Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series (18 page)

“There’s a saying in the south that when you marry a person you also marry their family. I’ve seen plenty of cases where families didn’t like each other and it tore the couples apart.”

“Movies?” He teased.

I relaxed because he’s not mad like I thought he might be. “And books!!”

His eyes are bright and playful, “Relax love. I’m not going to rush you into anything. We have a long ride tomorrow before I can get you home and tucked into my bed. The following day I have to work, so you’ll meet Liz and the rest of the crew. Women are women, aside from Liz, you might get that typical skeptical welcome at first. Once they spend five minutes with you they’ll see what I see and fall head over heels just like I have.”

“You’re quite the silver-tongued devil, you know that?”

“If you say so. Liz will welcome you with open arms, that’s just who she is.”

“Who is Liz?, all you said was she’s your club’s president’s wife.” I turned to pick up my toothbrush and brush while he talks.

“Liz is The General’s wife. The chapter I belong to is called General’s Tribe. It was started on an old Indian reserve back in the day and because the guy who started it is a retired Army General, it became General’s Tribe. When I told her I was in love with you she about blew my eardrum screaming in delight.”

I finished brushing and rinsed before turning back to him. “She sounds very nice.”

“She’s a wonderful person, you’ll like her. She’s also a viper when it comes to protecting her family. I’ve seen that woman go off, and it ain’t pretty.”

“Ain’t is not a word Lou.” I teased him.

“I used it for emphasis Miss Whitmore. Are you going to smack my hand with a ruler? Or wash my mouth out with soap?”

I laughed feeling the weight lift from my shoulders. “Are you going to get out of here so I can get dressed?”

He stood up and flipped up the lid on the toilet, “I gotta pee first.”

I covered my face with my hands, “LOU!!! You could have asked me for some privacy!”

“Why? What’s the big deal? Couples pee in front of each other all the time.” He smiled at me enjoying my torment!

“The big deal is I don’t tinkle in front of people!!” I had to laugh though.

“Tinkle?? Now that’s too cute.” He teased flushing then washing his hands.

That’s when I knew it was safe to come out from hiding and peeked, “You sir, have zero manners.”

He smiled, like one happy man, at me through the mirror, “You can spend the rest of your life trying to teach me.”

I felt my eyes roll and my cheeks puff up as I smiled even bigger. Lou is turning out to be quite fun. I could get used to this. This not being alone. I pushed the thought away of just how totally alone I’ve been my entire life, except for Myles.

“You okay sweetheart?” He’s drying his hands and turned to look at me now.

I shook off the thoughts, “Yes. I just got lost in thought for a second.”

“About what?” He’s interested. Truly interested. Wow. This man. This big, wonderful, powerful biker of a man cares about what
I’m
thinking.

“Myles has been my lifetime companion and protector. I never felt alone because of him, but now that you’re here, I realize just how lonely I was.” I motioned to us and the bathroom, “The way we can talk, and joke with each other. I had no idea, it’s a bit unsettling to see all that I’ve been missing in life.”

“Me too. I like it very much. So much I want it every day for the rest of my life.” He walked over and kissed me softly, “I’m going to order coffee and breakfast. Any preferences for breakfast?”

“Just the pleasure of your company.”

“Always.” He kissed me again then left after touching my chin and giving me one last loving look.

9

“What are we going to do today? Besides the rings of course, which I think can wait.” I hinted.

“No waiting. I want an engagement ring on your finger now.” He pointed to my hand from across the table. We’re having an elaborate breakfast of omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausage, pastries, and fruit.

“Did you talk to your bug friend about lunch?”

He almost choked on his mouthful of bacon before managing, “My bug friend?”

“Termite?”

“Oh! No, I’ll call him in a little while. That bug doesn’t do mornings. We’ll be lucky if he makes it out for lunch. Knowing Mary she’ll drag him out anxious to meet you.” He added.

“How did he get his nickname?”

“They made him eat termites when he was prospecting. He developed a taste for them and began eating them all around the club. Chocolate covered, salted, roasted with cayenne pepper, you name it.”

“That is disgusting.”

“I agree, but he still eats the damn things.”

“Let’s hope not for lunch today.”

“No, he usually refrains in restaurants. Aside from touring the old penitentiary, there’re a few museums, a bird of prey park, a zoo, and a botanical garden we can explore today if you would like.” He sat back finally full. He eats a large amount of food. Then again, he’s a large man.

“I get the feeling museums would bore you to pieces, and I have no interest in exploring a prison, new or old. I vote for the birds of prey and the botanical garden. That way you get something manly, and I get more flowers.” I sat back picking up my coffee.

“Today isn’t about me, it’s about you. I want to spoil you.”

“No, you said we should get to know each other. Each other. That means both of us. Do you like the birds of prey idea, or not?”

He shrugged, “Sounds interesting enough.”

“I thought so too.” An idea hit me. “What’s your favorite color?”

He tilted his head, “I don’t think I have one, why?”

“Not even black?”

He laughed, “Maybe, if I had to pick one. Why are you asking me this?”

“To get to know you better. Favorite song?”

He shook his head, “I got nothing. The only ‘favorite’ I have, is you.”

“That’s silly. You have to have likes and dislikes.” I argued playfully, and horribly curious all of a sudden.

“I like you. I dislike being away from you.”

“Lou, you’re being difficult again. Just tell me. I want to know the man I’m going to marry, if all goes well that is.” I added and instantly regretted it as the look on his face changed to one I hope to never see again.

“Please don’t do that.”

“I’m sorry, it came out wrong. I love you. I want to marry you, but I worry. I worry that being with me is putting you and your family in danger.”

“I know that, but you’re safer with me than without me. Are you trying to give me another ‘out’ Miss Whitmore?” He asked suspiciously.

“I don’t want you to think you have to marry me for me to sleep with you.”

He let out an exasperated breath and slapped his napkin on the table. He shook his head and looked up at me. “Do you really think I need to marry you to get you into bed? Do I look that desperate?”

“Desperate? No.” I’m confused.

“If I wanted you just for the sex, that part would have been over and done with and I’d be on to my next job. Think about it Barbara.”

“I’m sorry. I guess I’m not very good at this.”

“Just try to trust me. This isn’t about getting laid. Not to sound like an ass, but I can get that anywhere I want.”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“Geezus. I thought you’d let that go? I did that because I don’t fuck every woman in my path and I was pent up to the point of it being painful. If I had known it was going to be thrown in my face by the woman I love I never would have done it.” He started to stand.

I panicked, “Lou, wait. I’m sorry. Really, please, don’t leave.”

“Leave?” He looked at me with his hands on the back of the chair, “Who said I was leaving?”

“I… you got up.” I feel stupid all over.

“I’m not going anywhere that easily, but nice try. My favorite bike is the Road King, I prefer side roads to open freeways, and I like strong dark beers. I like my job because it gives me purpose. And I fucking love you with every fiber of my being. I would appreciate it if you would start believing that.”

“I’m trying.” I stood and went to him. “I’m sorry. Forgive me?”

“Always.” He cupped my butt and pulled me against him. “You have a spa appointment in ten minutes. Think that’s enough time for dessert?” He kissed my neck making me relax and melt into his arms.

“Not for both of us.” I pushed him back. “Sit.”

“Oh no. You got away with that once.”

“And I’ll get away with it anytime I damn well please. Sit.” I smacked his butt and pulled the chair back.

“Babe, seriously.” He sat when I pushed the spot on his hip that makes the legs weak. I pushed his a little harder than you’re supposed to, so he sent down quickly. “Whoa. What was that?”

“Pressure points. I learned them in self defense class.” I decided to get his jeans completely out of my way before beginning play time.

“Barbara!! Shit!!!” I was five minutes late for my mani-pedi. The image of Lou sated and shocked still sitting in that chair as I left, lingered with me the entire two hours.

“It’s too big. I’ll run my hose.”

“Hose? Pantyhose?” He leaned into my ear to whisper, “No more pantyhose, those things are stifling and get in my way. Besides, you have the softest, sexiest legs on earth. Why would you want to cover them up?”

I took the large emerald engagement ring off and handed it back to the jewelry sales person. “Do you have something smaller? The hose keep my legs warm, and I wear a lot of dresses, or used to until I met you. Seattle is chilly from what I understand.” I explained.

He groaned low in his throat making me laugh.

“I told you I have simple taste in jewelry.” I said as the salesman brought over another tray.

“These are typically anniversary rings, but they seem to be to more to the lady’s liking.” He said looking at me. I get the feeling he’s intimidated by the large leather clad biker standing next to me.

I’d taken my jacket off on the way inside the store, Lou keeps his on almost constantly no matter where he is, unless we’re inside, and alone.

I played with the rings and found one emerald band, and a matching diamond band. I lifted my hand to admire them. “That’s better.”

Lou looked them over and smirked, “You deserve something much bigger.”

“If you buy me some giant rock I won’t wear it every day. You
do
want me to have something I can wear every day, right?” I challenged him.

“Yes, you know I do.” He picked up the box with his the ring it and handed it to the guy behind the counter. “Here, we’ll take these.” He pulled out his wallet and gave him a credit card. “I’m going to go get some air.”

I grabbed his sleeve before he could turn away, “Hey. Are you mad?”

He touched my cheek, “No, just stubborn. I wanted to put a rock on your finger for my own selfish reasons.”

“Which are?”

He glanced over at the salesman, “Not to be discussed here. I’m going to go call my bug friend and see about a late lunch.” He kissed my cheek and went outside.

I turned back to the counter and picked up his ring. When the guy came back over I pulled the ring from it’s box and showed it to him. “How long would it take to engrave this?”

“A few minutes. It’s free with your purchase. What would you like it to say?” He picked up a pen and paper to write.

I looked over my shoulder to make sure Lou is still outside. “I would like it to say, ‘My life began with you. Forever Yours, Barbie.’” Okay so it’s a little corny, but it made me tear up just thinking about the smile on his face when he reads that at our wedding.

We made a couple adjustments to the font just in time as Lou found his way back inside.

“All set?” He asked sounding much happier now.

“What did you do? Take a happy pill?” I just need to stall him for a few minutes.

“No. I talked to Liz. She told me to tell you Myles had your things shipped to her house. We can pick them up anytime. Your phone, laptop, and whatever else was in your purse.”

“Not the purse? I don’t really care, but what did they do? Dump my things out of my purse into a shipping box?”

He smiled wickedly, “She said you’d ask about the purse, and told me to ask, ‘What purse?’ I think that means she swiped it, but don’t worry, I’m sure she’s kidding.”

I laughed making sure I kept Lou’s attention while Robert went into the back to make the engraving on Lou’s ring. “She can have the purse, I have a new one.” I reached up and tugged on his beard gently. “I think I’m getting used to this. It’s much softer now.”

He saw right through me, “What are you up to?”

I tried to hide the smile, but I’m no good at surprises, therefore I failed miserably. “Nothing for you to concern yourself about.”

He looked around, “Where’s Robert?”

“I suppose he’s cleaning the rings.”

“Didn’t he do that ten times showing them to us?”

“Impatient are we?”

“To marry you? Yes.”

“Did you talk to Termite?” I changed the subject not ready to discus wedding plans just yet. The rings are enough for one day.

He smiled and visibly relaxed a little, “Yes. He’s going to meet us at the usual haunt. You’ll get to meet some friends of mine outside the club. They call themselves HOGs. It stands for Harley Owners Group.”