I couldn’t fault her logic.
It was after 6, and I wondered where Amy was, I told her that we had invited Rosie and her posse to come at 630 so she better be here. I had gotten ready early, so I could put the finishing touches on everything without worrying about primping. Amy had left about an hour ago saying she had to go and ‘get hot’ for the biker/hotcop man candy that may or may not be there tonight. Her words not mine. I took another quick look in the floor to ceiling mirror. I had on a bright red dress. It was skintight, with capped sleeves and a huge plunging neckline, exposing a fair bit of my not so ample breasts, but it worked for me, having being designed for small busted women (thank you Mrs Beckham). I had kick ass matching red shoes, they were high and I mean high, with a tiny stiletto heel and a pointed toe. There were tiny straps around my ankles embellished with little gold studs, giving my look a bit of edge. I had a couple of gold bangles on my wrist but otherwise wore no jewelry, the dress and shoes spoke for themselves. I had my hair up in a loose bun, with small curls escaping around my face. My makeup was not too over the top, a small amount of eyeliner, but a big amount of my absolute favorite mascara that made my lashes look lush. I had a subtle red gloss on my lips, not wanting to go too overboard with the red thing. I had to admit I looked pretty good and judging on how Amy’s jaw had dropped when she saw me I guess she thought I looked okay as well.
I wondered if Luke would be here tonight, I deliberated to myself whether I could muster up the same sort of electric connection I felt with Cade, and channel it into a more sensible direction. The clinging of the bell shook me out of my thoughts and Amy strutted in. It was my turn for a jaw drop, I thought I looked okay, but she was…wow. She was dressed in pure white, donning a strapless, bustier style top, which molded to her body perfectly, showing off her more than ample chest in a tasteful way. She had paired this with a skintight white pencil skirt, skimming her knees. She had on (my) white strappy stilettos, which came up past her ankle, and made her legs look amazing. Her red hair was curled into soft waves and she had little makeup on, apart from some amazing red lipstick.
“Well??” She did a little turn.
“I think I may just turn lesbian for you, lady you look smoking.” I said with a smirk on my face. “Nice shoes by the way.” I continued sarcastically.
“Thanks.” She flicked her hair strutting towards me, straightening clothes now and then. “I got them at the best little store, right across from my bedroom, and they didn’t cost me a dime.” She said with mock shock.
I laughed, “Probably similar to the store I got these bracelets from then.” I held my arm up in front of her and jingled the borrowed jewelry.
“Good thing we both have such great taste.” She exclaimed, not batting an eyelash at me wearing her seriously pricey accessories.
We spent the rest of our time before the girls arrived, making and drinking cocktails to loosen up a bit, I switched on my chill playlist, giving a soft melody in the background. Amy and I were sitting in my kick ass antique patterned couch, which was by the fitting rooms, sipping our cosmos when the door jingled and Rosie and the girls walked in. Rosie wore an amazing, long sleeved, fitted little black dress with black and gold sandals. Lucy was wearing skintight black, high waisted pants with a silver cropped top showing off her toned midsection, pairing it with silver sandals. Ashley had on another 1950’s style dress with capped sleeves, a flower print that finished at her waist and had a powder blue full skirt. It was awesome.
“Holy shit!” Rosie yelled. “This place looks amazing!!” She rushed towards me and engulfed me in a huge hug. She released me, looking me up letting out a whistle. “Scratch that, you look amazing, way to make us mere mortals look like shit.” She glanced at Amy, who was busy chatting to Lucy and Ashley and making them drinks.
“Wowza, and Amy is making white look far from virginal.” She declared, impressed.
I laughed lightly, “You look killer Rosie, where did you get that dress??” I asked, genuinely wanting to know. Up close the dress was embroidered with hundreds of little beads that sparkled in the light. I needed something like that in my wardrobe, not counting my hundreds of other little black dresses.
“Oh some thrift store.” She waved her hand. “It was way longer, but I gave it the chop and voilà! New dress! Enough about that. My brother is going to die when he sees you looking like that, seriously I wouldn’t put it pass him to carry you out, caveman style,” she giggled.
I blinked, shocked at the casual way she was talking about Cade in relation to me, as if we were a couple together for a while, not two people who barley knew each other apart from making out at her party. And he was coming here, what? I definitely didn’t remember inviting him to come here, I wasn’t insane. I started with the obvious question.
“Cade’s coming?” I asked, my voice sounding squeaky.
“Well yeah.” She said like it was the obvious answer. “I told him about the opening today and he said him and the boys would definitely stop by, you’re here, free booze and hot bitches? Just try and keep them away.”
I barely restrained a snort, hardass bikers at a clothing store opening? Yeah right! I began to ask her if she was actually serious when Amy and the girls came over, arms full of cocktails. Amy thrust a full glass into Rosie’s waiting hand and replaced my empty one.
“Right bitches.” She completely interrupted. “I think it is time for a toast.” She thought for a second. “To new friends, new beginnings and new clothes!”
The women laughed, we clinked our glasses and downed a mouthful of the delicious brew.
“So Gwen.” Lucy started after finishing her sip. “Are you selling that smoking dress somewhere in this lovely place or am I going to have to rip it off your back? Because that is gorg –goues.”
“Of course we have it, just in different colours, right over here.” I directed her to a rack full of dresses as Ashley and Rosie began to look through racks. Within the first five minutes the three ladies had armfuls of clothes ready to try.
“Just to inform you ladies,” I called over the doors of the fitting rooms as they were getting changed. “In New Zealand we have a thing called ‘mates rates’ which I assure you all you will be getting.”
“Rock on!” I heard Rosie exclaim from the middle stall and I laughed. I had lost track of the amount of times I have genuinely laughed since being around these women, not just the fake ones I had forced back in New York.
Amy must have been thinking something along the same lines as she glanced at me with a proud smile, and I saw a tiny glisten in her eyes. Before I was able to say something, Lucy came out of the fitting room, looking stunning in the black, shorter version of my dress and exclaimed, “I have to have this, seriously have to!!”
“Yes you so do.” I agreed.
After almost an hour of trying on, the girls decided on multiple items, and while I was getting them sorted I informed them of their totals.
Rosie blinked at me. “No Gwen that’s not right, that isn’t even the price of two dresses let alone three.”
“Opening night special.” I shrugged.
“No we will pay full price.” Lucy put in. “We have to support our new favorite store.”
“And I have to support my new best customers.” I said back with a smile, the girls started to argue but Amy butted in.
“Ladies take the fucking discount, you are awesome, and Gwen and I are just grateful to meet such kick ass chicks on coming here, this is our thank you. No arguing.” She ordered.
It was then that the girls concede, thanks to Amy’s no nonsense tone.
“But next time we are paying full price.” Rosie decided.
I just smiled back at her, not saying a thing. At that point, the bell chimed and some women from Roses party piled in. I greeted them warmly, hoping I remembered everyone’s name. After that people continuously trickled in, some I recognized, some I didn’t. World travelled fast in this small town, which was something I had banked on. Everyone
was lovely, including the man who owned the bookstore next door, whom I had met on Sunday. He brought his wife Bernie, who was in her late fifties but wore her age well, with short red hair and a slim body, which was wearing a lovely red skirt and blouse. People in this town were freaks of nature with their good looks and impeccable style.
“Gwen dear, its so lovely to meet you, Evan told me all about the ‘beautiful young kiwi girl’ who loved books just as much as he did! I’m glad as he has had trouble finding an avid reader in me.” She laughed. “Now I will definitely be coming to visit you on a regular basis, I think.” Her gaze landed on a stunning pair of heels on the shelf behind me.
“I look forward to it.” I told her before getting whisked away by Rosie to meet more people. It was about 8:30pm, my little store was packed, I was over the moon, men and women of all ages had come to welcome Amy and I. I was wrapping a purchase when the bell chimed for what felt like the hundredth time that night, hot cop Luke sauntered in. He looked good, and so did his buddies who were trailing in behind him, these were some fine all American specimens. He was wearing a blue button up shirt, tucked into faded jeans, a big old belt buckle and cowboy boots. I glanced over at Amy whose eyes were so focused on the newcomers she didn’t realize the champagne glass she was pouring was overflowing.
I chuckled turning attention back to Violet, the young girl buying the dress. “You enjoy that dress honey, it looks great on you.” I said sincerely.
My eyes went back to where Luke was currently making his was towards me, eyes twinkling, saying hello to people as he approached, shaking hands and whatnot. I smoothed my dress stepping out from behind the counter. He got a full look at me and his eyes darkened, I blushed slightly at his reaction.
“Gwen.” He addressed me roughly, grabbing my waist and kissing my cheek. My skin tingled a little from his touch, I was definitely attracted to him, but I couldn’t help but compare it to the fire I felt when Cade touched me. I mentally shook my head, focusing on Luke before my thoughts wandered too much.
“Luke, glad you could make it.” I beamed up at him.
“So am I darling, you look…” he paused, hands still at my waist, “Stunning, although that does not adequately describe how beautiful your are in that dress.” His voice was charming and held an undertone of desire.
I laughed nervously, very aware that his hand was still at my waist. “Stop your making me blush.”
“Good, your blush is beautiful,” he murmured.
I was still smiling, albeit timidly when the bell chimed yet again. I didn’t pay much notice, still focusing on how to handle this intimate situation, and how I felt about it.
“Can I get you a beer?” I asked gesturing towards the bar, slightly stepping away from him.
I caught Amy’s eye, she looked slightly panicked, I narrowed my eyebrows, usually she would be thrilled seeing me talking to a hot guy.
That’s when I felt it. The intense energy, the air almost sizzling. I turned away from the bar and locked eyes with Cade, who was pushing his way towards me with his eyes focused on Luke’s hand, which was still resting at my waist.
“Shit.” I muttered, fully stepping out of Luke’s touch. “Sorry Luke, could you excuse me for just a second? I have something to deal with, Amy will get you a beer.” I tried to sound breezy.
Luke followed my eyes and started to look a bit dangerous himself. “You know Fletcher?” He questioned tightly.
I opened my mouth to ask him who Fletcher was, when Cade descended upon us, expression dark.
“Crawford.” He spat out the name like it tasted bad, glaring at Luke. He directed his gaze at me, eyes travelling up and down my body and I got instantly wet at the hunger in his stare. His eyes snapped to mine. “Babe outside. Now.” He ordered.
I opened my mouth yet again to tell him to go fuck himself, but more politely as I am at my store opening in front of the town and I wanted to sound calm and dignified. Before I could get the words out, Luke stepped forward, almost in front of me. Fuck, this didn’t look like it was going in any direction that was good, people started to give sideways glances our way.
“I’m sorry Fletcher but Gwen and I were having a conversation which you are interrupting.” He grumbled, authority ringing in his tone.
“I can see that Deputy.” Cade drawled sarcastically. “And now your conversation is over.” He seized my arm and basically dragged me out the door. I tottered behind him, mostly because I didn’t want to cause a scene, but a little bit because he looked HOT.
Cade was wearing a black shirt, rolled up at the sleeves so you could see his thick arms covered in tattoos. His shirt hung untucked over a pair of very well fitting jeans so well fitting I think the designer was owed a huge thank you by all of womankind. His outfit was finished motorcycle boots and his cut overtop. It was the biker version of formal, and I had to say, I dug it.
We flew past Rosie who was barely suppressing laughter and I glared at her. This made her laugh flat out. We made it outside and Cade continued to drag me down the street into an alleyway backing me up against a brick wall.
“What in the FUCK do you think you are doing?” I screeched, very concerned about the damage the wall was doing to my fabulous dress.
Cade cut me off by putting his hands on either side of my face, drawing me in for brutal kiss. I halfheartedly struggled, but melted into him when he pressed his hard body into mine. Those abs undid me every time. I was lost for breath when he pulled away, his eyes pierced through mine, dark with desire.
“That was me beginning to show you how I feel about that dress babe. I’ll show my full appreciation later, but for now I want to know what the fuck Crawford was doing with his hands on you.” His voice raised to near a yell at the end.
“I’m assuming Crawford is Luke, and you are doing the usual ridiculous macho man thing by calling him by his last name.” I retorted sarcastically.
Cade drew me closer roughly, but I didn’t feel afraid of him, which was crazy. I mean I was attacked by bikers and here I was literally in a dark alley with one and the only thing I was feeling is irritation, and arousal. A lot of arousal.
“Don’t get fucking smart with me baby, answer the god damn question.” He growled.
“I wasn’t aware there was a question Cade, I’m afraid I am not fluent in cave man.” I retorted sweetly, continuing to bait him.
He surprisingly didn’t find me funny. He pounded his fist against the brick beside my head. I flinched, wow that’s got to hurt.
“I come in, to see you, to carry on our conversation from the other night, to fucking apologize for coming on so strong when I obviously have to handle you with care baby and trust me I will from now on.” His stare made my insides flutter. “I see you, in that fucking dress, looking so good it should be illegal, laughing with that prick and his hands all over you. Baby it took everything I had not to pound my fist into his face. You are mine. I know you don’t understand nor like it at the moment but you will because what is between us is real and I know you feel it and you’re scared.” Cade accused.
I let out a breath, floored, a bit because I have never heard the rough biker talk such much but mostly because of what he said. I didn’t like some of it like really didn’t like the ‘you are mine’ part, reminding me too much of what Jimmy thought of me, but unlike Jimmy I don’t think he meant like a possession, I think he meant something else. But the other stuff he said was kind of sweet, and I didn’t know what to do with the caring side of the rough round the edges man.
There was too many feelings to process at this moment.
“Cade this is too much to process at the moment.” I attempted to sound calm. “I don’t understand what is going on and why you felt the need to make a scene at my store opening.” My voice raised a bit, I couldn’t help it I was pissed off. “And drag me onto the street a lay that on me. I need to get back inside, but we obviously need to talk.” Yeah right we needed to talk, talk about how for some reason he thought we were some kind
of item after only a couple of encounters, and one mind blowing orgasm.
“You’re overthinking baby.” Cade stroked my face. “But you’re right, we’ll get back in, you have your night and at the end of it you’re on the back of my bike. No escaping this time.” He told me firmly.
“Okay.” I huffed, surprising myself. “But have fun trying to get me on a bike in this dress.”
Cade raised his eyebrows, obviously expecting a fight, then his eyes darkened, “Don’t worry Gwen, you’ll get on my bike” He glanced at my legs.
“That fucking dress.” He plastered my body to his and kissed me fiercely once more. The kiss was intense, I felt like something has seriously changed, shits gotten real.
Cade stopped, resting his forehead against mine. “Go back now baby, or I won’t be able to stop myself.” He grunted.
“Okay.” I breathed as he stepped back, sporting a serious hard on. I tried to ignore that and got to straightening my dress, which had ridden up, like a lot. I finished righting myself to find Cade watching me through hooded eyes.
“You better hope this thing finishes early babe, I’ve got plans for you.” He declared roughly, adjusting himself.
I shivered, and before I could reply, Cade snatched my hand, walking me back towards the store. During the short walk I panicked, what had gotten into me? Why did I suddenly give in? I told myself I was never going to be with a bad boy again, but this was different, this attraction was crazy. Maybe I just needed to get it out of my system. Who am I kidding he just wanted a high class fuck and would throw me aside once he got it. I needed to get laid and I could do much much worse, so I’d just enjoy the ride. Excuse the pun.