Damaged and the Bulldog (5 page)

Harlow had a lot of anger and thought roller derby
might help her get it out in a productive way. The problem was she wasn’t a
great skater, so she asked Raven for help.

I didn’t want to join the Storm Babes, but I decided
to come along to watch her train. Bailey also wanted to join us. In the chaos
of making plans, I agreed to bring Jace along. He wasn’t thrilled.

“Hey, kid,” Bailey said, looking at Jace. “Sawyer is
also a child. Be friends and play together, so I can ignore her and pay
attention to Winnie.”

Jace frowned darkly as Sawyer took his hand. “I don’t
want to skate.”

“No one cares,” Sawyer growled. “Don’t let me fall.”

“Whatever you say, princess.”

I grinned at Jace, but he didn’t share my amusement.
Bailey rolled her eyes at the kids then turned to me.

“Nick still loves me.”

“Why would he stop?” I asked, skating carefully into
the rink.

“You’ve met me. I can be too amazing for some people.
I wear them down with my awesome until they want me dead. It happens.”

As Bailey wrapped her arm through mine, we moved
slightly faster.

“Nick isn’t some people. He’s your guy.”

“Hell yeah,” Bailey said, smiling. She opened her
mouth to speak, but paused as Harlow and Raven raced by.

“Faster!” Raven yelled and I saw Harlow pushing
herself.

“Nuts,” Bailey muttered then grinned at me. “Anyway, I
heard you had a date with Dylan. Are you in love yet?”

“It doesn’t work like that.”

“How do you know?”

I shrugged. “We’re going to the movies tonight.”

“Bringing the chaperone?” Bailey asked, gesturing to
Harlow racing around the rink and trying to keep up with Raven.

“Yes.”

“You know that’s weird, right?”

“It’s Dad’s idea.”

“Being a pastor’s daughter can’t be easy. Men are so
protective of their daughters. I won’t be like that with mine. I’ll let them
run the streets like my sons.”

Doubting Bailey would appreciate my response to her
plan, I didn’t share it.

“I’ve never dated before, so Dad wants me to feel
safe.”

“Fair enough, but Dylan is a sexy guy who doesn’t
usually go on chaperoned dates. I hope he doesn’t get weird about it. He’d be
missing out on Winnie love.”

I smiled, but her words freaked me out. Bailey glanced
at her little sister who was tugging at Jace.

“Faster, weenie,” Sawyer barked.

Jace came to a stop and glared at her. She crossed her
arms and glared up at him. I watched them until Bailey pulled me out of the
rink.

“Let’s leave the lovers to quarrel without an
audience,” she said, sitting down on a bench. “So how did it go with Dylan
really?”

“Okay. He kissed me and I liked it, but I also got a
little weird. I’m hoping he didn’t get mad about that.”

“Raven told me Dylan came by the bar last night. She
said you two were dating and he was really into you. Like hump your leg into
you. I wouldn’t worry that he’s mad.”

I smiled. “He’s gentle, but not weak. I know that
sounds stupid, but this one guy from church in Tennessee liked me. He was
really nice, but he seemed weak and I didn’t feel like he could protect me. I
know I shouldn’t need protecting. Harlow doesn’t. She punches people in the
face, but I get scared and panic. When my dad is around, I feel safe though
because I know he’s tough. I feel that way with Dylan too.”

“The guy did get shot trying to save you. He also
attacked armed bikers with a hammer. That’s pretty manly.”

Smiling, I watched Harlow struggling to keep up with
Raven who wasn’t even breaking a sweat. I knew my sister wanted to be badass
like a man, but skating wasn’t coming easy for her.

“We should double date,” Bailey said. “Nick and I need
to go out with a couple that won’t ditch us halfway through a meal because
they’re horny.”

“Maybe when I don’t need a chaperone anymore.”

“Yeah, I’m not looking to hang out with another couple
plus a third wheel. No offense to Harlow.”

“She plans to live her life without a man.”

“Good for her. Someone needs to take a stand against
all this love shit and it ain’t gonna be me.”

I shook my head. “I’m not in love with Dylan.”

“You will be. Give it a date or two then I won’t be
able to pry you off him.”

Shuddering, I shook my head. “I don’t think I can be
comfortable with sex ever. As much as I like Dylan, this thing won’t last. I
want it too, but I can’t have sex.”

“You never know. In the beginning, Farah was frigid
like Antarctica and now she can’t get enough of Coop’s dong. If Dylan is sweet
to you, you might defrost all over him.” Bailey and I shared a frown. “That
sounds gross, but you know what I mean.”

“Maybe, but only time will tell, so I’m not over
thinking it.”

“Good for you. I always over think things. I can’t
stop thinking. It’s why I’m always right.”

I squinted at her and she grinned. “I like when you
think stuff about me, but don’t say them. Unlike Raven who blurts out her
insults.”

Laughing, we returned to the rink. I noticed Harlow in
the death throes while Raven dragged her by the hand. On the other end of the
rink, Jace skated quickly with Sawyer holding the back of his shirt. They
seemed to be having more fun than my sister who finally collapsed on her butt.

“I’m done.”

“I blame Raven,” Bailey said. “She’s a really bad
teacher.”

“Eat shit and pickles, dumbass.”

“See what I mean?” Bailey said to me while I helped
Harlow up. “She has no people skills.”

Raven took a swipe at Bailey who screamed and skated
very slowly away.

“Not worth the effort,” Raven said then went to skate
with the kids.

“Are you okay?” I asked as Harlow and I stumbled to
the bench.

“I’m so out of shape.”

“No, you’re not. Skating’s hard.”

“I definitely need more cardio.”

Leaning her sweaty face against me, Harlow drank an
entire bottle of water.

“Nervous about tonight?” she asked.

“No. You’ll be there.”

“I’m not asking him anything this time. You need to be
chatty with the boytoy.”

“I don’t know what to ask.”

“What do you want to know?”

I shrugged.

“Ask him why he wears all those shirts with a bulldog
on the front? Maybe he has a fetish. You’ll want to know that in case things
move to the marriage and baby carriage stages.”

Smiling, I checked my watch and counted the hours
before Dylan would arrive at my house to pick me up for the movies. My stomach
lurched at the thought of seeing him again. Dread came first, but then a warm
sensation in my gut took over.

Dylan might be my Cooper Johansson, the guy who thawed
my frigid ways. While this wasn’t the most romantic idea I’d ever heard, I
still prayed Bailey was right.

The temperature dropped nearly twenty degrees from
when I got up at eleven to the time I arrived at the Todds’s house at five. I
zipped up my dark brown leather jacket then knocked on the door.

Jace answered and gave me the once over before letting
me inside. I stood in the living room of the modernized 1960’s house and hoped
Winnie wasn’t hiding in her room. Just before my worries cemented into full
fledged fear, she appeared from the hallway.

If any other girl looked at me like Winnie did right
then, I would cross the distance between us and swept her into my arms.

Her hazel eyes were so bright with excitement in a way
I’d never seen them before. Based on her big smile, I sensed she had been
counting the hours until we were together again.

As I struggled against the urge to kiss her, Winnie
smiled wider like she knew what she did to me.

“You look beautiful,” I said unable to stop myself.

Looking a little insecure, Winnie ran a hand over her
green sweater. “Thank you. Harlow picked it out.”

“I’ll be sure to thank her.”

Winnie’s smile lit up the room. “I was worried you’d
be mad about last night.”

“You mean how it was perfect?”

Winnie gave me a knowing grin. “Harlow is having hair
issues. She’ll be out in a minute. Do you want to wait outside?”

“It’s really cold.”

Winnie retrieved her jacket from the closet then
called out goodbye to her little brother.

“I want practice being alone with you.”

Giving her a little grin, I opened the door and we
walked into the chilly evening. Winnie’s nose turned pink within two minutes
and I had the urge to warm her up.

“What did you do today?” she asked, sounding nervous.

“Nothing much. Just a little laundry.”

“I went roller skating with Harlow and Jace. Bailey
and Raven were there. Harlow is training to join the roller derby team.”

Unable to stop myself, I caressed her cheek with the
back of my knuckles. “I can’t skate. I’d end up on my ass in five seconds.”

“I’d hold you,” she offered, but her bravado barely
hid the fear in her voice.

“I could arrange that.”

Winnie smiled, but her breathing told me she was on
edge. The intimacy of this moment and the need we both felt was eating away at
her confidence.

After quickly tracing her perfect lips, I stepped
back. “Patience is a virtue.”

Winnie smiled, even while having trouble making eye
contact. “Patience isn’t always easy.”

“Sometimes, it’s worth it though.”

Holding my gaze, she smiled and nodded. “Sometimes.”

Harlow opened the door then shivered at the cold wind.
“Bye, Mom, Dad, and Jace.”

“Go away!” Jace yelled back, but I caught the boy
grinning.

Harlow ignored his comment and walked past us to the
driveway. “Let’s get going. I want time to get popcorn and a giant soda on your
dime.”

Grinning, I opened the SUV doors for both girls. Once
I joined them, I noticed Harlow deep in love with her phone. It was almost like
Winnie and I were alone.

During the drive, Winnie placed her hand on my right
arm then took it off then returned it. I made no notice of her touch, allowing
her to build her confidence without putting her on the spot.

My mind demanded restraint. Winnie was fragile and
needed a man willing to wait for her. However, my body demanded more. Winnie
was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Her hair looked so soft and I could
smell the sweet aroma of her shampoo. Despite every attempt to keep my need in
check, I imagined her legs wrapped around me. Her lips against mine. Her moans
echoing in my ear.

Unable to stop myself, I took her hand and placed it
against my lips. Winnie exhaled hard, startled by the suddenness of my touch. I
softly kissed the top of it. I wanted to keep her hand in mine, but her
trembling forced me to let her go.

Winnie shrunk away from me. Though I hadn’t hurt her,
she behaved as if under threat. Leaning against the door, she stared outside
until Harlow shoved herself between the seats.

“I’ve never had Raisinettes. Will you get me some?”
she asked, either oblivious to Winnie’s fear or pretending to be.

“Sure. Get whatever you want.”

“Ooh, Mister Moneybags.”

Harlow disappeared into the backseat and returned to
her phone. I wanted to say something to Winnie to fix my moment of weakness.
Instead, I focused on the road and tried to understand how such a small gesture
could upset her so much.

Winnie glanced at me then back out the window. Her
legs were pressed tightly together as if fearful I might jump her at any
moment.

By the time we arrived, I was sulking. My pledge of
patience hadn’t lasted and I’d spooked the only girl who made me feel like the
kind of man I wanted to be.

Winnie didn’t wait until I opened the door for her,
but got out and took Harlow’s hand. I suspected the date was officially over and
we were just going through motions now.

The parking lot was crowded with people coming and
going from the theater. I remained close to the girls who were still holding
hands. To my surprise, Winnie took my hand as we neared the entrance.

Frowning down at Winnie, I didn’t understand her mood
swings. I was the bad guy minutes earlier, yet now I was in her good favor
again.

“Can I have Raisinettes too or is that too expensive?”
she asked as we waited in line with the tickets I bought ahead of time.

I stared down at Winnie while Harlow gave a passing
guy a dirty look.

“You can have anything you want,” I said, feeling
deflated because I had no idea what she wanted.

Winnie only nodded and remained silent until I joined
them with the snacks and drinks.

Harlow took her food and smiled. “Some douche tried to
take your seat. A ball sac threat later and he changed his mind.”

“She’s very good with the ball threats,” Winnie said
as I settled down next to her.

Confused, I nodded and stared at the screen. Winnie
talked with Harlow until the previews began. I heard them mumbling about
raisins and chocolates being against God. Normally, I’d find this funny, but my
feelings were hurt. I just wasn’t sure if Winnie or I was at fault.

As the movie began, Winnie leaned closer and stared at
me. “You make me feel things I’m not comfortable feeling.”

“I need to be close and I forget sometimes. I’m
sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she whispered. “I like when you touch me.
I’m just scared to like it so much.”

My pout slid into a smile. “You’re mine. I don’t know
how I know, but I do. I think about you all the time and it’s killing me to
wait. I will though because I only want you.”

Winnie shared my smile and cuddled closer to me, going
as far as to lean her head against my shoulder. The movie was a wild comedy,
stupid, yet funny. My mind barely registered the story on the big screen.
Instead, I nuzzled my lips against her soft hair. After she was finished eating
popcorn, I took her hand in mine.

For those two hours, Winnie was a normal girl on a date
with a normal guy who didn’t sleep in his car outside her house most nights.