Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series (23 page)

He hugged me hard and spun me around twice. “Hey kid. Miss me?”

He set me on my feet and I stepped back, “You have no idea how much I missed you.”

“Lou been treating you right?” He looked around for Lou.

“Oh yes! It’s not that. I just missed you. Wow.” I stepped back. Myles is wearing chaps and a black leather vest. Gone is the suit and tie. “You look, amazing.”

He turned around and showed me the back of his jacket. “Looks like I found a new cause.” It read
Prospect
across the bottom.

“I’ll say you did. Are you happy??”

He took my arm and we went to the bar to catch up and talk about what to do with my father’s, I mean, Mr. Whitmore’s, assets. Maybe I should go back to referring to him as my father. He’s not so bad when compared to Paulie.

We decided to put everything up for sale after a quick fix of the books. Pay off any debts, no matter who the loanee, and make sure any illegal operations are ceased immediately. Then put them on craigslist.com and have us a fire sale.

As far as Paulie was concerned we decided to let the club check things out first. Slider said he would look into what happened and pull some strings for information. Two weeks should be enough time for him to settle this matter peacefully.

“If he can’t, tell him I’ll pay the eight million. I have that in cash.”

“It doesn’t work that way. Paulie is going to assume you’ll keep paying money to avoid starting a war. You’re a woman. Soft hearted.”

“What do we do?”

“I’m not sure. Aside from bankrupting your cash supply so there’s nothing to come after, I don’t know.”

“So I can’t give the money to him, and I can’t keep it?”

“Right, at least he can’t think you have it”

“I need a drink.” Blue set a shot glass on the bar in front of me. “Whiskey, please.”

“You still run the risk of pissing him off if you give the money away. Best to let him think the Feds got it all if we can.”

“True.” I downed the shot and chased it with my tea. “Bleck.”

Myles laughed. “You look good kid. Biker clothing suits you better than those ugly grey suits.”

“Yeah, I can’t say as I miss the stockings either.” I scratched my leg.

“How’s things with you and the other biker in your life?”

“Good. We’re getting married, someday. There’s no date set, just rings We put them away for a fancier proposal, but had a private one between us. He’s rather sweet under that scruffy young beard.” I laughed and waved off the offer of a second shot.

“He’ll be good for you. But if he ever gets out of line you call me, I’ll come kick his ass back in shape.” He promised.

“Deal. Are you going to show me your bike?”

“Absolutely.” We went upstairs and out front where all the bikes were neatly parked in short rows of five or six in the front yard. That poor grass.

A little while later Myles had to go run an errand with another prospect so I went back to the bar. A woman with medium length light brown hair in a ponytail turned on her barstool as I walked over. “Barbara?”

“That’s me.” I replied cheerfully. She has happy puppy dog brown eyes. I doubt this woman could make an enemy if she tried.

She held her hand out, “I’m Liz, Cracker Jacks wife.”

I shook her hand eagerly, “Oh! It’s so nice to meet you!”

She beckoned Blue over as I sat down beside her at the bar. After ordering a cup of coffee she turned back to me. “How are you adjusting?”

“So far so good. I’m definitely out of my element, but I seem to be meeting the most friendly people.”

She smiled proudly, “Yes, we are more like a big family. We have our squabbles and issues, but the love is always there for each other. Would you like to go up and check out my big fancy house while these guys finish their business?”

“I would love to. From what I’ve seen it’s lovely. Even your biker bar basement is lovely. I could have never pulled this off.” I stood with her as we gathered our drinks and headed for the stairs.

“Sounds like you’ll be doing some decorating soon.” She hinted for more information. That’s all it took. Liz became my best friend over the next hour.

We ended up having a lot in common. Her family is from Virginia, so she understands a little about southern culture. We also have similar taste in decor, so she gave me phone numbers and names of places to shop. On our way back down to the guys we exchanged phone numbers and promised to go shopping on Monday.

I promised to talk to Lou and make sure it was okay for me to come by tomorrow morning and let me help her and the other girls set up for the big party after the Poker Run Saturday morning. She explained that most people wouldn’t get here until around dinner time, but the pre-party was nothing to dismiss either. Those who can’t ride in the run for whatever reason come help out and get the festivities started.

Lou was standing in a small group of bikers when I saw him. His smile went ear to ear and tugged at my heart strings. He met me halfway and quickly put his arm around my back and pulled me against him for a long possessive kiss.

I let him get away with it for a few seconds before I remembered where we are. “Lou, behave. People are watching.”

“Oooh, kinky.” He teased and nipped my neck playfully. While he was by my ear he asked, “Ready to go shopping?”

“Yes, please.”

He stood upright and set concerned light blue eyes on mine, “Did you enjoy your visit with Liz?”

“Oh yes, for sure. We’ve exchanged numbers so we can get together on Monday. I just missed you, that’s all.”

“So you’re okay here? Not scared?”

“No, not scared at all. It’s kind of like the first day of school, but it takes a lot more than that to put me out. Would you rather stay here than shop with me?” It just dawned on me shopping may not be up this biker’s alley.

“I’d rather be with you wherever you are. Besides, I need to make sure you don’t put up pink lace and buy ugly fuzzy pillows.” He teased and waved to the guys.

I waved too before he escorted me up the stairs. “Do I look like the fuzzy pillow type to you?”

He filled his hands with my tush and squeezed. “I like these pillows.”

I swatted his hands away. “Remind me not to walk up stairs in front of you.”

“Remind me to melt butter on those sweet biscuits later.”

“Lou!!” I had to laugh though. He’s having too much fun working around the definition of vulgarity with his talk of biscuits. I like the way he thinks. He’s risky fun with his words. My beautiful, tall, sliver-tongued biker is going to be keeping me on my toes as well.

“Don’t you think that’s a little big Lou?” He’d just flopped down on the biggest, fanciest, mahogany four-post bed I’ve ever seen. The ornate twisted posts really would go nicely against the sharp angles of his large windows.

“I’m a big guy.” He argued.

I studied the linens. “It is beautiful, and yes, you are a big guy. It just seems a little, excessive.”

“You don’t like it?” He rolled to his side and propped up on his elbow to reach for me, “Come here.”

“No way.” I jumped back. “You’re dangerous in beds.”

“Dangerous?” He’s loving this.

“Yes, and floors.” I wiggled his booted foot as I walked around to look at the rest of the bedroom set.

“You should lay down on a mattress before you buy it.”

“I’ll trust your judgement.” I opened drawers. The light marble tops are beautiful. I’m in love with this set. It’s intimidating in it’s beauty. Kind of like Lou. His eyes are intimidatingly cold one minute, and sparkling happily the next.

“Wow. You trust me??” He rolled over and tried to catch my arm again. “Barbara, get over here. You know I’ll come get you.” He threatened.

I turned back around to face him, “You better not!!”

He started to get off the bed.

I ran over and sat on the edge. “Okay! Behave. I’m here.”

He lunged and next thing I know I’m being tickled on top of this huge bed in the middle of this very nice furniture store.

“Lou!! Stop!!” I grabbed his ears finally.

He laughed and hopped off the bed to help me up. He looked at the sales lady who appeared suddenly. “We had to give it the tickle test. Very important.” He assured her making me giggle.

I hid behind Lou as she replied sternly, “I suppose that we’re lucky that’s the only test you two have in mind. Are you interested in this bed?” A huge smile on her face gave her away.

“I want the whole set. When can you deliver?”

“We can order the set today and have it to you in about two weeks.”

“Fine.” He looked over his shoulder at me, “Okay?”

I nodded still completely embarrassed.

He looked back to her, “What do you have in living room furniture?”

13

“You want to leave at what time in the morning??” Lou asked as we carried bag after box after bag after box into the house. We’d come back here to get his truck after ordering the furniture.

“I want to help. There is a ton of cooking to do and coolers to fill. I had no idea what kind of work goes into these biker parties of yours.” I teased using my foot to hold the door open for him.

“Thanks. I know it’s a lot of work to put on a multi-chapter rally, but I wanted to sleep in tomorrow.”

“You have no intention of sleeping Mr. Colson, but nice try. Don’t you have work to do tomorrow or something?” Tomorrow is Friday. I’m losing track of days here.

“I do have a draft I need to get done, but that’s not the point. We’ll be apart.” He complained looking around. “This room just got a lot smaller.”

I took his hand to drag him to the garage for another load, “Oh hush. Once it’s unpacked and put away it will be a nice open space again. Do you mind if I drive your truck tomorrow?”

“No. Yes. No. Of course not, take the truck.” He’s pouting and all but stomping his feet in protest to my plans.

It made me smile. “You can come with me.” I offered.

“Right. That’s what I want to do. No thanks. I’ll catch up on some work. It’ll make my client happy.” He conceded.

We finished unloading the truck then stopped to drink beers before attempting to unpack. I cleared a spot and sat on the counter because my feet can’t take anymore.

“Tired baby?” He sauntered over to stand between my knees.

“Yes, thank you very much. Do you really have to have top of the line everything? Or were you wearing me out again?”

“A little of both. I like quality.” He seemed perfectly at home as he took a long draw from his beer.

“Why are you still trying to wear me out? Myles and I talked, we have a sensible plan. If all goes well with the help of your club we should be able to settle this peacefully.”

“Birth control. I made an appointment for you tomorrow at eleven. You can follow me in the truck in the morning. You can text me if you need directions to Liz’s, from the Doc’s office.”

“I don’t have a phone.”

“Liz didn’t give you your stuff today?”

“She did, but there was no phone. I thought Myles told them to get rid of it for security reasons or something. I saw him before Liz, so I didn’t know to ask.”

“Ah. Okay. I have a couple pre-pays you can pick from. I’ll get them from the safe while you unpack all this crap.”

“You spent a fortune today.” I scolded him because he really did insist on buying the best of the best. It was hard to keep up with at times, and frustrating when he couldn’t find the ‘exact’ thing he was looking for. I finally put myself in the frame of mind to just sit back and enjoy the ride. Note to self, never take Lou shopping again. I wonder now if he did this on purpose. Something to file away for another day.

He shrugged. “I can afford it. Speaking of which, I need your wallet.”

“You’re robbing me??” I teased reaching over and sliding my purse closer. I have no secrets, and when he runs across the tampon I might get a good laugh.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Don’t touch your money yet. Not personally. If anyone asks it’s just a precaution in case your father’s shit rolls downhill. You don’t want to be accused of spending money obtained illegally. It will also help in court.” He gave me a knowing look before continuing to empty my wallet.

“Sounds good to me, but we think about that business we talked about soon so I pay you back. I will not be a kept woman.”

He narrowed his eyes and pulled out a picture I’d almost forgotten was in there. “What’s this??”

I snatched it from his fingers and shoved it in my bra. “That’s my fantasy husband, or was, now I have a new one, and he’s a lot cuter.”

He dove in after the picture overpowering me easily. He flicked the picture of Johnny Depp dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow over his shoulder. “No more pictures of other men in your wallet.” He’s doing a pretty good job of looking jealous.

“I’ll have to replace it with one of you.”

“Just make sure I don’t look like a fucking pirate.”

“Ooh, kinky.” I echoed his words and got swept into a long sweet kiss. His phone rang before we sunk to the floor for some serious heavy petting.

While he talked in the other room I began unpacking. It’s like Christmas in this kitchen right now. I love it!! Okay, knives first, or the scissors, whichever comes first.