Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series (17 page)

He tapped his glass to mine, “I’d like to be at your side for all your ups and your downs.”

I smiled before taking a sip and setting the glass down to focus on the food. “I may just take you up on that.”

“I should hope so, we’re buying wedding rings tomorrow.” He took a bite of his lobster.

I laughed enjoying the flavor of my own lobster now. We were both too hungry to do any more talking until we sat back with full bellies.

“Now I’m tired again.” I said picking up my wine as I looked across the table to the man I have fallen so hard and fast in love with I still can’t believe it’s real.

“I have one more surprise for you first, then you can sleep whenever you’re ready.” He said suspiciously.

“What did you do?” I’ve never been surprised like this. If you had asked me two days ago if I like surprises, I would have said no. But now, here, with Lou and that boyish grin gracing his lovely face… I love surprises.

He leaned over and pulled a gift wrapped box from the seat next to him. I hadn’t noticed it, but then again it was under the table. He slid it across the table towards me.

“I come through this town a lot in my travels, so I have a few friends here in town. I called my buddy Termite and asked for a favor. He said his wife, Mary, had already gotten a call from Liz and would take care of it. She’s one of the nicest old ladies I’ve met. We might be having lunch with them tomorrow if you would like.” He seemed to be rambling uncomfortably.

I touched the big silver ribbon on the present. Tears filled my eyes as I suddenly realized this is the first time anyone has ever given me a present. A wrapped present.

“Baby?? Are you okay??” Lou leaned over and put his hand on mine.

I gripped his hand and sniffed, “My first present!” I laughed feeling like I sound ridiculous. He probably thinks I’m a sap.

He stood up and came around to pull me up into his embrace. “Oh honey. How could you have gone your whole life without one present?”

“Myles gives me flowers. He doesn’t do gifts.” I justified.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t know what to get the woman who has everything.”

I looked up stepping back, “That’s what I always thought. I used to pretend they were from some secret admirer, but don’t tell him that.”

He smiled and touched his thumbs to my cheeks as he held my face, “Never. From now on you’ll get flowers all the time, and that admirer will be me.”

“Can I open it now?” The excitement is taking over the shock.

He lowered and kissed me sweetly before stepping back and pulling me into his lap as he sat in my chair. “Make sure you rip the paper.”

I picked up the box. “It’s heavy.”

“A bunch of the old ladies got together and came up with their own patch. It’s a feminine version of ours. I thought Slider was going bust a vein, but he approved it in the end. When I told Liz, about you she called Mary and had one brought over to the hotel for you. I might have let it slip you were a little nervous and might feel out of place surrounded by a bunch of bikers.”

I ripped open the box wondering how a patch could be so heavy. I glanced at Lou before pulling the top off the box. “This is fun.”

He laughed, “Good. I’ll have to remember to get you presents with big fancy bows more often. That smile is incredible.”

I set the lid aside and almost choked up. Sitting there in the box is a beautiful patch of colors that make up the feminine version of the patch on the back of Lou’s jacket. Or cut, as I’m learning it’s referred to as.

I studied the image with my fingertip tracing the outline of the motorcycle and the long blonde hair flowing from the rider. She’s wearing a bandana and sunglasses, but you can see she’s pretty. Sexy pretty.

The flames licking up from the bottom told the story of riding through hell. Two snakes wound up around a cross with a soaring eagle that make it look like he’s following her. Protecting her.

“It’s perfect. Beautiful, and intimidating.” I lifted the black leather jacket and stood anxious to try it on.

“Whew.” Lou seemed very relieved.

“You thought I wouldn’t like it?”

“It’s not exactly your style. I was hoping it might make you feel a little more comfortable when you meet everyone.”

“Won’t these girls be mad I have their patch when they’ve never even met me?” I untied my robe and dropped it to the floor carelessly.

“I asked Liz about that, she said she would give them a heads up. They refer to themselves as Sisters, like we call each other Bro, or brother. I’m not too clear on the details, you’ll have to ask Liz when we get there, but she said the patch is to identify you as one of our old ladies. I think you’re good babe.” He assured me. “She would have told me otherwise. I know women can be catty, but not Liz. She is the wife of my club’s president, if she says it’s ok, it is.”

“I still feel weird wearing it.” I shrugged it on my shoulders. “It fits perfect!”

“Good. That was another concern. I had to sneak a peek at your wardrobe for the size.” He confessed.

I caught another patch on the front and looked at it closer. “What does the bear mean?” There’s a little brown bear sewn into the leather above my left breast.

Lou leaned forward pulling me closer. He studied the patch and rolled his eyes. “Termite’s idea of a joke. Bear used to be my nickname. I never liked it, so everyone calls me Lou, if they don’t want a fist in the face.”

“Why Bear?” I asked as he pulled me to sit on his lap.

He exhaled, “When I was prospecting I kept rejecting all their nicknames. The guys were getting pissed at me. Anyway, we got a call to the shop one day that a bear had gotten into some lady’s minivan and they needed help getting it out. We didn’t have local game and fish services back then. At least none that were close by.”

“Anyway, I rode out with the tow truck since we were sure the van would be destroyed. I don’t know what came over me, but when we got to the park I started barking orders sending people to their cars, or as far away as possible. The park service was just standing around waiting for animal control.

“I watched the bear get more and more agitated and started feeling sorry for it. I made sure everyone was safe then walked over and slid the door open. I stood back against the passenger door hoping he’d bolt.

“He hopped out of the van then turned right to me. I about shit myself when the bear went up on it’s hind legs. Termite told me afterwards the bear waved it’s paws in the air and turned to trot off into the woods. He says the bear looked like he was thanking me. I had my eyes closed bracing for an attack, so I didn’t see. Afterwards I found out the guys all had their guns out and ready to shoot. I’m glad they didn’t have to.”

“Lou, you could have been killed!! Why would you put yourself in that kind of danger??”

“I was young and dumb baby. Anyway, they called me Bear after that. I put up with it until I became a member, then I put an end to it, or tried to.”

“Why? I like Bear. You’re cuddly and safe like a big soft teddy bear. Not only that but you make a living keeping people safe. It fits.”

“Bears don’t protect people.”

“No, maybe not, but a big soft teddy bear always makes a girl feel safe.” I snuggled into him burying my nose in his neck and playing with his beard again. It’s getting so long.

“Don’t get any ideas about calling me Bear.” He warned me.

“I would never call you anything you didn’t like.” I promised.

He stood taking me with him. “Ready for bed?”

“Please.” I begged. “Are you coming?”

“I still need a shower my love, then yes.” He walked me to the large bed and tucked me between the sheets after helping me out of my jacket.

I was asleep before my head it the pillow.

For the first time in two weeks
I
was able to sleep in as late as I wanted. Which wasn’t too late since there is once again a very large biker nuzzling me in his sleep. I’m learning to tell by his breathing when he’s really asleep, and when he’s faking it. He tries to fake his breathing, but I’m wise to his games now.

This is Lou asleep. He smells so good. Not just hotel soap, but his special Lou-only scent. I can smell it past the shampoo and body wash. I inhale deeply taking in all I can, waking him. Lou is a very light sleeper.

He kissed my neck as he woke, “Good morning my love.”

I hugged him to me. “Good morning.”

“I have something for you.” He lifted some of his weight off my upper body making what is now pressed into my thigh very evident.

I smiled and tried to moved his hair out of his eyes. It’s not cooperating, but it’s fun to play with. “I bet you do.”

“How did you sleep?” He nosed the spaghetti strap of my blue nightgown down over my shoulder.

“Very well, and you?”

“I sleep too well with you.” He kissed his way down moving the fabric with his beard until he found a nipple to suckle.

“Good.” What are we talking about again?

He raked his fingers over my breasts taking the gown with him as I lift up for his mouth. He filled his hands and squeezed gently kneading as he suckled one, then the other. The tingling that’s building from my core is spreading to my limbs. I find myself wanting more. More touching, more kissing, more flesh.

I can’t reach him like this, but I think that’s on purpose. When his kisses and skillful finger moved further down I knew I was in trouble. He slid my robe down off my hips and ankles.

“You are one beautiful woman Barbara. The most beautiful I’ve ever seen. You should be on the covers of magazines, but I’m going to selfishly keep all this to myself.” He put his hands between my knees and pushed them apart. “Don’t be shy.”

I covered my face with my hands and wondered how I’d survive his looking at me like this!!

His finger found me eager for him once more. “You are so sweet. Do you know what it does to man’s ego to find a woman so wet for him?”

“I think have an idea.”

“Yeah, you got me good on that one. Maybe it’s time for a little payback. I’ve been gentle with you so far, but you’re a bad girl for letting me come in your mouth after I told you not to.” He pushed that finger into me making me yelp a little. “Maybe we’ll see how you like it a little harder and faster this time.”

His playful threats should not have been taken so lightly. He added a second finger and sped up, landing deep and almost pulling completely free with each powerful stroke. My body wants more and my hips push towards him for me.

“Shit honey. Oh man. Come for me. Please. Do it now Barbara, let go. Oh shit.” He bit my knee as I came making it all that much sweeter.

All too quickly he pulled free and got up on his knees between my legs. Before I could panic he was pouring himself onto my stomach as he falls forward to capture my left nipple and suckle al title to hard. I moaned in pleasure and pain as he repeated the same thing on the other side.

“Ow, easy Lou.” I begged softly not wanting to alarm him and deter from his obvious release.

He set his forehead on my chest trying to catch his breath. “Wow.”

“I couldn’t have said it better.”

He sat back, “Don’t move, I’ll be right back.”

“Okay. I don’t think I could move if I wanted to.”

“Holy hell.” He stumbled into the dresser. “Ow, fuck.” He hopped on one foot for a couple steps making me giggle.

“Are you alright??”

“I don’t even know my name right now.” He disappeared into the bathroom and came back out with a wet towel and a dry one.

I watched as he cleaned off my stomach. “Thank you.”

“For what? Making a mess all over you like some teenage boy with no control?” He’s not too happy with himself.

“Actually, yes.” I waited until he look at me like I was nuts before continuing, “Yes. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one with control issues.” I took his hand pulling him back onto the bed with me.

He dropped the towels to the floor and pulled the sheet over us as he settled down alongside me. “I should be better, for you.”

I hugged his head to my shoulder as he wrapped around me, “I love you. You are better for me. You brought light into my life. Even with everything that’s going on you’ve found a way to make me feel safe and loved. On top of that you show me all these wonderful things in bed, and dressing rooms.” I teased kissing the top of his head.

“I love you too, but I need to find more control with you.”

“Why? So you can take away that wonderful feeling I get when you look like that? No way. I hear it’s good for the skin, so feel free to do that again.” I can’t believe I said that.

Neither could he because his head came up and the look of shock made me laugh a little too hard. He tickled me with sweet threats of exactly where he was going to it next.

Once he got me pinned and breathless he smiled slyly down at me, “So I guess staying in bed and making love all day is out?”

I laughed and tried again to buck him off. “Yes! I need coffee before I can function.” He let me escape this time and followed me to the bathroom. He stopped just behind me in the mirror.

I looked at him as I loaded my toothbrush. “What?”

“I like the way we look together. We fit.” He said simply.

Once again he’s caught me off guard, “We do?”

He pointed to the mirror, “Look. You don’t see it?”

I looked, “All I see is you.” With him in the picture all I want to do is look at him. I turned around and looked up. “Do you really want to get married??”

“Of course I do. Why do ask?”

“I was thinking, or maybe dreaming since I was so tired last evening.”

“Thinking about what sweetheart?” He stepped back and sat on the side of the large tub.

“Well, I want Myles to give me away for one thing, but the other is a little harder to say.”

“I’m not going to bite you for telling me how you feel. I want Myles to give you away too. What else?”

I fidgeted a little, “I want to meet your family first, before we, you know, sleep together all the way. I need to know they’ll accept me. I know you gave me the jacket, but I need to know they like me.”

“Of course they’ll like you. I love you, they will too.” He assured me.