They fell into step behind a tall young man. He led them behind the dividing wall where they ascended a spiral staircase with beautiful scroll work in the iron railing. The room at the top was small and cozy with a picture window showcasing a perfect view. Music played low in the background.
The waiter left promising to return promptly.
It was even better than she expected. But a hundred questions ran through her mind. How does the hostess know him? Does he come here often? How many women has he brought here? Did he think she was special? Or like Edna’s boyfriend said, did he want and expect payback?
“Nealy,” she heard her name a little louder than normal.
“Oh, sorry,” she blushed.
“Something wrong?”
“It’s just a little overwhelming.”
“Relax. Just you and me. Eat. Talk. No expectations.”
She blushed again and looked at her lap.
“I eat here on occasion. Alone.”
Well, there it was. Could he read her mind? Was she that transparent?
“What do you suggest,” she asked changing focus from her.
“Want me to order?”
“I would like that very much.”
He nodded. “Enjoy the view and talk?” He gestured to the window seat.
“Okay.”
The waiter returned with drinks, took their order, and was off again.
Nealy removed her sweater and folded it over the back of her chair. She sat at an angle to see the lake and crossed her legs. Brick sat opposite her with a knee bent on the seat so he could face her.
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
She laughed. She learned earlier he wasn’t much on talking. Short and to the point. He didn’t care for small talk either.
“Well, I don’t know what you think you know about me.”
His smile lit up his eyes.
She had rarely seen him smile, but this one was different. Like a kid let loose in a candy store. She liked it.
“You’re twenty-eight, an only child, come from a wealthy family, but you left home and moved here a couple years ago. You like yoga. Have only a few friends, although you are very trusting.” He narrowed his eyes.
She wrinkled her nose at him knowing what he referred to.
He continued, “You like to bake and you can’t cook. You graduated top of your class in business but work as a bank teller. Never been married and no kids. Independent. Bold. Stubborn.”
“Stubborn? You think I'm stubborn?”
“You don't understand NO.”
“Only when I'm right.”
“Stubborn.”
“Okay, you already know everything somehow. Nothing else to know. I lead a routinely simple life. Nothing exciting. But it's my life and I live it as I want.”
“I pay attention, but I don’t know why.”
“Why?”
“Why here? Why major in business if you don’t like it? Why are you alone?”
“I majored in business to be efficient in running charities because Mother believes everyone should have a charity. That’s also why I left. She is so involved that it controlled our lives. She loves being seen and feeling important. She’s all about image. School, come home, change clothes, and attend some charity function. It slowly took over our lives. We had no family time. No private time. I wanted a life of my own. I want a family to spend time with and enjoy the important things. The little things. And when the right man proposes, I won’t be alone anymore.”
She took a deep breath. “And, I’m learning to cook, just not very quickly or very well.”
He actually laughed at that.
It was nice to see him relaxed.
“I can’t believe you’re alone,” she told him. “Any children?”
His smile vanished and eyes dimmed, “No.”
“I didn’t mean to touch a nerve you don’t…”
He cut her off. “No. You can ask anything. Never found a female worth anything. Dated once. Turned out like the rest. Cold-hearted and evil. Damn sure don’t want that raising any child of mine. Discovered females love money. Most take money over everything. So, I had no problem herding women to the club to make money.”
He quieted and studied to her. He did not see disgust as he expected. What he did see stunned him: understanding. He saw understanding in her eyes.
“I’ve met one woman with a heart. Zander’s ole lady. I watched her close, waiting for the greed and evil to come out. Sure, I scared her, but didn’t care. Didn’t want him going through that. He's been good to me. Gave me a family when I needed one.”
“What happened to her?” the question came out slowly not sure if she should ask.
“She finally asked for something he wouldn't give her.”
She laid her hand on his. Their fingers caught as he flipped his hand over.
“You have a kind heart,” he said. “It radiates from you like sunshine.”
“Brick.”
“Jethro.”
Nealy wrinkled her brows.
“Jethro T. Jackson.”
She smiled.
“What's the T for?”
“Nothing. Just T.”
“Strong name. Like you,” she paused.
“Why do they call you Brick?”
After moments of silence he answered. “Don't much take to people. Met King. Became hang arounds. He joined right in starting as much shit as he could. I stayed outta things ‘til time to put a stop to it. They called me the brick wall.”
“So he's the wild card. You’re dependable.”
“Never been put that way.”
Her eyes sparkled.
“I have to admit I was a little uneasy that first night I saw you sitting in front of the clubhouse.”
“I know.”
“Until I got close enough to see your eyes. They were kind. But...”
His eyebrows rose when she paused.
“I have seen those eyes turn cold.”
He nodded.
“When you're like that, I can understand how you got your name. You two always been close?” she asked him.
He shook his head. “Met on the road. No home. No ties. Ran into the club and just clicked.”
“Seems you have a good family now.”
He nodded.
The food came and he escorted her to the table. A small distressed wooden table with a centerpiece of greenery and candles with a rose. He pulled out her chair and seated her before sitting across from her. The waiter placed their dishes and lit the candles before he disappeared again.
Dinner was wonderful. The food was delicious and the company was perfect. They laughed and shared stories. They learned a lot about each other but more importantly learned something about themselves.
Nealy had never felt this free to be herself with anyone.
Brick found himself talking more than he ever had in his life. He had never been accepted as himself like this.
Each discovered a true feeling of belonging and acceptance.
“Anything else I can do for you tonight sir?” The waiter stood next to Brick after their meals were completed and cleared.
“Please let the chef know the meal was superb.”
“Yes sir, I will.”
Brick pulled folded bills from his vest and extended his arm. The waiter stared at the money then cocked his head to Brick.
“But, sir, you don’t…”
“That’s for you, Luke. Appreciate you here tonight.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you, sir,” he beamed and shoved the tip in his pocket.
“See the balcony?” Brick extended his hand to Nealy.
She placed her hand in his. “Would love to.”
Their fingers entwined as he led her down a short hallway through a door.
“Oh, Brick! This is amazing.” The trees sparkled and reflected on the water. A hum of conversations below was mostly masked by low playing music. She stood at the railing feeling the magical surroundings.
&
nbsp; He stood behind her, memorizing the scene before him. He had stood on this very balcony many times and witnessed this view. Tonight it all seemed new. She brought a magic to the place he had only heard others mention but never experienced himself, until now. His heart warmed as unfamiliar feelings washed over him. All he could manage was to hold tight to the moment.
“You have plans?” His voice heavy.
“Plans?” She questioned without moving.
“Life.”
“I would love to have a family of my own one day.”
“Hmmm.”
“What's your life plan?” She tipped her head up to watch his face.
His eyes fell on hers. “Never had a plan. Just live day to day.”
He spun her slowly in his arms without losing sight of her hypnotic eyes, settling his hands on the curve of her hips. His hand brushed a lock of hair from her face. Silk. It felt like silk gliding across his fingers.
She closed her eyes and melted into his touch. Her heart raced. She opened her eyes to see his darkening. Her breath caught.
His gaze roamed from her eyes to her lips and back. Slowly he leaned until his lips softly brushed hers.
Her eyes drifted shut as she opened for him.
He deepened the kiss, caressing her tongue. Her lips. She tasted sweet. So sweet he knew he’d never get enough.
A soft moan escaped her as she leaned into him. Her hands slid up his muscled arms over hard shoulders to rest at his neck.
Warmth began pooling low in her belly and need filling his. His hands left her sides and slid around her slim waist to her back, pulling her body firmly against his.
The world around them disappeared. He pulled back, breathing heavily, and rested his head against hers.
“Should get you home,” his voice rough.
She couldn't speak. Only nod.
He wrapped his arm around her and guided her back through the door to the private room. He lifted her sweater from the chair back and placed it around her shoulders.
She leaned in and wrapped her arms around his waist and rested against his chest.
When he sensed her breath slow, he leaned over the table to the vase and slid the rose from it. Breaking his hold on her, Brick placed the flower in Nealy's hand. He tasted her lips again then led her outside.
At the bike, he took a black bandana from his bike and gently tied it around the delicate flower.
For the ride back to her car Nealy rested against his back, both arms tight around his waist. The covered rose secured under her hands against his stomach.
He followed her home and parked his bike next to her car, dismounted, and opened her car door.
She tangled her fingers with his as they approached her front door.
“You can come in.”
“Bad idea.”
“Why's that a bad idea?”
He grinned into her tempting eyes and leaned in for another taste. He pulled her tight as he moved closer pressing his manhood to her belly.
Her eyes popped open wide. “Oooooh.”
He chuckled and brushed her lips again.
“Should go.”
He didn't want to go. But he would. He knew she wasn't ready yet. He had waited this long; he could wait until she realized she belonged to him. Then there would be no turning back.
She squeezed him tight.
“Phone.”
She dug in her bag and pulled it out.
He took it and punched numbers then hit send and his phone buzzed. He ended it and placed it in her hand.
“Anytime. Anything. I’m here.”
Minutes later, Nealy stood at her bar with the perfectly shaped red rose. Wax paper and heavy books sat in front of her. Everything needed to press and preserve it. It had been such a perfect night. Spontaneous. Romantic. Exciting. A night she would always cherish.
Brick was a perfect gentleman.
Nealy smiled, running her finger over the rose.
Brick. Rough and tough outside; gentle and sweet inside. Something she never doubted.
* * *
That weekend the club hosted a grand opening for their bar, so Brick was not able to see Nealy. He did, however, text or call often. Still a man of few words his messages were short and to the point.
“Home?”
“Yes. I’m here all locked up.”
“Good.”
She shared everything. What she did not inform him of was the car watching her when she came home from yoga class, sitting in the shadows facing her house. She would have if only she had known.
* * *
Nealy sat at the picnic table tucking her hair behind her ears as she searched the tree for the singing birds hidden in the leaves. She grabbed her napkin as it tumbled across the table and picked up her lunch box. As usual she received a creepy phone call shortly after returning to work.
“You look lovely today. See you later.”
Nealy shivered and hang up. The occasional calls were now daily.
The next day Nealy was zipping her lunch bag as Edna walked in the break room, “Tell me something good to get me through this day.”
Before she could reply the receptionist barged in. “Nealy, Mrs. Tedditon wants to see you. Now.” She sneered.
Nealy and Edna looked at each other. What had she done? The manager had been in a mood today. And Taylor, the receptionist, knew every button to push to encourage that mood.
Taylor stood, arms crossed, tapping her foot while Nealy put her lunch bag on the counter and threw her trash away.
She followed Taylor out of the break room and knocked on Mrs. Tedditon's door.
“Come in.”
She pushed the door and stepped into a very tidy office. Two chairs sat facing a large wooden desk. Family photos of children and grandchildren covered the walls.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, have a seat.”
She perched on the edge of a luxurious overstuffed chair. Her back straight, knees together, as she tugged the hem of her blue skirt down.
“It has come to my attention that you are getting personal phone calls during work hours. An excessive amount.” The bank manager gauged her reaction from across the desk.
Nealy made no reply. She had been getting calls, personal calls, anonymous calls.
“Although, I have not seen a lack in your work, the calls must stop.” She rose and circled the desk. “If not, I will have to let you go.”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand.” She stood to leave as the intercom sounded.
“Mrs. Tedditon.”
“Yes?”
“Nealy has a phone call on line one.”
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Tedditon glared at Nealy with tight lips. “You will be on speaker. Tell them they must stop calling.” She reached across her desk and pulled the phone closer, pushed buttons and turned to Nealy, extending her hand toward the phone.
“This is Nealy.” Her answer was slow as she leaned closer to the desk.
“You can’t hide from me.” A low and eerie male voice came over the speaker sending chills down her spine.
“What do you want?” Knowing he never acknowledged her questions she didn't expect an answer.
“You’ll know soon enough.”
“If you keep calling, I’m going to lose my job.”
He laughed. “Excellent. You should know how that feels.”
Nealy closed her eyes and sighed. He would never stop calling.
“I’ll call you later,” he whispered before the line went dead.
She slowly raised her head to see the older woman's bulging eyes and open mouth.
“Is this the person calling every day?” her voice sounded unusually high.
She nodded, “Yes ma'am. Every day just after my lunch break,” she paused before asking. “May I finish the day out? I don’t know how to stop them.”
“Have you contacted the authorities?”
“They say they can’t control phone calls. And I haven’t been p
hysically threatened. So, there is nothing they can do.” Nealy stood and faced her boss.
“You go back to work and don’t fret. I'll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Tedditon followed Nealy out of the office. “Route all of her calls to me from now on.” She instructed Taylor.
“Yes ma’am,” popped eagerly from her as she sneered toward Nealy.
“Everything okay?” Edna asked as Nealy rounded the teller counter.
“I don't know. I may lose my job over those calls I get.”
“Those calls are surely some infatuated customer who doesn’t have the balls to talk to you in person.”
“Maybe. How did she find out? I haven’t let them stop my work. I mean, he calls, hangs up, and that's it. It's not like we sit and chat for a while.”
“My guess is a certain spoiled receptionist who didn’t like being brushed off by a sexy biker.”
She tilted her head. “What?”
“It’s true. I saw the whole thing. She made a move on your man and he didn’t give her the time of day.”
Chapter Ten
Ping.
Nealy picked up her phone and read.
“Hey, Sweet. Weekend plans?”
“Meeting parents tomorrow night. You’re welcome to come.”
“Not gonna crash. You visit.”
“Something’s up. They insisted I must be there.”
“Where?”
“Brick House.”
“Need me, call. Will be close.”
* * *
Nealy followed the shaded drive to the car filled lot. She pulled in an empty space turned off the key and dropped it in her purse. And sat. She stared at the massive building and wondered what was so special about tonight? Her parents refused to travel to visit since they learned how she lived. Why now? Why here?
She shook the questions from her mind. Appearances. Her mother chose this particular place to make a statement.
A familiar vehicle pulled into a space near her. Her parents had arrived.
Nealy pulled in a deep breath and blew it out slowly as she stepped from her car. She rolled her shoulders and raised her chin.
“Nealy,” her mother hugged her.
“My baby girl,” her father also hugged her. “You look good. Happy.”
“I am happy.” She took his arm as they walked toward the building. “I met someone special.” She leaned into him so only he could hear.
Brick Solid (Voodoo Troops MC Book 1) Page 7