Chapter 11
Eleven
GRAYSON
Darcie hummed along as she restocked filters in the supply room, shaking her butt as she rocked to the tune. The short shorts she wore made my dick hard every time I looked at her, imagining my hands on her. I fully understood why Bubba had struggled to have her around him all day. She was an unintentional dick tease.
Or maybe it was intentional. With Darcie, it was hard to say.
She was a whirlwind of energy, floating around in a cloud of sunshine. I hadn’t wanted to admit how right Cowboy had been. She was perfect for us.
She didn’t let me get away with my shit and liked to play just as much. She was sweet and soft with Cowboy and pushed Bubba to get out of his head. She was dynamite wrapped in a blonde package that I, for one, couldn’t wait to unwrap.
Any potential burns would be worth it.
“You like to sing?” I asked, realizing I wanted to get to know her. Not just her body but her soul.
Okay, that was deep, and I was starting to weird myself out.
Thankfully, Darcie didn’t seem to notice as she spun, a grin on her face.
“Not really. Just for fun. I’m more into the dance side of things.”
Eyebrows lifting, I leaned forward, intrigued. Dancing was a passion of mine. It was why I was taking her tonight. It showed a side of me I liked the most.
“What kind of dancing?” I asked.
“All kinds. I worked at the Wild Horse Saloon, so for the past few years, it’s mostly been line dancing, but I can do a range of things. Just not ballet or tap, and hip hop isn’t my strongest.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “And here I thought I was smooth asking you to go dancing, prepared to show you all my best moves.”
“Who says you still can’t? I’m interested in what you consider your best, Pretty Boy.”
Heat rose in me, the desire to show her right now strong.
“Speaking of tonight,” she hedged, giving me a wink. “Would it be possible to stop and get some different clothes? I only have about three outfits, and you’ve seen them already.”
“If I’m doing things right, there won’t be much need for clothes,” I teased.
Her ears turned red, and I liked that I could affect her as much as she did me.
“Hm, that sounds tempting, but I’m trying not to get arrested for the time being, so perhaps some clothes to start would be wise.”
“Fine. You win,” I said, chuckling. “There are a few places we could go on lunch if you wanted?”
“Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you, Grayson.”
She smiled in a way that made it feel like it was only for me. I knew I was in trouble if I was already feeling this way after only a few days—like she could be the one.
“I’m done with the restocking. Want me to take a look at the online system?” she asked.
I cringed, worried she’d think differently of me if she saw the office. “Um, sure. Just know it’s a work in progress.”
I stood up and walked her through the shop, the guys stopping to watch her walk by. I narrowed my eyes at them, warning them all to knock it off. Brooks stood and blocked their view as well, his usual calm demeanor overridden by his need to shield her.
“Whoa, okay, I see what you mean. You sure this is your office?” she teased, turning her head back toward me.
I cringed, rubbing the back of my neck. My face felt warm, so I tried to play it off.
“Yeah, well, contrary to popular belief, I don’t bring girls here.”
Her face fell, and I realized my mistake. “Shit, I don’t mean I bring girls back to the house. That’s a rule, actually. I was just trying to play off my messiness when it’s not my stuff. Bills and order forms aren’t my forte, so they kind of pile up until I’m forced to deal with them. Brooks put in a fancy system, but I’m not great at using it.”
“Ooo, a project!” She smiled, clapping her hands, the earlier sadness dissipating.
I sighed in relief. I needed to remember that my games didn’t work with Darcie. She wanted my truth. It wasn’t something I’d ever given a person outside of the Brotherhood. While that was scary within itself, it also felt worthwhile.
In the few days I’d known her, she’d shown me I was more than just a “pretty boy” to her.
“Have at it. If you can make sense of this mess, I’ll buy you all the clothes you could want.”
She raised her eyebrows, a smirk playing on her lips. “That’s a challenge I can get behind. You might regret that; I love a good organizational project.”
I showed Darcie the system and what the logins were, then shut the door behind me, walking back out into the garage. The men stopped talking as they watched me. I took a bet in my head who’d be the first to say something. Ten seconds later, I wasn’t wrong.
“So, what’s the deal with the blonde?” Rodger asked.
I debated what to say. I knew it might be presumptuous to call her mine, but I didn’t want any of these fools thinking they had a chance, either.
“She’s off limits. Let’s leave it at that,” I said, glaring at all the guys.
Rodger tossed his hands, smirking as he returned to the engine he was working on. The other guys followed suit, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. Brooks sauntered over, chuckling as he neared.
“You think that’s going to work?” he asked.
“If it doesn’t, they’ll regret it,” I growled. The thought of one of them being with Darcie made my anger boil. I’d only kissed the girl, and I was already possessive as fuck.
“How’s it going, otherwise?” he asked.
“Good, I think. She seems to believe she’ll be able to make heads and tails of my system. I promised to buy her clothes in return. She wants to go shopping at lunch. I might need you to take her so I can get caught up here. You okay with that?”
“Get an hour to spend with Darcie alone? Hell, yes.” Cowboy smiled, and I noticed he’d been doing that more than ever since she’d appeared.
I didn’t need any more confirmation she was the one for us. The three of us were already changing, molding ourselves to surround her.
Brooks slapped my back, leaving me to the car I was working on as he returned to his. I turned up the music, needing something to keep my mind off the beautiful bombshell behind my desk.
It was finally closing time, and I couldn’t wait to get out of here. The garage was typically my place of solace. Where I could let go of the perfect control I had over every other aspect of my life. I could get my hands dirty here without it being the end of the world. This place had saved me in a lot of ways.
But today, the only thing I could think about was my date with Darcie.
Gearing up enough courage, I stepped into my office and stopped, amazed at what I saw.
“What? How?” I asked. My eyes grew large as I turned, taking in the room. Every ounce of paper was gone, the desk clear. It made the office feel bigger, and I recognized a picture of the three of us.
“It wasn’t as bad as it looked. You had things in piles. Once I figured out your system, I could manipulate that for you in the program. Would you like to see it?”
I stared at her, gobsmacked by what she was telling me. I didn’t believe her for one second that it had been easy. My office had become the place I refused to let any of my mother’s tendencies touch, justifying that it was a garage and therefore meant to be messy.
Walking over to the desk, I realized how limiting that had been. Maybe I didn’t need to be as controlled and clean here, but going completely without only invited chaos.
“I know you got a few things earlier, but now I’m buying you a whole store,” I said once she’d shown me how she’d set up the folders. It made sense when she explained it.
“I don’t think I need a whole store, but I’ll definitely take you up on a few new things. I’m using my money for my bike. Bubba said you’d help fix it up if it needed.”
“Damn straight. Besides, I wouldn’t let you ride anything until I’d looked it over, Sunflower.” My voice dropped, the sound deep as I stared into her eyes. Something I hadn’t noticed before swirled in them, and I leaned forward, the magnetic pull between us too great.
“Ready to go?” Cowboy asked, slapping the door. I jumped back, sending him a glare. I knew he saw what I was about to do and purposefully interrupted.
“Yep. I can’t wait to wear my new dress and dance with you, Laws.”
“Laws?” I asked, my eyes returning to hers.
“It’s my name for you. It suits you better. You’re my Laws.”
I didn’t know what she meant by that, but I’d be her anything if she asked.
The ride home was quiet as I shifted in the truck. The anticipation of the night was bearing down on me, and I was worried I’d crumble under it.
Darcie ran to her room when we returned to the house with a bag. Bubba wasn’t there yet, so I told Brooks I’d see him later.
Taking a shower, I took my time to shave and use all my best products. I wanted to smell and look good for Darcie tonight. Putting on a button-down shirt, I left the top buttons open as I slid on a pair of worn-in jeans that cupped my butt. Tossing on an old cowboy hat and boots, I sprayed myself with my cologne before heading out the door.
Girls tended to think guys didn’t care about their appearance or put as much effort into it as women did. I was here to tell you that some guys did. Perhaps my upbringing and background in the modeling industry played a part, but I’d be the first to admit that I liked my designer products regardless.
Stepping into the kitchen, I froze in my tracks when I spotted Darcie. She was already dressed in a flowy skirt with a shirt that knotted under her breasts, giving a glimpse of her bare stomach.
“Shit,” I cursed, taking her in.
“What? Does this not work?” she asked, looking down at her outfit. Paired with her boots and hat, she was a cowboy’s wet dream.
“Oh, Sunflower. It fucking works. Too well. I’m going to be fighting off men all night who try to touch what’s mine,” I growled.
Her eyes widened at my words. I stalked forward, no longer waiting to stake my claim. Pulling her close, a floral scent fell over me as I pressed my lips to hers, searing it into my memory. This would be the last girl I ever kissed.
Drawing back, I took in her rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and plump lips. She stared at me, a little dazed.
“You ready?”
She nodded, taking my hand as I led her out of the room. Cowboy shouted something, but I was too busy forming plans to keep Darcie out of harm's way and not kill anyone.
I decided to take the truck, unsure if I’d be able to control myself if she wrapped her arms around me. I’d be pulling over a mile from here to have my way with her. Opening the passenger side door, I lifted her up, surprising her as she squeaked. Winking, I walked around and got in, not wasting time starting it.
Soft music played as I concentrated on driving, too worried I'd crash if I looked over at her. When she spoke, it was a punishment and reward wrapped in one.
“I didn’t expect you to be the way you are.”
“How so?” I asked, peeking a glance at her.
“You come off as the flirty fuck boy. I figured you’d be good for a night but wasn’t sure there was longevity there.”
My hands tightened on the wheel. Her words pierced something in me. For so long, that had been precisely who I was. It was easier to give people what they wanted.
But that wasn’t the entire truth. I did it so I wouldn’t have to show the real me.
“And now?” I asked, my voice cracking.
“I’m finding out all these layers about you. You’re intriguing, kind, passionate, and a good friend. And did I mention sexy? Yep, you’re definitely that.” She giggled, the sound soothing some broken pieces in me.
“Are you sure you’re looking at the right person?” I joked out of habit.
“I can see through your jokes, Laws.” Her voice was soft, and the use of the name she’d given me made my heart race.
I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Sorry. It’s a reflex. People tend to only want the jokey, playboy version of me.”
“I’m sorry you think that’s all you have to offer them because you’re so much more.”
“You’re too good for words, Darcie. You have no idea the power you have over me right now.”
“Hmm. I can imagine. You’re affecting me as well. Whether you believe it or not.”
I swallowed, glancing over at her. I wasn’t sure what to say after that. We’d both just been vulnerable, dropping our shields. But what did we do next? I decided to take a chance.
“I grew up with an OCD mother. Every aspect of my life was controlled to perfection. Our house was meticulously cleaned, our clothes were the best, and we were always on our best behavior. I didn’t realize home was meant to be warm and inviting. I thought the museum I lived in was normal.”
“That's why your room is so meticulous?” she asked, turning to look at me.
“Yeah. Some things are harder to stop than others, especially when I like things to be clean. It’s hard to separate the knee-jerk reaction to what is healthy.”
“How did you get into modeling?”
“My mother. She started me at a young age. It was fun at first. A way to make my mom happy and earn toys. When I got older, I saw it for what it was—another way she controlled what the public saw. It was about her image. Being a Lawson came with expectations, and most weren’t enjoyable. When I was able to escape her clutches, I used modeling as a way to support myself. Unfortunately, without my mother there to control my career, I made reckless decisions to exert my freedom, leaving me in vulnerable positions.”
“What happened?” she asked.
I shook my head, not ready to go down that road tonight.
“Another time, Sunflower.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, it’s okay. I just don’t want to open that can tonight. I want to stay in this moment with you.”
She reached over and squeezed my leg. Her touch sent shivers through my body, instantly waking up my cock.
“How did you meet Bubba?”
“He was the one to pull me out of that darkness. I was here for a photo shoot and was out drinking with some of the other models. We had way too many drinks and ended up at the tattoo parlor. Everyone was daring the other to get something. I ended up in Bubba’s chair. I guess he saw something in me. He refused to tattoo me but offered me a place to crash. In doing so, he gave me something I had never had before. A true friend and, eventually, a brother.”
“I never would’ve guessed that by looking at him.”
“That’s Bubba for you. He’s a big softie under all of his muscles and tattoos. With his help, I crawled out of the darkness I’d been trapped in. With his guidance, I was more selective about my modeling jobs, allowing me to stay away from the dark parts and reap the benefits. He taught me how to ride a motorcycle and introduced me to a hidden passion for fixing up cars. He saved my life.”
“That’s why you’re willing to do this relationship? Because of Bubba?”
“Yes and no. Jackson leaving was hard. It shifted something in us all. I honestly thought Cowboy was crazy. I was going to pretend to be okay with the playboy lifestyle as long as I could pull it off. It seemed easier than falling in love and risking losing my family. So, yeah, wanting to stay together is a big draw. But I also believe in it. Together we can love one woman like she deserves to be loved. I’ve seen it in action, and so have you. I can’t argue that it’s not worth trying. Can you?”
I pulled into the parking lot of the bar and turned to Darcie. Her eyes searched mine, looking for something.
“No, I can’t. I do want this. I just wanted to hear it from you.”
My heart settled, my grin returning as I stared at the beautiful girl.
“Then let’s boogie, Sunflower. Here’s to a night you’ll never forget.”