Taste Of Love

CHAPTER 4

Alan came to an abrupt halt, his face covered in dirt, as the light from the saloon illuminated his features.

What type of job are you referring to?

Judging by Alan's expression, Jason sensed that things were not going well. However, he brushed off his concerns. When all else failed, he knew that money could speak for him and persuade others.

Please understand that I am not making this offer lightly. This is the first time, and the only time, that I have been so captivated by a young woman that I have considered a long-term arrangement.

Alan squinted his eye. A long-term arrangement?

Jason smiled. Lisa would reside in my home, and throughout our agreement, she would be treated with the utmost respect, just like a wife. She would not be required to engage in any form of work, and in return, I would provide her with an exceptional salary, exquisite clothing, and surround her with every luxury.

Alan narrowed both of his eyes. Are you asking for my permission to turn my daughter into a p********e?

That's a rather crude way of expressing it.

Alan shifted his weight onto the balls of his feet, displaying a confident stance. Despite being significantly shorter than Jason, he managed to hold his ground and maintain eye contact with him.

You arrogant son of a b***h. I should knock those white teeth of yours out of your mouth. Despite the significant weight advantage of seventy-five pounds and being twenty years younger than Brooks, Jason did not perceive any immediate danger. However, he had witnessed enraged individuals perform astonishing feats, such as overpowering opponents twice their size.

Alan, let's be civilized, shall we?

Civilized? You consider requesting my daughter to engage in such demeaning activities as civilized? I assure you, no amount of wealth could ever justify such a proposition, young man.

I apologize if my words have caused any offense.

Well, I am deeply offended! The answer is unequivocally no. Brooks pointed his finger directly at Jason's face. Furthermore, I insist that you keep your distance from my daughter. Is that clear?

I don't care who you think you are, my boss or not, if you lay a finger on her, I'll kill you. That's a promise, boy.

Alan turned away in anger and walked briskly down the street.

Jason watched as Mr. Brooks walked away, his mind still reeling from the unexpected turn the conversation had taken. He couldn't believe that he had just offered Lisa Brooks the opportunity of a lifetime, only to be met with such resistance. Didn't Mr. Brooks understand the significance of this offer?

"Wait, Mr. Brooks!" Jason called out, quickening his pace to catch up with the older man. As they both came to a stop, Jason took a moment to compose himself, realizing that money alone might not be enough to convince Mr. Brooks.

"Look, Mr. Brooks, you've misunderstood me," Jason began, his voice filled with sincerity. "I have the utmost respect for your daughter."

Jason cringed inwardly at his own words, realizing how inadequate they sounded. He decided to be more straightforward and honest with Mr. Brooks.

Taking a deep breath, Jason struggled to find the right words. "It's strange, really. I never thought Lisa was particularly beautiful until I saw her in the churchyard, but..."

Mr. Brooks interrupted, clearly uninterested in Jason's opinion. He glanced around, as if searching for the person who had asked for it. "Who asked for your opinion? Certainly not me."

And if she lacks in physical appearance, why on earth are you proposing this attractive proposition of yours?

Jason winced. That definitely hadn't been the right thing to say. She doesn't lack in looks. That's the point. He clenched his teeth tightly. After a moment, he replied, Not once you spend some time around her. Then she's stunning. I've never encountered anyone else quite like her.

Brooks leaned back on his heels, his expression shifting from anger to slightly appeased. In the dim light, he scrutinized Jason, his forehead creased in a pensive frown. I'll be damned, he finally muttered.

You're truly infatuated, aren't you?

Jason let out a humorless laugh. Would I be here if I weren't? Your daughter is beautiful, Alan. And she would be a delightful companion for any man.

I apologize if my offer offends you. Truly. I've never felt strongly enough about any other young woman to approach her father, you can be sure of that.

Alan took a deep breath, then rubbed his nose. With a chuckle, he said, My daughter is not up for sale, Mr. Vaccaro. Not in any way, shape, or form.

It may be difficult for you to comprehend, but there are certain things that cannot be acquired with money. My precious daughter is one of them.

No longer exhibiting anger, Brooks turned and walked away. After taking only a few steps, though, he drew to a stop and glanced back. If it's any consolation, I felt poleaxed the first time I saw my wife, too. He made a quick sign of the cross. God rest her, but she was so

pretty, I near went blind just looking at her.

A reminiscent smile spread across his craggy features. He shook his head. But, son, women like that, they're for marrying, not for taking as mistresses.

Jason folded his arms. I'm not the marrying kind, Mr. Brooks.

Well, then, you're not my Lisa's kind. He flashed another kindly smile.And just for the record, no man's the marrying kind until he

runs across the right woman. Let me give you a little advice. If you really want my daughter, pay court to her. After getting to know her a

little better, you might think marriage sounds a hair more appealing.

Jason had his doubts about the situation. "You're mistaken," he said softly. "Lisa won't have another opportunity like this. In a year or two, you could all move to a different town. No one would ever uncover her past, and you would have unimaginable wealth. Enough to live comfortably for the rest of your lives. Think about it."

"No need," replied Mr. Vaccaro. "There are things that hold more importance than money. Even if you offered her a million dollars, it wouldn't be sufficient."

"That's ridiculous," Jason retorted.

Alan shrugged. "Perhaps, but that's the reality. If I catch you near my daughter, Mr. Vaccaro, you better have flowers in one hand and a great deal of respect in the other. Do you understand? It's either a wedding ring or nothing for that girl."

With that, Alan Brooks strolled off into the darkness. Even long after he had vanished, Jason could still hear the faint clinking and clattering of his tools and lunch pail.

He lingered in the moonlit shadows for a considerable amount of time, his focus fixed on nothing in particular. Pursuing a romantic relationship? He had never courted a woman before, and he had no intention of starting now.

As for Lisa Brooks choosing to become a nun? That would only happen if Jason were dead. He desired that girl. He desired her in a way that he couldn't quite explain, a profound and insatiable longing that left him feeling almost desperate. Goodness, he was so disturbed that his hands trembled.

Taking a deep breath, Jason dismissed his conversation with Alan as a mistake. However, there were always alternative methods to achieve one's goals. A man simply needed to discover them. He would have Lisa Brooks in his embrace. It was inevitable. Whatever Jason Vaccaro desired, Jason Vaccaro obtained.