I got one pillow in the shot.” She flips him off and eventually Jake slinks off to the kitchen to find something to snack on, like he usually does when he visits. Although, he could be waiting around the corner to see if we go at it again. Perv. What is it with men and everything turning them on?
I lie next to her on my small twin bed.
“Your boyfriend seems nice.”
Groaning, I roll over to face her. “Mick is not my boyfriend.”
She observes me for a moment, her eyes watching me closely and waiting for me to break my silence. Evie casually looks away, like she doesn’t believe me.
“Huh. Okay, whatever you say. He’s a pretty fine male specimen, Maggie. I mean, with that uniform and everything, I’m not surprised you’re not just eating him up. And the sound of him doing you against the front door . . .” She trails off, fanning herself.
“He still hasn’t whipped out his dick yet. I don’t know what it is. It’s like he wants me to say we’re boyfriend and girlfriend and then he’ll give me his big stick. What kind of shit is that? I mean, really,” I say, somewhat appalled. Evie nods her agreement.
“Yeah, Jake didn’t give me his dick right away either. Men can be so frustrating.”
“Uh, yeah. I can hear you. Don’t talk about my dick, please!” Jake shouts from down the hall. Evie just giggles.
“He usually likes it when I talk about his dick,” she whispers and wiggles her eyebrows. I can’t help but laugh at her. It’s good to have Evie back home for a bit. I haven’t realized how much I’ve missed her. I lean my head next to hers, feeling confused about the whole Mick situation. She rubs my arm lightly and it comforts me to where I sigh.
“I like him. I’m just not good at being someone’s girlfriend,” I tell her. She halts her ministrations and glances at me, concern etched into her stiff brows.
“Yeah, you’re good at keeping people at a distance. Maybe it’s time you let your guard down and allow a guy to show you a good time. You can’t keep your heart locked up for ever. Life is about taking risks. You’ll never fly if you’re always worried about falling. And it’s time for you to finally fly, Maggie. Take that leap. Open your heart. Fall in love. Forget your fears and don’t be afraid to fall. Girl, can’t you see that Mick is worth it all?”
I can usually have a good time without having to let my guard down but I see what she’s trying to tell me. Maybe with Mick, it would be worth it to try to have a relationship. Evie grunts and she slowly sits up, patting me on my knee like I imagine a mom who just had a talk with her daughter would do.
“I got to go. I just came to get a few things. Give me a call if you need anything, okay?”
“Okay.” I smile lightly, pondering Evie’s sound advice. She exits my room and I listen to her rummaging through the bathroom. After a quick goodbye, she’s out the door with Jake.
Geez. What the hell am I going to do about this guy? Can I forget my fears and finally open my heart to what could be something meaningful for once? Can I risk it all for love?
The next day is a busy day in the shop. We have back-to-back customers. I can hardly look up from cutting hair and painting nails. No donut stop this morning. After scarfing down a cheeseburger in the back, I’m wondering about Mick. I haven’t seen him around today and he never gave me a time when our supposed date was, so I continue to work my day as usual. Then, a guy I recognize comes waltzing into the shop. Ugh. It’s Mick’s jerk partner. The one who called me fat.
“Hey, sweetie. I’m needing a haircut. Can you fit me in?” His gut bounces over his belt and I can hear his heavy breathing from where I’m standing. Even Barret gives him the stink eye. I’m almost done with the woman in my chair but I don’t want to take on that asshole. I plead with my eyes for Barret to take him. He nods and dusts off his chair. Technically, his shift is over, but he’s doing me a real solid. I’ll have to bring him his favorite coffee tomorrow.
“I can take you over here, sir. Unfortunately, Maggie is all booked up today.” Barret smiles brightly. God bless him. The officer looks between him and me with a sneer and then huffs down into the seat. I cannot deal with his rude ass today. Although, just because he’s in Barret’s chair doesn’t mean I don’t feel his eyes on me or see him checking me out every five seconds. It gets pretty old and I feel almost violated by his obvious appreciation. Which is ridiculous, because he did call me fat. Douche canoe.
“I’m Officer Richards, or you can call me Carl, darlin’.”
Gag. I give him a nice enough smile and sweep up my station since I’m finished with my last client. Sadly, I couldn’t blow her hair dry any longer. I think her neck was starting to get raw from all the heat. Keeping my head down, I hope Barret can cut Carl’s hair quickly enough and get this guy out of here. He makes me uncomfortable. This would be a great time for Mick to show up. I peek out the window, but don’t see his truck in the parking lot. I sag against my broom as Barret sends me an apologetic look. He knows I’m expecting Mick.
“So, what are you doing later?”
Is this guy for real? Did he forget he called me fat, and now he’s asking me out? What an asshole. He has to know that I’m dating his partner, right?
“Umm, well, your partner”—I stress those words while looking directly at him—“Mick, is supposed to pick me up for a date. He should be here soon.”
The man doesn’t even flinch. He shrugs his shoulders as if this is old news. Barret cleans up his sideburns with a razor, undeterred from his goal of getting this asshole out of his chair. The man grunts but doesn’t break eye contact in the mirror. I shiver at his stare and begin the steps to close the salon.
“Huh, that’s odd. He hasn’t mentioned you at all. Well, if he shows up, have fun.”
If he shows up? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Those are the words of a jealous man.
I have to give Barret some credit, he does a super fast haircut on the guy and within fifteen minutes, Officer Richards is paying at the register. I hide out in the back until I get the all-clear from Barret that he’s gone.
“Damn. I hate that guy,” I say while heading toward the door to switch the sign from open to closed. “He’s so slimy. If he shows up.” I mimic his gruff voice. “Do you think that’s true, that Mick hasn't mentioned dating me at all to him?”
Barret rolls his eyes from the chair he has dropped into. “No, of course not. Mick kissed you in front of everyone in the salon, honey. I don’t think he’s keeping it a secret.” He whirls in the chair, tilting his head back. I love how carefree Barret is and wish I could be more like him. He doesn’t seem to worry about much. I feel like I worry about everything. “I’ll stay until Mick arrives. How’s that? Plus, I want to make sure you’re not alone to lock up again. That scared me, girl.”
He rises from his perch and grabs me in a great bear hug. I can’t help but feel a little cheered up from his attitude toward things.
I hear a light tapping coming from the front door. When I peek over, I see Mick patiently waiting with his hands in his jean pockets. His eyes land on mine and he smiles brightly. D
amn. I love that smile. My legs have trouble functioning correctly but I’m able to make it to the door and unlock it for him.
“Hey.” Mick pops his head in between the doors and lands a big smooch on my mouth.
“Hey.” I giggle.
“Aww, you two are adorable.”
I turn back toward Barret, giving him the stink eye. I can’t even be that annoyed though. He’s here. Mick is taking me out on another date and I can’t wait to see what he has in store this time. Hopefully, his handcuffs will come out to play again and maybe his big stick.
12
Mick
I’m nervous. I’ve decided to take Maggie to my place. It’s not real romantic but I want her to know where I live, and that’s what boyfriends do, right? I’m thinking a “Netflix and chill” kind of night. It’s important to me she sees where I live and maybe even lie on my bed for a while. Her scent alone on my sheets would be heaven. My dick gets rock hard and I have to adjust myself in the seat while I drive.
I imagine our Netflix and chill to be more PG-13 though—some stuff over the clothes, with fondling. Then maybe I’ll go down on her again and take her home like a gentleman.
Maggie is unusually quiet. “Everything okay?”
She looks over at me as if she’s been broken out of a trance. “Yeah . . .” Maggie’s face scrunches up with a look of distaste and then seems to come to a decision. “Your partner came in the salon today for a haircut,” she murmurs.
“Carl came in there? That’s weird. He didn’t mention it to me.” She shrugs as if it’s no big deal but I can tell it bothers her. “Did he say something?”
If he called her a name, I’m going to have to beat his ass, partner be damned.
“No, it was nothing.” The tone of her voice says it was something, but I’ll leave it at that for now. I don’t want Carl ruining our night. “So, where are we going?” She gazes out the windshield, changing the topic. I’m happy for the change though.
“I was thinking I’d take you to my place and I’d cook you dinner.”
Maggie gawks at me for a moment and then finally closes her mouth. “You know how to cook?” she asks and I chuckle at her surprise.
“Well, I know how to make spaghetti. That’s about it, but it’s something, right?” I
t’s difficult to keep my hands at ten and two when Maggie looks so beautiful sitting next to me in the truck. She’s wearing a tight pair of black pants and a soft white cotton billowy top that cinches in right at her luscious breasts. I’m practically drooling at her cleavage. Her hands are folded in her lap and she seems a bit more relaxed than when we first left her shop.
“Sounds perfect.” Maggie smiles. I love her smiles, especially when they’re directed at me.
We pull up to the house and she seems stunned. I know most singles live in apartments, so my house probably throws her for a loop. I proudly run over to the other side of my truck and open the door for her like the gentleman my mama raised me to be. She grabs my hand as she steps out and I don’t let her go.
Just in case Travis is inside and hasn’t left for the evening, I want to get in one good kiss before we go inside. Cupping her head and leaning in, I capture her sweet mouth with mine. My tongue meets hers and she tastes like apricots, which makes me think of another area that tastes like sweet like fruit too.
We begin a hot little make out session against my car. I have her pinned and I don’t realize I’m grinding my hips into her until she gasps in my mouth at the friction. Breaking away from the kiss to catch my breath, I am in a bit of a daze under this stunning woman’s spell. “You look beautiful tonight.” She really looks beautiful every night, but I need to tell her often.
“Thank you.” As Maggie looks at me with those big eyes and her eyelashes batting, I get a pain my chest. I feel this ache every time I’m around her. A physical ache from her beauty. I pull her hand and lead her to the front porch. If we stay outside any longer, I may just shove her in the truck and whip my rock-hard cock out. That probably wouldn’t go over very well. “Your house is very nice. I’m impressed.”
It pleases me that she likes it. “You haven’t seen the inside yet. It’s just me and Travis, and I’m sure it looks like your typical bachelor pad inside. I think I need Evie’s design expertise to show my place some love.” I stop on the front porch and insert the key into the lock.
“Oh, right. I remember you mentioned him on our first date.” I nod, opening the door for her. Of course Travis is here and he’s on his damn treadmill. How romantic. His sweaty body permeates the living room and I glance over to Maggie to make sure she’s not offended. She smiles brightly at Travis. He seems oblivious to us until I slam the door. I did mention to him I was bringing Maggie here tonight. I thought he’d get the hint and go out for the night.
Travis notices us then. He pulls off his headphones and slows down his treadmill until it finally stops. “Oh, hey. Sorry, I forgot the time.” He looks at his large black sports watch on his wrist. “Damn. It is late. Here, let me get out of your hair.” Grabbing the towel on the rack of the machine, he hops off.
“Oh, you don’t have to quit on our account.”
He wipes his hand down his face with the towel. “No, I needed to stop a while ago. I just got in the zone. I have plans, but thank you.”
He eyeballs me, which I know means he’s sorry. I shrug my shoulders and lead Maggie into the kitchen.
“Oh, wow. This is really nice.” Her hand swipes along my stainless steel refrigerator.
“Thanks. I bought this as an investment property and if I want to resell it for a decent profit, it needs to have updated appliances, which I’d like to use before I have to move out.” I laugh. I don’t plan on moving anytime soon though. I really like this area, and Travis and I got a good thing going here. Sharing the cost with him allows me to afford this nice place. I try and be smart about my money. Police officers make an okay living but I never want to have to worry about it.
“Later, man!” Travis calls out.
“See ya,” I call back. The front door closes and then Maggie and I are alone.
As I set the ingredients out to make spaghetti, Maggie watches me from a barstool on the other side of the counter. “Do you need any help?”
I know Maggie doesn’t really cook, but for her to offer is sweet.
“I’ve got this,” I say. “It’s as easy as boiling water.”
“Yeah, well. I’ve burned eggs boiling water, so . . .” She laughs that sweet sound and I can’t help but smile. Maggie makes every room she’s in brighter. This feels good having her in my home. I watch her as I work. Her eyebrows scrunch with concentration and her pert little nose wiggles now and then as the aroma of the sauce fills the kitchen. She licks her lips in anticipation of the food I’ve prepared. Steam from the water boiling the noodles hits my face. Dinner is almost done.
After I grab two plates and silverware, she sets the small table while I dish out the noodles in a large bowl. “Dinner is served.” I display the food I cooked proudly. She humors me and claps in her seat. “What would you like to drink?”
When I offer her wine, she accepts. For the first time in my life, I want to really impress a woman and show her I can take care of her. I know Maggie has had to do a lot of that on her own by the talks we’ve had about her shit parents and finally being relinquished to her grandmother. I want her to know she can depend on me. We fix our spaghetti the way we like. I like tons of sauce and, apparently, Maggie likes a lot of parmesan cheese on hers.
With every date and every moment I spend with her, I get these little nuggets of information that make me like her even more. I’ve always doubted love at first sight, but now I’m a believer. From the moment I saw Maggie, something inside me clicked. Something that said that stunning beauty—inside and out—could be my person. Yes, it’s fast, but I’m really falling for this girl. Maybe it’s too soon, but my heart aches with love for her. I’m in deep and I know she’s not there yet. Maybe she won’t e
ver get there, but at least I go after what I want. If anything, I know I’ll never regret a moment with her.
“That was delicious. Thank you. A guy’s never made me dinner before.”
I puff my chest out. Those other guys she dated are dicks then. “You’re welcome. Are you ready for a movie?” I ask as I bring the dishes to the sink.
“I can help you do dishes.” She gets up as if I’d let her do the dishes on our date. I roll my eyes and grab her hands, leading her to my bedroom. The dishes can wait. My hands sweat with the anticipation of seeing this stunning goddess in my bed.
“Oh, this is nice. And it smells good. Like you. Two thumbs up.” I chuckle at her assessment. Then she surprises me by bounding in and jumping on my bed, tucking herself at the last moment to land on her back. I can’t help but laugh and shake my head at her. She’s something else. I lean on the door with my arms crossed and just watch her giggle on my bed. “That was fun. Well, are ya comin’?”
She pats the seat next to her. It’s going to be one long movie.
We snuggle on my queen-size bed. It’s a small room with no chairs, so we have nowhere to go but this bed. Just a large dresser and a TV stand on the opposite side of the bed. I’m a simple man. Everything but the furniture in this room is blue—gotta represent the force. I’m weird, I guess. I like matching my uniform to my room. Maggie doesn’t seem to mind. I grab the remote off the end of my bed and turn on the TV.
“What do you want to watch?” I flip through the different genres on the homepage and she “hmm’s” on each movie I scroll through. When I land on the movie, Speed, she nods emphatically. I can dig that. It’s even a cop movie. We settle in and begin to watch Keanu kick ass.