Little Memphis (4 page)

Ford

Lust at First Sight

I don’t believe in love at first sight. People who claim it happens to them are full of shit. They only want to believe what they feel is love. As if the lie makes them special. Losers always need a reason to feel important.

Lust at first sight does happen. Years ago, I saw a chick with tits I instantly feel deeply in erection with. While I can’t remember the rest of her, I think her name started with a D.

What I feel with Shay is something different. More like an incorrigible need at first sight. Even when she first arrives and is following Lucky around, I can’t take my eyes off her. I’m restless until she’s at our booth. Even before she joins us, I call dibs and Pax flips me off. He follows the code though and behaves around her.

Even saying very little, Shay tells me a lot about her. I know she’s poor because her manicure looks self-done and her tan is uneven. She’s unprepared for how little liquor she needs to get wasted, so she’s not much of a drinker. She wasn’t roughed up too much as a kid because she didn’t get twitchy when violence was about to break out. She lacks confidence though. By the time Pax and I drag the assholes outside, Maggie leaves the restroom. The other girls appear too. Not Shay. She hides away until Lucky finds her.

Despite her obedient nature, she tells me no. When I make it clear I want into her pants, she slams the door shut. Well, in her head she did. What I hear is a starter pistol going off.

My mind is still on Shay when I stand over Fudge Stiller. The guy ran drugs on the outer edges of Little Memphis. While he never handed any love to the club, he never caused trouble before.

Today, Fudge woke up, looked at his stupid friends, Teddy D and Teddy K, and decided they’d lived long enough. Or maybe they really thought they could walk into Suede and make demands. Who the hell knows what a guy named Fudge thinks about on an average day?

“I guess our territory just got bigger,” Joker says, giving me a grin.

He climbs on his bike and rides home to the wife and kids. Other guys do the same. Trigger’s boys hurry home to tell daddy they got to watch blood flow. I wonder if a day will come when they’ll be ready to lead not only the club, but guys like me and Pax.

Tonight, my brother and I have dirty work ahead of us. The quarry is filled with dozens of years’ worth of losers the club needed gone. Piles of bones were here when I joined the club and many more will join this final resting place after I’m dead or in jail.

“She’s cute,” Pax says, jumping into the bulldozer. “You’ll fuck her to death. Won’t be pretty.”

I smile at him. “You’re such a petty shit. How’s your dick, by the way? You walk like maybe the zombie bitch ripped a chunk out of it.”

“No, she mostly gnawed on it.”

We’re laughing as the bulldozer roars to life. Pax digs a hole and strikes an old dumping site. I wonder what the fools did to end up dead. Of course, with Trigger, their crimes might be anything.

Little Memphis has always been a wild place with people fighting over territory. When the old man arrived, he killed his way to the top and the club still kills to stay on the top. Today is no different except the old man isn’t the one pulling the triggers anymore.

“If my dick didn’t feel like a chew toy,” Pax says after the bodies are dealt with and we sit looking at the stars, “I’d say we outta stop at Bossa Nova Baby and see if any of the girls want to play.”

“You shouldn’t be fucking anyone until you know if you’re infected by a zombie virus. Shit, man, you’ve seen enough horror movies to know that.”

Pax grins. “I’m getting too old for these wild girls.”

“Yeah.”

My mind returns to Shay and her hand on my cheek. I think about her gray eyes shining in the light of the bar. Some girls like Maggie can’t find anyone to give them two minutes of real thought. Others like Shay get under a guy’s skin.
Who knows why?
Maggie is a cute chick, but her personality makes it impossible to like her with the lights on and her mouth flapping. On the other hand, I want to hear Shay’s voice again and I will too. The starter’s pistol is still going off in my head.

Shay

Let Me Tell You a Story

Every morning, Darby eats breakfast while overlooking the serene yard. After a long night replaying my time with Ford, I bring a cup of coffee and over buttered English muffin to the sunroom. I’m dying to ask her questions about Ford, but fear the answers.

“I met a bunch of people last night,” I say casually.

Darby looks up from the paper and lifts a brow. “Who do you want to know more about?”

I shrug, but she only grins. “Is it one of Trigger’s boys? They’re sexy, but rough. Or so I’ve heard.”

“Did you like being married to Joker?”

“Yeah, he was my first love. I had big plans about our life,” she says, sipping her coffee. “Fate doesn’t care about our plans. Now Joker’s married to Amanda. Life moves on.”

“Do you miss him?”

“No. I see him a few times a week and he’s not the spring chicken I married. I think I got out when the getting was good. Besides, I kept the house.”

Darby winks at me, but I can’t be sure how much she’s serious about and what’s hot air.

“Now you tell me which boy you’re interested in, so I can throw cold water on your hopes and dreams. It’s sort of my thing.”

We share a smile then I fess up. “I know it’s stupid, but his name is Ford.”

Darby gives me a look that makes me feel tiny and stupid. Then she laughs. Even wanting to crawl in a corner and cry, I only drink my coffee.

“Did you have a lot of boyfriends back in Georgia?” she asks after her laughter dies out.

“Some, yeah.”

“Any of them worth mentioning?”

I shake my head. “My family has a reputation about us girls being easy, so only certain guys were interested in me. It only got worse when I started working at the club.”

“So were they boyfriends or dates that ended in fucking?”

“The second one.”

“Well, we’ve all been there. My sister got a bad rep early on. Truth be told she was a slutbag for a while. It’s like she got addicted to orgasms and couldn’t get enough. She’d do anyone anytime. Pretty gross. I think it was because she was too damn young when she first fucked. Later, she settled down and wanted a real boyfriend, but everyone wanted Good Time Madison. She ended up moving and starting over.”

“I never really enjoyed sex,” I admit. “I tried having fun, but the guys were all pushy and I never got anything out of it.”

“Nothing to get addicted over, huh?” she says, smirking. “You’ll have a good time with Ford. The fucking will be fun anyway. Don’t expect anything more from him. I doubt he’s capable of loving anyone besides his brother.”

“I’m not sure I could handle love anyway. I think a decent fuck would be a nice start,” I say, feeling Ford on my fingertips again.

“If you want to hook up with him, all you’ll have to do is ask. He’s a bigger slutbag than my sister was.”

I smile. “Maybe after I get settled in. I’m starting work tonight. That should be my focus.”

“Should be, but won’t be,” Darby says, finishing her coffee. “Men are like that. They get under your skin and crawl around in there until you find a cure. Time might kill the feelings. Getting your heart broken is the fastest cure, but who the hell wants to sign up for that?”

I watch Darby walk to the coffee maker and fill herself another cup. She’s comfortable in her skin like I’m not. I bet a lot of people talk shit about her behind her back. Maybe to her face too. She isn’t like anyone else and doesn’t care. Meanwhile, I hide under my trucker hat and hope no one gets too close.

I’m still feeling edgy when I start my new job. Wearing clothes I borrow from Darby, I fake the role of happy hotel clerk. After a few days at the Oregon, I’m not playing anymore.

For the first night, I’m trained by a girl who only wants to talk about her bodybuilder boyfriend. The second night on the job, I’m alone with Jeff who acts as security and errand boy. He ignores me and I spend a lot of time bored, but it’s better than being half naked on a stage with perverts throwing quarters at me.

Whether busy or bored, I have Ford on my mind. Darby figures as much and hints I ought to visit him at Suede. After three days of hinting, she hands me her keys and stares me right in the eyes.

“Get him out of your system,” she orders.

Who am I to disobey?

I consider wearing something nicer than flannel and a trucker cap. Make him see the prettier side of me. Except Ford is the kind of man to lay waste to my young infatuation. No, I decide to stick with enjoying him from under my protective cap.

Arriving at Suede, I worry I might get carded. The bartender doesn’t ask for an ID though. He hands me the beer, saying he’ll put it on my dad’s tab. Even frowning at the last part, I don’t ask questions.

I have no trouble finding Ford. He’s sitting with Pax in the corner. They claim the booth, owning it with their very presence. I try not to stare, but they’re both so damn handsome. Ford looks like a fallen angel, dark and inviting and ready to destroy me.

When I imagine him wanting me, I feel wonderful. Then I imagine him discarding me and nothing else matters. He hasn’t even shown me any real interest and I’m already a love struck fool.

Despite my flustered insides, I act casual when I head to their booth. They look at me like I’m Bambi coming to chat with the hunters who killed his mom.

“Can I sit here?” I ask, holding a beer I don’t really want to drink.

Ford pats the seat while Pax focuses his gaze on a girl laughing loudly near the bar. I don’t know if he’s annoyed or aroused, but he watches her long after I sit down. Ford though is only interested in me.

“You leave anyone important behind when you ditched Georgia?” Ford asks.

Sensing he means a guy and not family, I shake my head.

“Have you lived in Little Memphis long?” I ask, forcing my gaze on him.

His eyes study my face in an intense way that I can’t bear. I focus my gaze on my unappealing beer.

“All my life,” he says.

Ford is suddenly closer. I don’t see him move and I don’t think I moved closer to him. He’s close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off his strong body. My cheeks flush and I have trouble not running for the door. Attractive men have noticed me before, but never anyone like Ford.

“What do you guys do?” I ask, trying to distract from his proximity and my flushed cheeks.

This question is a huge mistake, causing them both to stare at me. I feel small and stupid now.

“We’re enforcers for the club,” Pax says while Ford just looks at me. “Do you know what that means?”

“No, not really.”

“Probably best that way.”

Nodding, I force my gaze to meet Ford’s. He’s wearing a hint of a smile and I suspect he thinks I’m stupid.

“Did you come here tonight to see someone particular?” When I shake my head, his smile grows. “Is this you playing hard to get?”

“I’m just here hanging with the guys,” I say, realizing as soon as the words leave my mouth that I sound like a fucking idiot.

“Let me tell you a story,” he says, leaning closer until his lips are an inch from my ear. “Once upon a time, there was a hot piece of tail who dressed like a boy. She wore flannel and baggy jeans and trucker hats. She kept all her pretty curves hidden, but no one was fooled especially not my dick. The end.”

His hot breath against my skin is making me crazy. My impulsive side wants to kiss him. Touch him. Taste him. I’m desperate to lose control and let him do with me anything he wants.

Instead I look him in the eye and play cool, despite the hunger I see in his predator eyes.

“I like that story, but I’m not hiding anything. I’m saving my pretty curves for a guy I have my eye on.”

“Really?” he says, leaning closer until our lips are nearly touching.

“You don’t know him,” I mumble, ditching the idea of ever hooking up with Ford.

Ford’s eyes narrow possessively. “Who?”

“I said you don’t know him.”

“Bullshit. I know everyone.”

Despite the anger rushing off him, I laugh. “You can’t know everyone. You only know the people around here. My guy doesn’t run in your circle. He’s straight-laced. A geeky type.”

“What’s his name?” Ford asks, glaring at me.

Pax starts laughing at me. Or maybe he’s laughing at Ford.

“What. Is. His. Name?” Ford growls.

Scooting away from him doesn’t give me space for long before he moves over.

“Tell me his name, Shay.”

“Why?”

“I want to check him out. Make sure he’s safe for you.”

Hearing this comment, Pax snorts and finally draws the attention of his brother who growls, “Fuck off.”

I try to use their glaring contest for a getaway, but Ford seizes my wrist.

“Let go,” I say, struggling.

“Tell me his name and you’ll be as free as a bird.”

My brain screams for me to back down. Should I admit I’m lying? Or just give him a fake name? Except why should I bow to his dangerous anger? What difference does it make what Ford Reed thinks?

I stare into his angry blue eyes, holding his gaze for nearly a minute. He doesn’t blink, of course. He refuses to blink for cold motherfuckers who mess with the club. No way will he back off for a girl like me.

Looking away, I focus on my drink. He holds my wrist for another few minutes while Pax glances between us and grins.

“What makes you think I won’t torture the info out of you?” Ford asks, letting go of my wrist so he can reach for his beer.

“You want to fuck me. I can’t imagine any way I’d say yes if you torture me. Raping me won’t go over well with Lucky either.”

Ford glares sideways at me. “I won’t have to take anything, Shay. You’ll give it willingly.”

“She’ll beg for it,” Pax adds, laughing at his brother.

“Beg?” I mutter. “I don’t like sex enough to beg for it.”

“You’re not doing it right, darling,” Ford says, leaning into me again.

“I’m a simple girl and I want a simple guy. You’re complicated, so I guess I’ll miss out on your talents.”

“Complicated,” Pax snorts, sliding out of the booth. “You two are stupid. I’m finding a drunk slut.”

“Fuck off then,” Ford says without sounding angry.

After Pax leaves, I act casual, but it’s a lie. Ford’s making me nervous, so I blurt out. “If I made you think I was interested, I’m sorry.”

Ford grins. “Bullshit, darling. You want it, but you’re scared. Fair enough. I’d be scared of me too.”

Rolling my eyes, I start sliding out of the booth. “I should get going. I promised Darby I’d be home early.”

Ford takes my wrist again. “Want a ride?”

“No.”

He holds my gaze and smiles. “You can play your little girl games, but I will see what you’re hiding under all that flannel.”

“They’re call boobs, Ford. I think you’ve seen plenty of them before.”

Letting go of my wrist, he leans back in the booth. “Never yours though. A man needs goals to keep life interesting.”

Standing now, I really look at him. Man, I wish I could hate him. He’s a pig, but he’s also smiling in a rather appealing way. Not cruel, but amused as if we’re playing a game. I suspect he thinks I just won this round. This idea makes me smile.

Before Ford can make another move and change the momentum, I head for the door. I can feel him on my skin and his voice is in my head. I want to go back to the booth so badly and let him make me feel special. I know he’s had every girl and he’ll have a million more. Yet when he focuses on me, I feel like the only one who matters.

Once outside Suede, I ignore the horny couples surrounding me. The girls are pinned to the walls while the guys press against their wiggling bodies. I’d think they were unwilling, if not for the moans and giggles beneath the sounds of smacking lips.

Suede doesn’t have enough parking spaces for the crowd packed inside, so I parked Darby’s light blue PT Cruiser in the adjoining lot. As I walk across the first parking lot, I caress my wrist where Ford’s fingers held me. His touch felt good and I realize I’m lonely.

Darby and Lucky made my move to Little Memphis as easy as possible, yet I feel lost. Without my brothers, I’m left with only my dull life to manage. Ford promises fun and passion. He’ll give me at least one great night of sex. Is that really too much to ask?

I step over broken bottles and fast food trash. The Cruiser is still a bit of a walk when I sense I’m being followed. I glance back to see a guy feet behind me. His keys are out as if going to his car. Yet he smiles quickly and I know he’s been waiting for me to turn around.

I don’t react to his smile except to walk faster. We aren’t alone in the evening. I see people across the street plus the parking lot of Suede is packed with those horny couples. Traffic races past too. This isn’t a dark alley and I’m not the damsel in distress.

The guy walks faster too and I know I won’t get to the Cruiser before he reaches me. Turning around to face him, I stare hard while he smiles again.

“Cold out, huh?”

“Are you following me?” I ask, adjusting the keys in my pocket so the largest one is ready to act as a weapon.

“Guilty as charged,” he says, still smiling as he inches closer. “I noticed you at the bar and wanted to introduce myself, but you took off too fast. Pretty sad, huh?”

I step back. “I’m not looking to meet anyone. No offense.”

“You’re new to town. Couldn’t hurt to meet a nice guy.”

“I’m going to my car now. Leave me alone.”

“Tell me your name.”

A moment passes while I debate playing along and hoping he backs off versus running for the car. The guy has a big warm face, not at all threatening. On my first night in the strip club, my mentor Lori told me to be careful around the nice guys. They were usually freaks.

Before I step back, he’s already on the move. I turn and make a run for the Cruiser, but my tennis shoes slide on the gravel covering parking lot. Stumbling, I hit the panic button on the Cruiser’s keychain right before his body pounds into mine. The alarm is obnoxious and I don’t know if anyone will pay attention to it.

“Why you gotta be so bitchy?” he says, struggling to pin me face down against a car. “I just want to get to know you.”