Chapter Two

"Dory are you sure you're alright? I never should have left you before you got in your car. That creep didn't hurt you did he?"

I opened my mouth to reply but Vicki was on a rampage.

"Your face looks awful. Not even the make up you're wearing can cover that bruise and besides that it's still all swollen. Geez, can you even see well enough to drive?"

I waited a minute to see if she was going to give me time to reply or if she was just pausing for breath. Finally she looked at me for an answer. "Yes, Vicki I'm fine. Last night wasn't your fault. I told you I didn't have any problem in the parking lot. Mark showed up and that guy was scared away—"

"Well, do you blame him? If the Undertaker showed up and started threatening you, wouldn't you run?"

"He deserved it. Besides Mark didn't really threaten him. You and I both know what he'd have tried to do if Mark hadn't shown up. And I told you earlier that I got hurt at the bar, you didn't have anything to do with that. It was my decision to stop there and everything's fine."

"Are you sure you should be driving? Your face really does look awful and I know you can't see that well."

I grimaced as I thought of what I'd looked like this morning when I'd been getting ready for work. I'd avoided mirrors all day long. I didn't really need Vicki to keep telling me how awful I looked. The left side of my face was still a little puffy and a nice black bruise covered a major portion of it. It was still too tender to put make up on it but I'd forced myself to cover it with some light foundation, hoping to hide it a little bit.

"I didn't drive this morning. My car was still in the parking garage where we'd come out. My brother was going to pick it up today and leave it at the house for me. I gave him a call this morning before work and he came over and picked me up and dropped me off here before going to get my car."

Vicki looked at me for a minute and I knew she wanted to ask about Robert. She'd had a crush on my brother for as long as I could remember but she'd never acted on it. I waited for the questions, willing to satisfy her curiosity once again. Instead she surprised me by not saying a word about him.

"You need a ride home then?"

I looked at her curiously for a second, wondering why she hadn't asked but unwilling to probe too deeply. Robert went through women like there was no tomorrow. I know it hurt Vicki but she refused to make a move and let Robert know what she was feeling so I couldn't really be mad at him for hurting my best friend. I was just stuck in the middle and I held my tongue. Vicki hadn't asked any questions about Mark, she'd been satisfied with the bare facts that I'd told her which was unusual for her. I wasn't going to repay her by being nosy. I didn't want to discuss what had happened with Mark and she didn't want to talk about Robert. I opened my mouth to accept her ride but was interrupted.

"She has a ride. Don't ya darlin'?"

My mouth snapped shut so quickly I almost bit my tongue. I hesitated to even turn around, afraid I was dreaming of that delicious voice again. I looked over at Vicki to see if she heard it too and saw that Vicki had stopped walking. She was staring over my left shoulder, her mouth hanging open in shock but no sound emerging. I wasn't dreaming then.

I turned around and saw Mark leaning casually against the wall, one booted foot propped negligently against the wall with his thumbs casually looped in his belt loops. Wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black leather vest, he was even more gorgeous than he'd been last night if that was possible. As I looked at him he smiled, his eyes staring intently into mine, looking at me as if Vicki or the half a dozen others passing by weren't even there. Straightening suddenly he started towards us and I felt, more than saw, Vicki take a step backward. Ignoring her I stood still and watched as he covered the distance between us in three long strides. Reaching out he gently ran a thumb over my left cheek before reaching down for my briefcase, transferring it to his other hand before lacing his fingers through mine.

"Do you want to introduce me to your friend?" Mark asked the question politely, ignoring Vicki's nervous looks and the space she made sure to keep between them. People usually judged him by the physical and it didn't bother him anymore. It kept most of the idiots away and gave him some space but he was willing to play nice if Dory wanted to introduce her friend. No matter how badly he wanted to look at the woman and say boo.

"Uh, sure. Vicki Rawlings meet Mark Calloway. Mark this is my friend Vicki. She was with me last night at the wrestling event but left before I realized I had a problem."

Mark reached out a hand politely, releasing the shaking fingers as quickly as possible. He didn't want to make her faint or anything. "Nice to meet you ma'm."

"You too." Vicki turned away from him quickly, turning back to face her friend. "Umm, Dory are you sure you don't need a ride? I'll wait while you say good-bye to your friend. I don't mind." Vicki looked over at her friend standing so still beside this huge giant of a man. Dory was dwarfed by this guy's size and yet she didn't look the least bit afraid. Her hand was wrapped tightly in his again and she was already leaning against his side, fitted under his should like she belonged there.

I looked up at Mark and knew that I didn't even have to think of what I was going to do. "No that's ok Vicki. Mark can give me a ride home. I think." I looked down ruefully at the short brown skirt I was wearing, wondering how I was going to fair on the back of a motorcycle. There would be nothing between his body and mine but thinly concealed cotton and nylon, nothing to protect me from the burning heat of his touch. I shivered at the mere thought, my body already burning, about to change my mind and ride home with Vicki when I caught Mark's eye. His gaze moved leisurely over my body, as tangible as a physical caress. His eyes melted over me, causing little shivers to dance down my spine and a heat to start to spread from deep inside. His eyes seemed to linger for an inordinate amount of time on my stocking clad legs before moving back up to my face, amusement dancing in his eyes, as he seemed to read my mind.

"You'll be fine, darlin'. My truck is over here." He motioned to the side with his head, his lips curved in a knowing smirk.

I could feel the heat climbing my neck, knowing he'd been able to read part of what I'd been thinking on my face. I gave a jerky nod and turned back to Vicki who was staring at me as if she'd never seen me before.

"You alright Vicki?"

I reached out to her but she took a step back, motioning a vague hand towards her car parked in the next row. "I'm fine. Since you're sure you don't need a ride I'll go on home. Umm, if you need a ride to work in the morning give me a call 'k?"

I'd barely nodded before she turned around and walked to her car. I stood and watched as she got in and backed slowly out of the spot. She shot out of the parking garage without a backward glance for us. I shrugged, having no idea what her problem was now. Sometimes she had those little mood swings and blew up and the next time she saw me she'd be fine.

I felt Mark's arm tighten around my shoulders and felt the deep vibration against my arm as he spoke. "You ready to go now?"

I nodded and followed along as he guided me over to his truck. I looked at it and would have known it was his even if he hadn't pointed it out. A big black Chevrolet Silverado, glass tinted so dark there was no hope of seeing inside, running boards along the sides, and a little skull painted on the side of the bed right next to the cab. It fairly screamed his personality. Reaching around me his arm brushed against my breast as he opened the door for me and set my brief case on the floorboard. I sucked in a deep breath and tried to concentrate on anything else but that touch. The touch that had haunted me last night, causing a restless sleep, and hot vivid dreams.

My breath hitched in my throat and I forced my mind to think of something else when I felt Mark's eyes focus on me. He didn't know what I was thinking and I intended to keep it that way. Looking down I noticed my briefcase. It had been really nice of him to carry that for me. Very nice and sweet. Just like that first kiss last night before it had turned hot and hungry. I gave a surprised little squeak when his fingers closed around my arm.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Me? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Why? What's wrong?"

I could feel my face heating up as he looked at me intently, his eyes unreadable in the shadows of the parking garage. His jaw was darkened with a five o'clock shadow giving him a rougher look than usual. His goatee looked so soft and inviting, just as it had last night in the porch light. It had felt so soft brushing against my face, rubbing against my throat. I quickly jerked my gaze away, my breathing already labored from my thoughts. Refusing to meet his eyes I turned to get in the truck and quickly realized I had another problem. In this skirt I couldn't even step up onto the running board and wiggle into the truck, the step was just too high. I stood there for a second and just stared at it, knowing I was going to have to ask but wanting to put it off until I was at least breathing normally again. It was either going to be ask for his help or hike my skirt up my thighs. I wasn't really too sure which one was the safest option considering the way he'd been looking at me before.

"Problem?"

I felt his hot breath against the back of my neck as he whispered the question in my ear. The soft scrape of his goatee raised goose bumps on my arms and I fought the urge to lean back against his inviting chest.

"Um, well I need some help. I can't get in the truck."

"What do you mean you can't get in the truck?"

I could hear the laughter in his voice and whipped my head around to see him standing much closer than I'd thought. We were almost nose-to-nose from where he'd bent over to whisper in my ear. A grin was curled around his lips and his eyes were lit with laughter at my predicament. He'd probably known all along what my problem was, he'd just wanted to see me squirm.

I opened my mouth to say something, anything but quickly swallowed it when his lips brushed mine. Electric shocks ran down my spine as I leaned into him, rising on tiptoe to lay my hands on his chest, his hands cupping my cheeks gently while his lips whispered over mine.

"Need a little help do you darlin'?"

Before I could answer he'd broken the kiss and wrapped his hands around my waist, lifting me smoothly onto the truck seat. Straightening my skirt with slightly trembling fingers I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, admiring the bulging muscles of his chest and shoulder as they contracted and released.

"Thank you."

"It was my pleasure darlin'." Shutting the truck door with a quiet click he turned and walked around the hood to the driver's side, his long legs eating up the distance in seconds. The cab of the truck seemed large and spacious until he slid behind the wheel. The confines of the truck seemed to shrink and wrap the two of us in our own little world. We backed out of the parking garage and pulled out on the street without saying another word. The tension between us was thick enough to cut with a knife. I was trying desperately to think of something to say to lighten the mood, to take my mind off that kiss but nothing came to mind. He finally broke the silence between us.

"You want to go straight home?"

"If you don't mind. I don't think we'd be welcome back at the bar tonight do you?" I asked, giving him a teasing grin.

"I'd say Dave would be glad to see you but it's not quite what I had in mind for tonight."

I just nodded, ignoring the hint that there was still something between Dave and I. I didn't want to argue about that again, I just wanted to enjoy this unexpected time with him. What ever had made him stop by today I was grateful. But what could it have been? Maybe, just maybe he'd felt half the emotions I'd felt last night. . . Oh, damn how dumb am I? Of course someone like him who could have his pick of women wouldn't see anything special in me. He probably just wanted his clothes back. He'd left his leather jacket and T-shirt with me last night and figured this was the only way to get his stuff back. Not that he couldn't afford new things, but the jacket had been expensive and a little worn looking, as if it was a favorite. Looking at him while I argued with myself I finally noticed the glances he kept sending me. Wondering what he was looking at I wished I'd checked the mirror just once before leaving work.

"Not that I object to being stared at by a beautiful woman but is there anything wrong? You keep staring at me like that. . .makes a man nervous." He slide a questioning glance at me, trying to keep his attention on the road.

"No, there's nothing wrong. I was just thinking that's all." I jerked my gaze around and stared out the windshield, unaware that I'd been staring at him. It was just second nature to me.

"Care to share those thoughts?"

Giving him a self-conscious smile I shook my head. Looking at him again I noticed there was something different about him today. When I'd kissed him earlier there'd been something missing, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. There'd still been the shocking delight when his lips took mine but something hadn't been right. I looked at him again trying to figure out the missing piece when it hit me—his hair. He had it tied back and braided this afternoon and last night it had been loose and soft against my fingers when my arms had circled his neck. Ugh, that was it. Frowning a little I remembered he wears it braided when he wrestles sometimes too—it was the one thing I didn't like about him. There was just something about a man wearing a braid that I didn't like. It was just a personal thing. I wished he hadn't worn it that way this afternoon. Ahh, but I could always just reach over and undo the rubber band, threading my fingers through his hair . . .

"Alright it's time to confess. What are you thinking about?"

I jerked guiltily at the sound of his voice and looked up to find his eyes staring directly at me. I'd been staring at him again—and been caught at it again. I looked around and saw that we'd turned into my driveway and were almost at the house. Good, almost able to escape. Pulling into the space beside my car he put the truck in park and killed the engine. I reached quickly for the door handle, hoping to make my escape before I had to answer the embarrassing question. His hard fingers closing around my upper arm killed that hope.

"First you were frowning and then you've got a dreamy little smile curved around those lips. And all the while you're staring at me. I liked the smile but I'm wondering about the frown. 'Fess up darlin'."

Turning slightly he wedged one broad shoulder against the leather seat, seeming to take up all the space in the cab. Laying his long arm along the back of the seat, long fingers played in the loose hair at the nape of my neck, distracting me from the excuses I was trying to make up.

"I . .. uh. . . well . . ."

"Tell the truth now." He leaned even closer to me, whether to be intentionally intimidating or if it was just second nature I didn't know. But it was working. I could see the gold flecks in those dark green eyes. Excuses went right out the window and before I knew it I'd blurted out what I'd been thinking about.

"Well, I . . uh . . .don't like your hair. I mean I just don't like it that way. Braided that is. I liked the way it felt last night, I mean the way it looked last night."

Snapping my mouth shut tight I could feel the heat climb up my neck as I waited for him to laugh or tell me to mind my own business. Most people don't like their personal appearance criticized. After a lengthy silence where the only reaction was the tightening of his fingers in my hair I looked up at him. His grip didn't hurt, more like an involuntary reaction that he hadn't even been aware of. He was looking at me strangely, an emotion I couldn't quite read in his eyes. I shook my head slightly, this didn't make a lick of sense. His voice was low and quiet when it cut through the silence in the cab.

"You don't like it like this huh?"

Meeting his stare I could see that he was waiting for an answer so I just shook my head, confirming what I'd already admitted to.

I felt his fingers untangling themselves from my hair and let out the breath I'd been holding. So he was mad. I really couldn't blame him I guess. He took his arm from behind me and I turned away to reach the door handle, prepared to get his jacket and shirt for him so he could get away from me.

"Where are you going darlin'? If you don't like it, change it."

I turned around to look at him and instead of meeting those hypnotic green eyes I was staring at his broad back encased in his tight leather vest. I stared at him for a second, unsure of exactly what he'd meant but he made no move to turn around or leave the truck. After a moment or two, I reached out one hand and picked up his braid, holding it lightly in one hand, debating on my next move. Giving a slight shrug I made up my mind and tightened my grip on his hair so it wouldn't pull while I carefully unwound the rubber band from the tip of the braid. Unraveling the dark auburn strands of hair I closed my eyes, enjoying the soft feel of it between my fingers and across my palms. Taking a deep breath I frowned slightly. Is that what I think I smell? Leaning a little closer I sniffed unobtrusively at his hair, unable to help laughing out loud.

He jerked around quickly to see what caused my amusement. I tried to quit laughing but it was impossible with him sitting there frowning at me and the scent of roses feeling the cab of the truck. I thought I saw a blush climb his cheeks but he ducked his head before I could see clearly enough.

"Roses, Mark? Nice." I grinned at him, wanting him to see the humor.

Turning back to face me he grinned at me over one broad shoulder and nodded, "What can I say? It was either roses or nothing." Giving a sheepish shrug he turned around completely to face me, his hair sliding silkily from my loosened grip. Propping one arm behind me on the seat once again he leaned closer, a smile still on his face. "Glen and I worked out together for a little while this afternoon and I wanted to clean up before I came to pick you up. Glen grabbed his wife's shampoo and I didn't even bring any so we both ended up smelling like roses." He hesitated for a second before asking, "You don't like it?"

"Like it? No, no that's not it at all. You smell fine. Very nice." There was no way in the world I'd admit to him that I'd been so tempted to bury my face in his hair and just slide my arms around him, holding on with no intention of letting go. That would be admitting more than a momentary twinge of desire.

The smile faded slowly from his face, the tension between us thick, surrounding us in a misty haze of desire, of lust. All it took was a second of staring into each other's eyes to see what we wanted, what we'd both tried to deny as merely coincidence last night. I read the intent in his green eyes even as he leaned towards me. I met his stare and felt that sizzle of excitement, that elemental pull of lust, the strange, deep connection that had been between us ever since I'd looked up and seen him standing so calmly in the shadows of that parking lot—was it only last night? Crazily the thought spun through my mind that this was the man I was going to love, this was the man I wanted to marry.

I swallowed against the huge lump forming in my throat, forcing my dry lips to form the words I didn't really want to say.

"Maybe I should go inside now."

"Not just yet," he murmured in a low voice, his hand reaching out to smooth over one side of my face, cupping my cheek gently.

Mark looked down into blue eyes glazed and slightly unfocused with desire. Moving his other hand, he deftly reached down to her hip, unbuckled her seat belt, knowing he was making it easy for her to flee from him, to escape into her house if that was what she wanted to do. She remained in her seat, but judging from the rapid rise and fall of her breasts she was affected by their close proximity.

He let his hand linger at her hip, his thumb lightly caressing the slight indentation of her waist through the silk blouse. Sliding his hand upward he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, any excuse to keep touching her. It worried him how addictive touching her was becoming. It worried him how much he'd missed her today after only knowing her a couple of hours last night.

"W-w-what are you doing?" Her voice trembled slightly at his nearness. He liked that, liked knowing he had that kind of affect on her.

"Just a kiss, darlin'. That's all." With a gentle finger he traced the shell of her ear and found the soft, sensitive hollow beneath the lobe. Her eyes flickered shut once, twice before popping back open to stare deeply into his.

"A-a a kiss?"

"Just a simple kiss. An 'I like you' kiss." Moving his hand slowly he trailed his callused palm along her jaw, moving it around to tenderly cup the nape of her neck, watching as her lips parted slightly, sucking in his breath when her tongue flickered out in a nervous gesture. He bit back a groan at the sight. "An 'I want you' kiss."

"Oh?" She wasn't uninterested, merely wary. He could tell by the way her eyes followed his every movement, her gaze fixed on his lips.

"C'mere darlin' and I'll show you what I mean."

Slowly, very slowly she shifted toward him and it was all the invitation he needed. He caught the musky scent of her perfume and read the anticipation etched on her feminine features. He threaded his fingers threaded through the loose hair at the nape of her neck. He lowered his head for their kiss and watched as her lashes fluttered closed. He savored the feel of the silken strands wrapped around his hands. His fingers tightened in her hair as he tipped her chin up and angled her head to the side for better access. She sighed, relaxed and followed his lead. Savoring the taste of her once again on his lips, he pressed his advantage, advancing to the next level of intimacy, he increased the pressure of his mouth until her lips parted for him of their own accord, inviting him inside. As much as he ached to delve deeper, he kept a tight rein on his control, taking this one luxurious step at a time. He didn't want to scare her as he'd done last night. She had a soft, sensuous mouth made expressly for kissing. Made for kissing him. He nibbled, suckled and flirted, leisurely exploring tastes and textures as he'd not done last night.

A frustrated sound rolled up in her throat and she scooted closer to him, placing trembling, tentative fingers against his cheek. Her touch made him burn all the way down to the burgeoning erection straining the fly of his jeans. Giving her a little of what she wanted, he swept his tongue across her lush bottom lip, gradually escalating to the kind of kiss that would be as passionate and intense as their attraction. When she repeated the gesture to him, passion and undeniable need ripped through him struggling for release.

"Oh, God Dory I want you," he groaned, and unable to hold back any longer he finally unleashed the beast roaring for release. His lips covered hers in a kiss that was as passionate as it was possessive. His tongue stroked deeply, voluptuously, inviting her to share in the wet heat they generated, revel in the soft flare of fire burning hotly between them. She clung to him, greedily returning the kiss and drawing his tongue into her mouth with shameless abandon.

Heart pumping furiously, he slid a hand down to gently cup her breast in his palm, his thumb gently rubbing the tip, arousing it to a tight peak against the silk of her blouse. Her supple flesh swelled against his palm, the full feminine weight a perfect fit for his large hand. The velvet heat of his tongue stroked hers, making him ache with longing. The guttural growl that erupted from him was an instinctive response, primitive and purely male. It echoed in the still silence of the cab. The sound brought him out of the wild haze of desire he was drowning in, knowing he had to stop now or it would be too late. Reluctantly he dropped his hand from her breast, pulling back and ending the kiss.

I stared at him in astonishment, unable to believe how far that kiss had gone. I could feel the heat in my cheeks as I struggled for each labored breath I took. His eyes were molten as they looked into mine and I knew I was just as bad. I had completely melted all over the man. I blinked a couple of times to bring him completely into focus and saw the soft smile on his lips, lips that were still swollen from mine. Slowly, so slowly, I pulled my hands away from him, sliding my fingers out of his hair, down his chest until I clasped them innocently in my lap.

I searched for something to say, anything to get that heated gaze off my face. His eyes never left me, seeming to devour me where I sat. I could still feel his chest crushed against my breasts, feel his lips on mine, and feel his silky hair tangled in my fingers.

Still caught up in the thoughts racing through my mind I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Anything to get that gaze off me.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?"

As soon as the question was out of my mouth I wished I could take it back. Not that I wanted him to leave. As if. But the truth is I am not a good cook. In fact, I couldn't cook. Oh, that was a bad question. It was going to be even worse if he said yes and I had to explain. I guess I hadn't humiliated myself enough last night. Encore time Dory.

I refused to look at him, hoping he'd take the hint that the offer was merely polite and he wouldn't take me up on it. Oh who am I kidding? I was half prepared to drag him out of the truck myself if it meant more kisses like those. I held my breath and waited for his answer. Finally the silence got to me and I slowly raised my gaze past where his hand clenched on the steering wheel, trailing along the muscled arm before skipping over those lips that had caressed mine so short a time ago and landing in the molten green of his gaze. My breath stopped and I forgot to breath again. It was a minute or two before my breath came back to me. I'm beginning to think I could live for the way this man looked at me. It was as if he was looking at all he'd ever wanted—and it was me.

"That'd be real nice darlin'. You look tired though."

I waited and watched as he reached one large hand out and cupped the side of my face, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear before caressing my bruised cheek with a gentle touch. Unconsciously I leaned into his hand, liking the warmth, enjoying the comfort he offered without thought.

"Why don't you take a shower and relax? I'll go get us some take out and rent a couple of movies. We can have some privacy without any crowds or fans interfering. We were just lucky last night that no one bothered us. Alright?"

His thumb never stopped its gentle caress of my cheekbone and his touch alone had me agreeing to what he was saying before I realized it. He smiled and brushed a gentle kiss against my lips before turning and opening the door. I watched silently as he rounded the truck and came over to my side. It took a minute for his words to sink in and I realized what a close call I'd had. I wouldn't have to admit I couldn't cook after all. It was a slight point in my favor but I'll take what I can get. I'm not too proud to accept dumb luck.

I was jerked out of my thoughts when I felt the door behind me opening. I'd forgotten I was leaning against it while we'd been talking. Falling out of the truck on top of him would not be very graceful. I'm falling for the man all right but I'd rather not make it that obvious. Quickly righting myself I leaned down and grabbed my purse and briefcase and straightened my skirt. Turning to Mark I reached out a hand so he could help steady me as I climbed down from the truck. I never got the chance. He simply reached inside and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me out of the truck and slowly, so slowly, lowering me to the ground in front of him. Sliding slowly down the front of his body drove every other thought straight from my mind. The heat from his body seeped through my clothes, his nearness causing my heart to take up a mad rhythm that had me slightly out of breath. Looking up I could see the heat back in his eyes, could feel the harsh breaths he was taking as well. He was still standing so close that with every breath his chest brushed up against my straining breasts. I was leaning towards him without even being aware of what I was doing.