Chapter 4
She was pissed off. The color in her cheeks was high, and her shoulders were set back. But she let me take her hand and lead her across the street to the small restaurant I had noticed. We sat at a booth facing the street. When she had pulled off her apron, her hair had come loose from the ponytail it had been in and now hung in thick waves down her back. The sun caught the dark red, turning it rust and gold. I wanted to wrap it around my hand as I kissed her. Feel it splayed across my chest as she slept on me after I fucked her.
I shook my head to clear it. After a quick perusal of the menu, I ordered a roast beef sandwich and onion rings. Cherry got ham and cheese with a side of coleslaw. We both ordered coffee and water.
I told her about running into Hannah that morning, and we chatted about her and Chase and their new living arrangements. She asked about where I had lived in Toronto. I queried her about the salon. She waited until the food had arrived and we had eaten most of it before she brought up the elephant at the table with us.
“I am not your girl, Mr. Salvatore. I am too old to be anyone’s girl.”
I grinned at her indignant tone. “You prefer to be called my woman?”
“I prefer nothing of the sort. We barely know each other.”
“I want to change that.”
She looked truly flummoxed. “Why?”
I wiped my mouth and took a sip of coffee, deciding to be blunt. “You cannot deny the attraction between us, Cherry G.”
“Infatuation. It will pass.”
“I don’t think so. I want to explore it with you.”
“I’m not looking for a man.”
“I wasn’t looking for anyone either. But I found you.”
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She finished her sandwich, pushing her plate away.
“You are very high-handed.”
“Determined.”
“Bold.”
“Confident,” I countered.
“Too old to be a playboy.”
I threw my head back in laughter. “On that, we agree. I’m not a playboy. The last woman I dated was over a year ago, and she broke it off, not me. She traded me in for a much younger, richer model.”
“You live in Lomand.”
“I own a car. And a motorcycle. I’m free to come and go anytime. As are you.”
“It would be complicated.”
“Some of the best things in life are.”
She shook her head. “I’m not looking for a relationship.”
I studied her. “I know you lost your husband early in life, but something else happened, didn’t it?”
She swallowed, suddenly nervous.
“Who hurt you?” I asked.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me. I’m not them. I have no desire to hurt you. I want to know you.”
“I don’t know if I can—I mean, if I want to. Have a relationship, I mean,” she repeated, as if making sure I understood her.
I met her eyes. “So you want to just fuck?”
She blinked, startled. “No!”
I nodded, satisfied. “Then we can date.” I sat back with a grin. “Fuck, too. I can hardly wait to taste those lips of yours. Both sets.”
Once again, she opened her mouth, nothing coming from it. She shook her head as if to clear it.
“You are rude.”
“Truthful.” I leaned forward, all trace of teasing gone. “I think you’re the sexiest woman I have ever seen, Cherry Gallagher. I want you. I have from the moment I saw you. If the salon hadn’t had other people in it this morning, I would have dragged you onto my lap and taken you right there.” I sat back, our eyes still locked. “And you would have let me. You want me too.”
“You’re pretty damn sure of yourself.” She protested, but her breathing was rapid. Her pupils wide. She clutched the table as if to stop from launching herself at me.
“I know what I see.”
She stood. “Well, this time, Mr. Salvatore, you’re wrong. Thank you for lunch.”
Then she turned and ran. Literally ran away from me. I watched her rush across the street, dodging traffic. She didn’t look back, but I knew she felt me watching her.
I let her go. I had seen her number listed on the employee sheet by the cash register. I had memorized it and planned to use it. I had to grin at myself. I was acting out of character, but something about this woman made me irrational. I wanted her. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted her to know me. The real me—not the one she made up in her mind to protect herself.
I turned and headed for my car. I would see her again soon.
If not, I would come back. Cherry G was going to be a challenge.
One I was going to enjoy.
I sent her a text that night.
Me
Hey, Cherry G—it’s Dom.
The sunset reminds me of your hair. What is your favorite time of day?
Cherry
How did you get my number?
Me
The employee list by the cash register.
Cherry
That was private.
Me
Then it shouldn’t have been out where I could see it. I love evenings. Mornings are great too, but I enjoy the quiet of the evening the best. You?
Cherry
Usually. Unless I’m being bombarded with messages.
I began to laugh. I loved her spunk.
Me
I’ll leave you to your peace. We both like evenings. Another thing we have in common. Sweet dreams, Cherry G.
The next day at lunch, I sent another message.
Me
Green is my favorite color. What’s yours?
Her reply made me laugh.
Cherry
Lose my number.
Me
Unusual name for a color. Is that on the yellow spectrum? I would have thought blue was more you. Or maybe green like me.
Cherry
Silence is golden.
Me
Ah, so it is yellow, then. I can see that—your smile lights up a room.
Cherry
Stop it.
Me
But I’m just getting started. What’s your favorite ice cream? Mine is Cherry.
Cherry
Ha-ha.
Me
Come on. How can we get to know each other if you won’t answer?
Cherry
Mango. I love mango ice cream.
Me
Thank you.
Later that night, I sent another.
Me
Kindle or paperback?
Cherry
You read?
Me
Very well, actually. I learned in school. I was smart that way. I like holding a book in my hand. You?
It was a while before she responded.
Cherry
Kindle. I don’t have room to store books, so I use the e-reader. I’d love a small room to hold books, though.
Me
I’ll keep that in mind.
Cherry
For?
Me
That’s two questions you’ve asked me, Cherry G. I knew you liked this idea. And that is for me to know and you to find out. I look forward to you finding out a lot about me.
And liking it.
Cherry
Good night, Dom.
Me
Sleep well, sweet Cherry.
I grinned as I set down my phone. My plan was working.
I spotted Hannah in the garage the following week. She waved as she left, and I found Chase in the office, eating a burger she had brought him. When I explained I needed a part to finish a job, he offered to drive and pick it up. He was sure Charly would cover and assured me he would work on Saturday to make sure the office was up-to-date.
“Hannah and Cherry are doing a craft fair on Saturday. I can come in and help catch up.”
I lifted my eyebrows, a smile playing on my mouth at the welcome news. My challenging woman was proving elusive. I kept texting her, waiting for her to answer, hoping she would initiate a conversation. So far, that hadn’t worked, but she did respond to me. I counted that as progress. Last night, we had discussed pets. She loved cats. I liked dogs. When I informed her getting them together as babies would help forge a friendship, I had been met with radio silence. But I knew it got her thinking.
“Cherry’s coming for a visit?”
He grinned. “We’re going to Zeke’s to listen to the band Saturday.”
“Isn’t that interesting. I was planning on going myself.”
“Oh? You like the Broken Owls, do you?”
“One of my favorites.”
“Too bad it’s the Frozen Tundra playing, then.”
I threw back my head in laughter. “You got me. I don’t give a care who is playing. It’s who will be listening with me that I’m interested in.”
Chase laughed with me. “I never had this conversation with you.”
“Nope.”
“I’ll go talk to Charly as soon as I finish my burger.”
“I owe you.”
He chuckled. “Yep.”
I headed back to the garage and the engine rebuild I was working on.
Cherry was coming to town.
How awesome.
I spotted her the moment I walked into the bar. She sat beside Hannah, two fiery redheads, so similar, yet so different. Hannah’s hair glowed like a flame, bright and coppery. Cherry’s hair was a rich, decadent, aged-whiskey red. Darker, more auburn than the bright of her daughter’s.
Sexy as hell hanging past her shoulders, the loose waves shimmering in the light. I should be ashamed of the way I’d spoken to her the other day. The crude words I’d used. But I had wanted to shock her. See her reaction. She hadn’t disappointed. I had seen her desire, even as she tried to hide it.
Until she rushed away.
The texts were helping. I threw out all sorts of silly tidbits. Colors, foods, the kind of jeans I liked. Anything to engage. To let her see me.
I ordered a beer and took a sip, scanning the crowd. Mostly younger, but a few people my age. I nodded and greeted some familiar faces, then focused my attention where Cherry sat. I caught Chase’s eye, and he grinned, knowing what I was doing. Cherry glanced my way and froze, her shoulders going back and a dull flush settling under the skin of her cheeks. I bit back my smile and approached the table. Chase greeted me as I stopped, and I nodded in acknowledgment.
“Chase. Hannah.” I paused, focusing my attention on Cherry. “And Cherry Gallagher. What a pleasure to see you again.”
Hannah grinned at me. “Here to listen to some music, Dom?”
“I saw the flyers earlier this week when I was here.”
“Hang around the bar a lot, do you?” Cherry asked, her voice cool.
Without waiting for an invitation, I pulled out the chair next to her and swung it around, straddling it. I sat beside her, angling my body her way. I set my beer down on the table and spoke.
“They have great food here. I was having dinner after looking at a couple of houses.”
“Oh,” she murmured.
“Enjoying your visit?”
“Yes.”
I leaned closer. “I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed seeing you last week, Cherry G.”
She picked up her drink, taking a sip, ignoring me. I laughed under my breath, relishing the fact that I made her nervous.
The band stepped onstage, and Chase and Hannah got up to dance. I saw the glimmer of sadness in Cherry’s eyes as she watched her daughter, even as she smiled. Her hand fidgeted on her lap, a sign of her tension.
“They’re good together,” she murmured.
“Yes. They’re good for each other.”
“I hope he doesn’t break her heart.”
I lifted her hand to my lips, kissing the knuckles. “I think she is the one with the power to destroy him,” I observed. “Like her mother.”
Cherry’s eyes widened and she pulled her hand away, but I caught sight of her smile.
I stood, holding my palm out to her. “Dance with me.”
“I don’t—I mean, I haven’t in a long time.”
I grinned. “I bet we move together really well, Cherry G. Trust me.” I waggled my fingers.
She rolled her eyes but stood, letting me lead her to the floor. It was crowded, and we were forced to dance closely, which was fine with me. I could feel her body moving easily to the rhythmic beat. When the music slowed, I was happy to pull her into my arms and simply sway with her. I liked how she felt in my embrace. Small. Warm. Matching my steps perfectly. As if she was meant to be there.
I felt the way her breathing picked up as I tugged her closer. Smiled when she slid her hands up my arms, wrapping them around my neck. She sighed as she rested her head on my chest, and unable to resist, I trailed my hand up and down her spine, letting her silky hair brush across my skin.
We danced until the band took a break. Then we sat with Chase and Hannah, enjoying a cold drink. Our eyes kept locking, her inhibitions beginning to fade away as she sipped and relaxed. When I slid my hand over her thigh under the table, she startled, then laid her smaller one on top of mine, squeezing gently.
Conversation was easy between the four of us. It was plain to see how close the two women were. How similar. Chase stared at Hannah with utter adoration on his face. She peeked at him with the same loving expression. Cherry watched them, once again torn between delight over her daughter’s happiness and feeling a little sad. I doubted anyone else could see that. She covered it far too well.
But I saw it.
Hannah and Chase got up to dance again, and I leaned close. “Stop worrying, Mom.” I tucked a long lock behind her ear, slowly running my fingers over her lobe. “They’re good. They’re going to be fine.”
“Easy for you to say. You didn’t raise her.”
I felt the flicker of my own pain at her words, but I tamped it down. “You did an amazing job. I think they are lucky they found each other. Relationships are hard, but they’re determined.”
She pursed her lips. “You’re an expert on relationships, Mr. Salvatore? Had a few of them yourself?”
I laughed, knowing she was trying to push my buttons. “I’ve had my share.”
“Hmm.” She moved away a little.
I pulled her chair closer, speaking directly into her ear so she could hear me over the music. “I’d like to be in one now. With you,” I added, pressing a soft kiss to her lobe.
“I’m not into one-night stands, thank you.”
“It doesn’t have to be one night, Cherry. I’m not the player you want to think I am.”
“Why would I want to think that?”
“So you can justify pushing me away, when we both know you want something totally different.”
“And what is it you think I want, Mr. Salvatore?”
“Exactly what I want. To take you to my bed and make you scream my name. My first name. Repeatedly.”
She jumped back, shocked. Or turned on. I couldn’t tell. Her breathing was rapid and her color high. She stood and hurried away, heading for the ladies’ room. I finished my beer, then stood and followed. We weren’t finished with this conversation.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed. Then I shook my head. Never mind my cheeks. The pink trailed all the way down my neck to my chest. Where my heart was pumping rapidly. From annoyance.
Or something else.
The moment I’d spotted him in the bar, I tensed. Dom Salvatore had been on my mind since the day I had run from him in the restaurant. His showing up at the salon had been enough of a jolt to knock me off my feet. Cutting his hair had been the single most intimate act I’d been part of since my husband had died. Simply touching Dom was akin to an electric shock. Doing so repeatedly had thrown my entire nervous system into overdrive.
Then his coarse words at lunch. His brazenness had taken me back. Stunned me.
Delighted me in ways I never expected.
His utterly dirty words had lit a fire in me I couldn’t put out, no matter how hard I tried.
He starred in my dreams. My wet, lurid dreams. I woke up most mornings, my hand between my legs, wet and aching. Unsatisfied.
His low, raspy voice played over and again in my head.
And then there were his texts. Short little glimpses into him. Teasing, sweet, patient. Endlessly patient, even when I refused to answer. I found myself checking my phone more, hoping one of his comments or queries would be waiting for me.
And then tonight, he was here.
Looking sexy, tall, and intense in his leather jacket, his scruff thick, his eyes locked on me.
Dancing with him was like foreplay. I couldn’t recall ever feeling this way toward a man. Even Hannah’s dad. We were young, inexperienced, in love. Mike had been a tender lover, sweet in his passion.
The complete opposite of the way Dom Salvatore would be in bed.
I realized I was standing, zoning out in a public restroom, and others were waiting for their turn. I dried my hands, trying to decide what to do. Walk out and leave? Take Dom up on his invite and let him bed me for a night?
I shook my head. I couldn’t do that. I was responsible. Hannah was here. What sort of example would that set?
I ignored the laughing voice telling me Hannah was a grown woman and she was out there in the arms of her lover.
Lover.
The word alone gave me the shivers.
I tossed my hair, thinking.
Dom was sex incarnate. His penetrating looks and swagger drew attention. I saw how other women stared at him. The younger ones with daddy fantasies on their mind. Older women wondering how it would feel to have him pick them for a night.
Well, I wasn’t one of them. I hadn’t needed a man for years, and that wasn’t changing now. I was a mature woman, and I could handle a little overblown lust. I’d finish my drink and leave Hannah and Chase to enjoy their evening. Dom could find another woman.
I tamped down the jealousy that flooded my chest at the thought of him walking out the door with someone else clutching his firm bicep.
I refused to believe I could feel that way.
Hannah came in, and I waved as she hurried to an empty stall. “Chase is getting fresh drinks,” she called.
“Great.”
Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders. That was settled. One more drink and I was out of there.
Except, Dom was waiting, leaning against the wall at the far end, his arms crossed. He looked intense. Focused. Determined. Sexy.
I swallowed heavily. Really sexy.
Dammit.
Somehow, his looking like that made me angry. I needed him remote. Uncaring. Not staring at me like he was starving and I was grade A meat he wanted to devour.
I marched toward him, poking him in the chest. It was like thumping a brick. “Listen, Salvatore. I’m not interested.”
“No?” he drawled.
“No. Go away. Stop following me.”
“Maybe I’m not waiting for you.”
My anger turned to rage so bright, I felt the red of it tinge my eyesight.
“That was fast, wasn’t it?”
“But it’s what you expect, isn’t it, Cherry Gallagher? That you’ll say no, and I’ll move on and pick someone else.” He leaned down, his voice a rumble in my ear I felt all the way through my body. “Here’s the deal, though. I don’t want anyone else. You’re all I think about. Fantasize about. Constantly.”
He eased back, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “I don’t know who hurt you, but I’m not them. I’m not a player, pretty lady. And if you say no, I’ll respect that. But I think you want me as much as I want you.” He tilted his head. “But you’re used to putting yourself second. Denying yourself. Only, this time, you don’t have to.”
“I-I can’t.”
He smiled sadly. “Can’t or won’t?” He shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t matter.” In a tender move I didn’t expect, he bent and brushed his lips on my forehead. “Take care, Cherry G.” He laughed, the sound brittle. “I miss you already.”
He began to move past me, and I grabbed his arm. He stopped, looking down. “What?”
I gave in to everything I was feeling. Wanting.
Him.
I flung my arms around his neck, and I kissed him.
Jesus, her mouth. I knew it would be addictive. Despite the snappy words, the constant denials, and her bitter tone at times, I knew she’d be sweet. The perfect aphrodisiac.
She whimpered as I slid my tongue along hers. Clutched at my neck as the kiss deepened, our tongues exploring, lips devouring, and taste buds on overdrive.
I groaned as she tugged on my hair. Bent and lifted her into my arms, backing her into the wall. She wrapped her legs around me, biting at my lips. Begged me silently for more.
Which I was happy to give her.
It didn’t matter we were in a bar. In a hallway. That her daughter and my coworker were around. All that mattered was she’d finally given in. Finally let me touch her. Kiss her.
And now, I wanted more.
I pulled back, meeting her dazed eyes. “I’m taking you home, Cherry G.”
She pulled my face back to hers. “Tell me what you’re going to do to me,” she begged in a quiet whisper.
“I’m going to fuck you. Claim you. Make love to you. I’m going to take you hard. Then slow. Then both. I’m going to ruin you for anyone else.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “Tell me that I can.”
“Yes. Oh God, yes.”
“And it’s not only going to be tonight,” I promised. “Once we do this, you’re mine. You understand me? I don’t share. Ever. And especially you.”
She rolled her hips into me, and I fisted her hair, kissing her again. “Patience, pretty lady. You do that again, and all bets are off. We need to get somewhere private. I want to take my time with you.”
“Take me home, Dom. Please.”
A slow grin pulled at my lips. “You said Dom.” I kissed her hard. “You’ll be screaming it soon.”
I lowered her feet to the floor, holding her until she was steady. I smoothed her hair back, smiling down at her. “You’re a mess.”
“So are you.”
“Do you care?”
“No.”
I took her lips again. “We’re heading right out. Okay?”
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “We have to try to act natural around Hannah. I don’t want her to think?—”
I covered her mouth with mine again. “Too late, lady. She’s gonna know.”
Then I tugged her behind me, heading to the table. Chase and Hannah were staring at us, Hannah’s eyes wide with shock as she took in her mother’s disheveled appearance. I wasn’t trying to hide my erection either. I couldn’t.
I stopped at the table, grabbing Cherry’s purse and my jacket. “We’re going for coffee,” I said, my voice deep and rough. I looked at Hannah. “Don’t wait up.”
Cherry looked at her daughter, wide-eyed and blushing. “Just coffee,” she called over her shoulder. “I’ll be home soon.”
I laughed loudly. “Don’t count on it!” I yelled back.
She’d be lucky if I let her go at all.