Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) (10 page)

Amy

I was pissed last night when Savannah persuaded me not to
drink but standing here now behind the counter in the cafe I was grateful of
her words. There was currently a lull in the customers as it was just after the
lunchtime rush, which was great as it gave me the time to clear away and get
organised and even have something to eat myself. I heard the bell ring
indicating that someone had just stepped through the door. "I'll be with
you in a minute," I shouted over my shoulder as I continued to wipe down
the work surfaces behind the counter. I threw the dishcloth into the bowl full
of soapy water before wiping my wet hands on my apron. As I glanced towards the
customer, my eyes enlarged and my heart beat quickened as I took in the sight
before me.

James was wearing a tight navy polo shirt, his arms were
flexed as he hugged his chest but I noticed his hardened nipples as the
material of his top was pulled tightly across his chest. I unconsciously licked
my lips with appreciation but tried to refrain from ogling too much as I needed
to keep it together. James had some explaining to do and the fact that he was
here was a good sign as I hoped he would at least try to explain.

"I come in peace," James stated before moving his
head in the direction of the counter. I hadn't seen the large bouquet of
flowers until he indicated that they were there, I was too busy transfixed on
his beauty as he stood before me.
"They're lovely thank you but it really wasn't necessary." I reached
for the bouquet and lifted the flowers to bring them to my nose so I could
smell them. I let out a satisfied sigh as the sweet aroma filled my senses and
was secretly pleased that he had selected different shades of purple as they
would look lovely in my living room.
"Yes it is, it's by way of an apology. I'm sorry about cancelling last night
and especially at the very last minute but something important came up." I
raised my brows silently asking him to continue but I could see the anxiety on
his face by not wanting to carry on the conversation.
"Well thank you, and like I said you really didn't have to." I took
the flowers over to the sink and placed them onto the draining board. Bending
down I opened the cupboard next to the sink and routed around until I found a
large jug, and stood so that I could fill it with water. I placed the half full
jug onto the draining board and positioned the bouquet gently into the water,
making sure I leaned them against the wall so that they didn't fall. Stepping
back from the arrangement I could see that they must have cost a small fortune
but it wasn't as if he couldn't afford it. The thing was though, I wasn't
interested in his money or gifts, I wanted his attention and most importantly
wanted to spend the evening in his company last night. I turned on my heels and
was taken aback to see him still sitting silently observing me from across the
counter.
"And you're still here because?" I said rudely.
James placed both hands on his chest over his heart mimicking that he was hurt.
"Oh babe, are you always this vicious?" James pulled a pained
expression which made me giggle. I didn't want to give him an easy ride but he
made it difficult to stay angry with him because of his charming nature.
I tried to narrow my eyes and look affronted but it was no use, he could see straight
through my bravado. James stood from the stool and leaned over the counter to
take my wrist in his hand, gently pulling me closer until my stomach was flush
with the work surface. "Don't get the hump with me Ames. I really want to
explain but I just can't give you the answers you're probably looking for at
this moment in time." I drew my brows together and tried to pull from his
hold but James held firm. "I like to have control in everything that I do
Ames but last night was beyond that. Please accept my heartfelt apology and I
truly promise to make it up to you if you will allow me?" James continued
to apply pressure on my wrist, my mouth went dry as I nervously allowed myself
to be pulled towards him and couldn't take my eyes from his ripe lips.
"I've got questions."
"I wouldn't expect anything different but there are some things that I'm
not prepared to answer at this moment in time." James let out a loud sigh
and briefly closed his eyes, "You're just going to have to trust me Ames."
I looked at him wearily but there was one thing I needed to ask and if he
didn't answer, I wouldn't be seeing him again. "I need to know if you're
in a relationship," I asked breathlessly as his close proximity was
playing with my emotions.
I saw the slight confusion wash over James' face before he shook his head
slowly. I sighed with relief knowing that there was no one else involved, I was
still mystified as to why he would stand me up but trusted him enough to
believe him.
"I'm not involved with anyone Ames," he said quietly as he leaned
forward to place his open lips on mine and slowly let them shut. I followed his
lead as he kissed me gently before slowly using his tongue to deepened the
kiss. James moved his hand to my cheek and cupped it holding me tenderly as he
continued to kiss me. I felt the tingling sensation between my thighs and tried
to grind them together discreetly as I became putty in his hands. I heard the
chimes from the door faintly in the background but I was too engrossed to think
about anything logically.

"For fucks sake get a room you two."
I pulled away from James, shocked and a little embarrassed by the customers'
outburst until I saw Mitchell and Ethan glaring at me as they strolled through
the cafe. I instantly felt my cheeks redden at being caught in James' embrace
and stepped back as I placed my hand over my mouth still feeling him on my
lips. I glanced at James to see that he was still cool under the scrutiny of my
brother and sniggered as he gave me a cheeky wink. His demeanour caught the
attention of Mitchell and I could see him assessing us from the corner of my eye.

James stepped back and placed his hands into his jean
pockets that hung loosely around his waist, "I'll pick you up at
7.30pm." He stated before turning his attention to Ethan and Mitchell and
giving them a nod of the head before he sauntered from the cafe.

"So he's obviously wormed his way around you again!"
Mitchell scoffed.
I raised my brows surprised by his comment, "And what do you mean by
that?" I spat placing my hands on my hips affronted.
"Didn't he stand you up last night?"
I rolled my eyes, I couldn't believe how fast news travelled at the club. "He
had a legitimate reason." I stated firmly and had to look away quickly as
my own self doubt may become obvious. I busied myself by picking up a cloth and
wiped down the counter.
"Ames!" I returned the cloth to the sink and rinsed it out in the
bowl. "Ames!"
"What?" I asked glancing over my shoulder.
"Look at me properly when I'm talking to you." I turned my body fully
and rested against the sink as I looked directly at Mitchell knowing full well
that he'd seen through me.
"Is he fucking you about? Because if he is babe, you only have to say the
word." I rolled my eyes at his comment, ever the alpha.
"Don't fucking do that, you know I hate it." I turned my attention to
Ethan who had now got in on the act of being an arse. "He's just looking
out for you and making sure you're okay."
I looked between the pair of them, "What the fuck is this? We haven't even
been out on a date yet and you're getting on my case about the whole situation.
How am I supposed to find anyone when you two want to scare them off before
something's even started?"
Mitchell let out a sigh, "It's just that we care."
"Well can you care from a distance for a while?" I understood that
they had my best interests at heart but I wasn't a teenager anymore.
Ethan put up his hands, "Okay, we get your point Amy but don't keep us in
the dark."
Keep them in the dark? Why would they want to know what I'm up to and who
with?
They were planning something but at this very moment, I was a little
unsure as to what that may be. I needed to keep them sweet though, in order to
keep them off my back. "I know you care, really I do but you need to trust
me on this. James is a good bloke but if I'm concerned in any way I will let
you know, I can't say fairer than that." Mitchell and Ethan glanced at
each other and my response seemed to satisfy them at least for now.
"Okay! Have you got the takings?" Ethan asked placing a rucksack onto
the counter.
I looked at him confused, "How comes you two are here to collect this?
Where's Daryl?" Daryl or a prospect usually collected from me each week so
I was surprised that Ethan and Mitchell were here to collect the money.
Mitchell raised his brows at my comment and I'd realised what I'd just asked.
Of course they weren't going to tell me where Daryl was, he was obviously on
club business.
"Sorry, silly question." I stated as I bent down to collect the jiffy
bag from the cupboard where I'd put the money earlier. "Here you go,"
I stated sliding the envelope into the opened rucksack and zipped it up once it
contained the money.
"Thanks Ames, enjoy your evening." Both Mitchell and Ethan stood from
the stools and sauntered from the cafe like they didn't have a care in the
world.

Once they'd left the building I let out a loud sigh feeling
relieved that they'd gone. They were always protective of me even growing up
but since the accident five years ago, they'd been worse. I'd pulled them up on
their shit a couple of times and they backed off but I would most certainly
have to assess the situation with James and let them know if they became too
heavy again. I thought they would be happy that I'd met someone with a proper
job rather than getting involved with someone from the club and I was still
unsure of their motives.

It had been a busy day but I was pleased that I was now home
and could spend the next hour getting myself ready for my date with James this
evening. I wasn't sure where he was taking me and what we were doing which made
it a little difficult to decide what to wear, so I'd opted for jeans and a
smart top. I glanced at my watch noticing the time and felt relieved that he
hadn't called to cancel, although there was still time as I travelled in the
taxi.

James looked around the room, "This is a lovely
restaurant." His statement took me a little by surprise as other guys I'd
dated, wouldn't give a shit about how a restaurant looked let alone take me to
one.
I walked briskly through the restaurant following the waitress and felt James
rest his hand lightly on my lower back. "The food is to die for and I
recommend the salmon." I said excitedly making conversation to try and
calm the butterflies that were building in my stomach.
James nodded his head and smiled at my enthusiasm, "I'll keep that in
mind, thank you."

The taxi driver had been given instructions to pick me up
from my flat and take me to this restaurant in Sawbridgeworth. It was one of my
favourites and I tried to get here at least once a month with either Pearl or
Savannah, and I wondered if James knew that and that's why he brought me here.

As we arrived at our table, James pulled out my seat and
waited politely as I nestled into it before pushing it slightly closer to the
table.
"I'll give you some time to look through the menu but could I get you any
drinks while you're waiting?" the waitress asked as she handed us both a
menu.
"Can I have a vodka and orange and a diet coke please." The waitress
wrote it onto her pad and smiled before leaving us. James glanced in my
direction and smiled at my reaction, "Well that's what you drink isn't
it?" he asked shrugging.
"It is but I didn't think you'd remember."
"You'd be surprised what I know!" he stated giving me a cheeky wink
before turning his attention to the menu. I took this opportunity to watch him
go through his thought process and smiled at the quirky things he did while
analysing. He glanced from the menu and caught me staring, "What's
up?" he asked confused.
"Nothing I was just observing the scenery," I stated as the waitress
returned with our drinks.

James' attention was drawn to the buzzing of his phone, he
delved into his trouser pocket and looked at the screen. Letting out a long
sigh he glanced across the table at me, "I'm sorry Ames but I've got to
take this."
I smiled and nodded my head politely but felt a pang of disappointment, that
something else had cropped up that was more important than our date. I watched
as he slid the screen to answer the call and weave his way around the tables
towards the exit of the restaurant. Once outside I saw him pace up and down the
street talking animatedly on the phone and pitied whoever was on the receiving
end.
Who could he be having an argument with? A work colleague possibly but
why would they call so late in the evening?
James turned and our eyes met through the restaurant window as he continued to
berate the person on the other end of the phone. He placed one hand on his
forehead and rubbed it out of frustration before ending the call.
I looked away trying to feign that I wasn't concerned what the outcome of the
conversation would now entail. James sauntered through the restaurant and made
his way towards the table.
"Is everything okay?" I asked trying to keep the frustration from my
voice.
James sat in his chair and leaned back staring at me intently, "I'm so
sorry Ames but I'm going to have to bale."
"Twice in one week, this is becoming a regular thing James." I stated
quietly.
"I know, I know but there's nothing else I can do in this situation."
"Well then, you better be leaving." I returned my attention back to
the menu. I was starving and there was no way I was letting him come between me
and my food this evening.

James looked like he was caught between a rock and a hard
place, as he glanced at his watch.
"Ames I wish I could stay."
"Then stay." I said sharply.
He let out a sigh, "I just can't."
"Then go." I didn't look up once during our conversation, I continued
to pretend I was reading the menu but they were just words on a page. I had
glanced over them so many times and hadn't processed a thing as I was once
again hurting inside from his rejection.
"I'll call you later this evening." He said standing from his chair.
"Okay." I continued to flick through the pages of the menu and
eventually James got the hint that I didn't want to talk and left without saying
goodbye.