A song for him

Chapter 3

I wait at one of the sidewalk tables at the livery, my earbuds in, listening to some No Doubt. Ah,  Gwen Stefani at her finest. I hum along to Don’t Speak and eventually can’t resist singing along  softly to the chorus. 

I’m startled by a hand on mine from across the table.  

I pull out the earbuds, “Sorry. Was I loud?” 

Roan smiles, “I didn’t know you could sing.”  

“Ta-da.” I mock with my hands raised. 

“You should sing on open night.” He smiles. 

“Maybe. I might just have to sing for my supper now that I have a place to stay thanks to a certain  someone.” 

He shrugs, “So, you’re settled in with Jill I take it?” 

“Yes, thank you. You really didn’t have to, but I do appreciate it.” 

“If it keeps you in town long enough, its beneficial to both of us.” He winks at me and I swear I get  butterflies. 

“Come on, let’s get something to eat.” He takes my hand and we head inside. 

A tall, dark guy, with the type of smile that just screams ‘mischief’ steps out from behind the bar and  does the whole bro-shake with Roan. They talk for a bit about the brewery and then Roan gently  tugs at my hand, bringing me forward.

“This must be Dillon.” Tall, dark and handsome guesses.  

“Hi. Dillon it is.” 

“I’m Mike. You’ve probably heard about me in Grand Rapids. My craft beers are the stuff of  legend.” 

Roan clears his throat, “That would be my craft beer he’s referring to.”  “Semantics.” Mike rolls his eyes. 

I remember my manners, “Thanks for making the room available upstairs.”  “No problem. How long are you in town for?” 

How long am I in town for? Its something I’ll need to think about.  

“Uh, for the foreseeable future.” 

“Cool. Well, you two make yourselves at home. I’ll send a waiter over.”  “Thanks, man.” 

“So, what did you do back home?” 

His question catches me off guard, “I, uh, I’m a singer.” I say reluctantly.  “Ah, ok. From what I heard, you’re decent, I guess.” 

I feel my cheeks flushing, “I’m OK, I guess.” 

“You should ask Mike if he has an act for this weekend.” 

I shake my head, not wanting to impose any further on any of them.  

“Fine, but its worth a try.” 

The waitress comes over and takes our orders. I’m not very hungry and just order a beer.  “Thanks Hayley.” Roan says, handing her back the menus.

“You’re a cheap date.” He says, studying me. 

“I ate on the road and I didn’t know this was a date.” 

“We’re two people, one of us fairly attractive. I’m not specifying which one and I think you like me  too, so, yes, this is a date.” 

“I don’t remember you asking me out.”  

“You’re kidding, right?” 

I shake my head, “Nope.” 

“OK, Dillon, will you go out with me?”  

“No.” 

“Wait, what?” 

“You heard me, no.” 

“Mouthy tonight, huh?” he teases and takes a sip of beer.  

“I’ve got a lot to say, when the opportunity presents itself.” 

“I noticed. So, what will it take for you to go out on a date with me?”  

“Ask nicely and we’ll see.” 

“Fine. I’ll work on nice.” He laughs as he shakes his head at me. 

There, that guarantees a third date with him. I smile to myself and try to look as coy as possible. 

He tells me all about his life currently in Benton and he just about mentions a younger brother, who lives in the next  town. 

“Do you see him often?” 

“Not much since our parents passed away. He’s got his own life to live, I guess. And you? Family?” 

“Just my Mom and Dad back in Wells. I haven’t been home since my senior year in college, two  years ago.” 

“You miss it?” 

“Mom’s home-cooked meals and Dad’s stories about the happenings at work.” 

“Why? What does Dad do?” 

“He’s the town Sherriff.” I say. 

Roan nearly spits out his beer, “What?” 

“You have the same look the boys in high school used to have.” I laugh at him.  “Well, I don’t f*****g blame them! I imagine you didn’t date much.” 

“I went out.” I protest.

“Yeah, but bet your boyfriends never got further than first base!”  

“Hey!” 

“Bet its true though.” 

“Yeah, well, it was also my choice not to fall for anyone in Wells, Illinois.” 

There wasn’t much to choose from in Wells. Slim picking amongst the high school boys.  Now college, on the other hand, was like a candy store. 

I look at him, he’s angelic features betrayed by that glint in his eye again.  

“However, Benton is different.” I am shocked at my own words. 

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He says as he stroked my hand. 

I lean forward and he meets me across the table, our lips touching and is on cue, my tummy fills with  that delicious feeling and it bubbles up to my throat and it feels as if no one else exists just then.

I’ve called every listing in the classified section of the local paper and Jill has urged me not to take  the only job offered to me; waitress at the truck stop diner. I admit, it wasn’t calling my name  either. 

So, I swallow my pride and head downstairs to The Livery one morning, hoping to speak to Mike.  When I get there, he is stocking the bar and looks absolutely pissed about something. I start to turn  on my heel just as he spots me. 

“Dillon! Hey.” 

“Oh, hi. You busy?” he looks at me expectantly. I hate asking him for anything more, but I need to  pay the rent and I’ll be out of cash before I know it. 

“I’ve been looking for a job and I wanted to know if you have anything open here.” 

“I don’t have anything on the restaurant floor, but I do need someone to help with some of the  admin. Orders, stock take. Payroll.” 

I feel like hugging the guy, but manage to remain calm, “Are you interviewing?”  “Well, can ya do it?” 

“Yeah, yes, I can. When do you need me to start?” 

“Well, it’ll be part-time of course. Let’s start you off tomorrow and do three days a week?”  I shake his hand, “Thank you!” 

“Sure. See you tomorrow.” 

Jill is attempting to cook us mac and cheese for dinner to celebrate my new job, but gives up after  she ends up burning it. 

“So, take away?” 

“Should we get out and go get something?” I suggest. 

“Uh, there’s a cute Italian pizzeria down the road. We could take a walk.”  

So, we head out to celebrate instead. 

“So, when last have you seen Roan?” she asks.  

“Wednesday.” 

“That’s like two days ago.”  

“Yeah, so?” 

“Call him!”

I gave him the signal to ask me out again, but haven’t heard from him again. I assumed he was busy.  “No! Maybe he’s busy.” 

“He’s probably just brewing his beer at home. Waiting for you to call.”  

“Really? What would I say?” 

“Ask him out.” She says casually.  

“What? No!” 

Jill nudges me, “Just do it. He’s so chilled. Promise!” 

“If he wanted to take me out again, he would have done so by now!” I was done chasing guys, but  damn; Roan was delectable and I wouldn’t mind kissing him again. 

“Fine. He’s delivering beer tomorrow anyway.” She winks at me. 

I smile sheepishly, already planning on hanging about the bar area. 

Mike has hired the kid from the previous weekend to sing again and its pleasant enough. Its almost three in the afternoon when my tall drink of water comes sauntering in, a keg on a trolley. He looks  like he’s been hanging out at the lake with the tan he’s sporting. He smiles at me like we have a  secret. 

“Oh, hey.” I smile at him as I take the invoice from his hand.  

“You’re working here now?” 

“Yeah. Great, huh?” 

“Yeah. It is. You free later?”  

He looks at me hopefully. 

“I can clear my schedule.” I tease. 

He manages a smile, “I hope so. You’ve been quiet.” 

“Well, so have you.” He is standing so close, I can feel the heat radiating from his body. God, he  smells amazing! 

“What time do you finish?”  

“Another hour to go.” 

“Great, be ready at about five. I’ll pick you up from your place.” 

My heart is pounding and I can’t wait to kiss him again. I wish he’d kiss me now. Almost as if reading my mind, he leans forward and gives me a quick peck on the lips, but its delicious and his lips  taste like mint. Hmm. 

“Hey. Move it along beer guy!” Mike yells from behind me.

I blush from my face all the way down. He lets go of my arm and shakes Mike’s hand, “Kinda hard  when your staff look like her.” And he winks at me. 

I move out of their way so they can speak. I manage to hear bits of their conversation while I check  the invoice and put it in the folder along with the other I have for Mike. 

“Guess who’s back in town.”  

“Who? Jordan?” 

He nods. Who’s Jordan?  

“For how long?” 

Roan shakes his head, “You know Jordan. Not one for long visits. Arrived yesterday morning.”  

“You two talk things out?” 

Oh my God. Have I just fallen into the same damn situation? 

I stop listening and head to the back. ‘Boy, have I got a surprise for you!’ I refuse to be made a fool  of again. 

I decide to hatch a little plan and can’t wait for my shift to end! 

I’ve put on my shortest sundress I have and leave my hair all tousled. This should be a breeze. All I  need to do is get him into his bedroom. 

Right on time, he knocks at the door at five that evening. I grab my purse and head out. Smiling  sweetly at him, I try to hide my disgust. 

“Ready?” he asks, offering me his hand as we descend the stairs.  

“Oh no, its OK. I can manage.” 

“Uh, OK.” He looks confused.

“Where are we off to?” 

“Well, I was thinking we could celebrate you getting a job and also, do a proper date. There’s a great  place not far from here. They do the best steak. You eat steak?” he seems so nervous. 

“Uh, I was thinking we could just chill at your place? Order in? I’m kinda tired.” I look at him, batting  my lashes as best I can. Biting my lip. Doing every flirty thing I can manage without looking like a  fool. 

There’s that look again, “OK. We could. Its your night.”  

“Oh yes, it is.” I say quietly. 

We arrive at his ridiculous house and I enter the cool, open living room. He seems coy, but I keep  him in suspense. No way am I bailing on this! Too many women get duped by assholes like this. Its  really sad I was right about him. He’s so freaking hot! 

Once he closes the door, I move into action! I spin around and pin him to the door, standing on my  toes and kiss him as if I haven’t seen him in ages. He reacts immediately, even though he is  apprehensive at first. His tongue invades my mouth, pushing and caressing. I feel his hands on my  lower back, gripping me gently. He moans into my mouth and I feel those stupid butterflies again! 

Oh God! No! Don’t let it go too far. 

I try to pull away, but he has me by the nape of my neck and moves his mouth onto my neck. I feel  my skin turn to goose flesh as he runs his tongue from my ear to my clavicle. Dear sweet Jesus, don’t let me lose   control with this snake! 

“Not in here.” He says, his mouth still on me.

I nod, smiling. Finally and I barely had to do a thing! 

He leads me down the long, light passage way and we enter the room right at the end. Had I not  been so set on revenge, I would have stopped to admire it. 

“Do you want me to draw the blinds?” he asks. Ever the gentleman.  

Well, now was not the time! 

I answer him by pulling him toward me, my lips on his. He kisses me gently, slowly. No! I try to  speed things up, but he won’t budge! 

I decide to do this my way. I shove him onto the bed. He looks shocked.  

“Dillon. Wait.” He holds up a hand. 

“Ssh!” I put my finger against his lips and proceed to slip the dress over my head to reveal me in my  finest black lace undies. 

He smiles, “Wow! OK.” 

I can’t help, but laugh at the look on his face. I stand in front of him, my hands in his hair, I tilt his  head up and plant another kiss on his lips, then proceed to undress him. 

He seems shy as I remove first his shirt, then his pants, leaving him in his boxer briefs. They’re  white, tight and concealing a very big secret. If this had been different, I’d have enjoyed this, I think. 

We move up towards the top of the bed and I smile at him, “So, I have a treat for you.”  

“You’re not into anything heavy, are you?” 

“Just some teasing, if you’re keen.” 

He looks unsure, but goes along with it. Greedy bastard! 

I pull a scarf from my bag, having packed in that and some cable ties I found at the restaurant.  Hopefully I’ll still have a job after this! 

After I blindfold him, I manage to secure his hands to the bed post. He has such beautiful hands. Big, strong and surprisingly soft. 

“You still there?” he asks me as I shift off the bed. I am so tempted to kiss his ridiculously beautiful  body. 

“Yes. Be patient.” 

“Ok. I’m kind of nervous.” 

Playing coy all of a sudden. Well, no time for that Mister! “I’m sure Jordan’ll find you soon enough.”  He jerks his head to the direction of my voice, “What?” 

I am slipping on my dress again and can’t stifle my giggle, “Honestly. I have had it with guys like you.  I’m just done. You think I’m easy for some reason. God!” 

“Hey. Wait! How do you know about Jordan?” 

“Ha! You’re not even denying it. Could you be any more arrogant?”

“Arrogant?”  

“Goodbye, Roan.” 

As I open the door to storm out, I’m faced with a younger, but just as good looking, version of Roan.  My gut tells me to stay put and I suddenly guess who it is. 

“Everything OK in here?” the guy asks me. 

“Uh, yeah.” I say quietly. I step out of the room, “Please tell me you’re not Jordan.”  “Sorry to disappoint you, but yeah, I’m Jordan. Roan’s brother. You’re?” 

“An i***t. Excuse me, while I go back in to apologise to your brother.” I head back in to a very  frustrated Roan, who’s managed to shift the blindfold. 

“What the hell, Dillon?” 

I get back onto the bed next to him, “Scissors?”  

“There’s some on the bathroom counter.” 

I get them and cut him loose. I feel like an ass! 

“Why didn’t you just ask me? f**k!” he rubs his wrist and moves to put on his pants. 

“I’m sorry. I overheard your conversation with Mike and assumed you were speaking about a girl  and then let my mind race away with this idea.” 

He shakes his head, “I told you, I’m not out to hurt you. What the hell?”  

“I really liked you and thought it was too good to be true.” 

“So hurt me before you got hurt, right?” he looks at me expectantly.  

I nod my head, “Yeah.”

“Could you try and trust me?” he asks quietly, his hand on mine.  

“You’re not mad?” 

“I gotta say; that was a tight plan! I’m impressed, but please don’t do it again.” He kisses me on the  lips, “Come on. Let’s get dinner.” 

“You’re still taking me out?” 

“Well, you did insist on a third date, right?”  

I can’t help, but smile at him, “Yeah, I did.” 

“Also, I’ll introduce you to Jordan, before he thinks you’ve killed me.” 

Jordan is the complete opposite of Roan. He’s quiet and despises Roan’s smoking, but you can tell  they’re close. 

We go to the restaurant he had reservations for and luckily they still have a table for us. I can’t stop  apologising for the stunt I pulled and am still worried he thinks I’m nuts. 

“I’m not crazy, if you’re wondering and just sticking with dinner to be polite.” I say over some  ridiculously priced whisky. 

He shakes his head, “You know what they say about crazy girls, right?”  

“No. What?” 

“They’re great in bed!” he whispers over the table. 

I burst out laughing and then go quiet, hoping he doesn’t think that I’m going to be an easy lay. 

“I know why you did what you did, but just so you know; I am not interested in just whatever you  think I was after.” 

This guy is too good to be true. 

“Not that I’m a monk or anything, but I’m not the town w***e or anything.”  “I’ll take your word for it.” I wink at him. 

“But, now that you’ve seen the goods, think you’ll stick around?”  

I nearly spit out the strong liquid. 

He pats my back, “Easy tiger.” 

He’s teasing me and strangely, I like it. 

One I recover, he eyes me thoughtfully, “You’re pretty. You know that, right?”  I don’t know what to say. 

“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed! I bet you checked yourself out in the mirror and go ‘Today, I’m  going to some small town and I’m going to make the first guy I meet fall for me.’ Am I right?” 

I laugh at him, “That’s crazy! No!”

Wait? He fell for me? 

“Dillon. I like you, a lot. Think I’m crazy?”  

I smile, “Kinda, but you make me laugh.” 

“So, you feel like laughing a whole lot more?” 

“You’re asking me out on another date? You haven’t even seen this date through yet.” 

“Well, you’ve had me tied to me bed just now and blindfolded, but before you did that, I think I liked  what I saw.” 

The old couple at the table next to us, shoot both of us a dirty look. f**k, I couldn’t care.  “Oh my God!” 

“What? Its true. You’re hot.” 

“If I say yes, will you stop embarrassing me?”  

“Only if you kiss me again.” 

“Fine.” 

“Fine, you’ll kiss me again or fine, you’ll let me be the only one to take you out?”  “Both, I guess.” 

He doesn’t hesitate to shift his chair around to my side and places his hands on either side of my  face, his eyes on mine and his lips against mine, gently at first and then deeper. I pull away  reluctantly as the old lady next to us huffs and puffs. 

We both giggle as he smothers my face in kisses, purely to annoy her. I like this. I like him. I don’t  think I’ll tell him just how much, though.