Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) (9 page)

We were silent for a while as I continued to eat my burger
and I felt comfortable in his presence.
"So please tell me a little more about yourself James."
"Not much to tell. I followed in my father's footsteps because I saw that
he could help people and the impact that it had on their lives. I opened my own
practice recently and things are going well. I'm just missing one thing!"
"And that is?"
"A very long story!" We both sniggered and I was enjoying the banter.
James was easy going and had helped me to unwind a little this evening.
I placed my hand over my mouth to stifle a yawn, "I'm sorry, it's not your
company I'm just feeling a little tired."
"That makes me feel a little better, give me your rubbish." James
held out his hand so that I could give him the wrapper from my burger and my
half drunk cup of tea, and he exited the vehicle to find the nearest bin.

On his return, he sat comfortably in the SUV and turned
towards me, "Thank you Amy."
I looked at him confused, "For what?"
"For the past hour, this is what I needed after a shitty evening."
"The pleasure was all mine James." I stated and I meant it. I'd
enjoyed his company and I hoped he would ask to see me again.
I saw him smile in my peripheral vision as he reversed the vehicle from its
parked position and drove out of the car park and onto the A414 in the
direction of Epping to take me home.

We remained quiet on the short journey home deep in our own thoughts
but it wasn't uncomfortable. James turned into my street and drove slowly,
"Which one is it?"
"Just up there on the left by the Mini."
"So what's up with your car?"
"I don't know but Frank's going to look at it for me this week."
James nodded his head and parked the Range Rover before removing his seat belt and
exiting. Where was he going? I watched as he walked around the front of the SUV
to open my door and I could've mentally kicked myself but I just wasn't used to
this type of treatment.
James held out his hand for me to take as he helped me from the vehicle. "Thank
you," I said a little breathy as I stepped from the SUV and onto the
pavement.
"I'll give you this," James pulled out a business card from his
pocket and stepped towards me. He reached down to my jean pocket and tugged on
the material, the force pulled me closer to his body and I could clearly smell
his aftershave. James didn't look affected by the close proximity and simply
went about his business by pulling my pocket open and slipped the business card
deep inside. His actions could have been seen as a violation as his hand went
deep in to my pocket rubbing against my thigh but I really didn't mind and
allowed him to carry out the task. I glanced in his direction to see his eyes
burn with desire but he quickly pulled himself together and removed his hand.
"Now if you don't call me this time, then I'll know for sure that you're
not interested in seeing me again."
"Ha-ha!" I said dryly as he planted a brief kiss on my cheek before
turning on his heels and making his way back to his vehicle.

I reached into my handbag to retrieve my keys, and had to
try hard not to punch the air with my fist from the excitement building in my
stomach. As I opened the door, I glanced over my shoulder and although I
couldn't make him out because it was dark, I waved towards the Range Rover and
was greeted by a flash of his headlights. A smile crept across my face as I
entered my flat and leaned my back against the door as it closed behind me. I
delved deep into my pocket and pulled out the business card that James had
placed there and twirled it around contemplating what to do next. I hadn't felt
butterflies in my tummy for a long time now and it would be a shame to pass up on
that feeling.
I hurried up the stairs and let myself in the front door, and made my way into
the living room where I threw myself onto the sofa. Excitedly I removed my
phone from the breast pocket of my jacket and decided to text him.

Thank you for being my chaperone this evening

I would usually use text talk but I decided to try and be a
little more adult. The thought amused me as I was trying too hard. It didn't
take long before I got a response that surprised me as he was driving home.

My pleasure, hopefully we can go out again soon.

I didn't think I would receive a text back from him to at
least the morning as he was travelling home, wherever home was.

How are you texting? Are you not driving home?

I was now puzzled, maybe he was more local than I thought. I
glanced at his business card to see that his practice was in Bishop's Stortford,
which would take him a good twenty to thirty minutes from here even at this
time of night.

I haven't left the car park yet

I pushed open the door to my spare bedroom as it was at the
front of the property looking over the car park and made my way to the window.
The blind was closed but I prised open one of the wooden slats so that I could
see into the car park and there it was, his SUV still parked in the same
position. I texted a quick response and smiled to myself as I knew it wouldn't
be long for him to reply.

Are you stalking me?

Not stalking just making sure you're safe and
remember, I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't want me to!

Mitchell's earlier words rung in my ears and made me
snigger.

Okay, well I'm in my flat now so you're relieved of
your stalking duties.

Thank you. Can I tempt you in to having dinner with me
next week?

"You most certainly can." I said aloud as I typed
my response trying to play my excitement down.

Dinner next week sounds great.

I'll call you in the week. Good night x

And a kiss, woohoo! Let's give him two.

Good night xx

I held my phone tightly in my palm as I scrolled through the
messages again trying to analyse what the hell had happened this evening and I
didn't just mean with James. I had been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions
today and wouldn't wish how I felt on anyone. Jimmy had been taken from us in
such horrific circumstances and I knew that I needed to keep it together
otherwise I may spiral out of control again. I saw the concern on Connor's and
Ethan's face, they were thinking exactly the same and I knew now that they'd
watch me like hawks making sure that I was coping with the loss of Jimmy. We'd
become close over recent weeks, he'd become like a little brother an annoying
little brother at times but with a heart of gold and I was going to miss him,
really miss him. A tear trickled down my cheek and splashed on the screen of my
iPhone. I wiped it away with my thumb and took a deep breath. I needed to get
some rest, it had been a very long day and I was pleased that it was Saturday tomorrow
as I wouldn't be working. I wasn't in the mood for small talk, I sniggered at
the thought as it wasn't exactly true as I'd just spent the last hour with
James. I turned around and pulled the slats apart to see if James was still out
there but he'd gone.
Glancing at my watch, I groaned at the late hour and took myself into my
bedroom. I lay on the bed fully clothed too exhausted to even change into my
pyjamas and it wasn't long before sleep took over.

Amy

I twirled in front of the mirror making sure that I looked
okay from every angle. I'd bought a new dress which hung just above the knee
and looking at my reflection I was pleased with my purchase and only hoped that
James was too. By leaving work an hour early, I had time to make myself look
presentable and was just adding the finishing touches when I received a
message.

I'm so sorry but I've got to cancel this evening. I
promise I'll make it up to you. James x

I read the text and felt an array of emotions from
disappointment to rage. I could understand that things cropped up but to be let
me down five minutes before I was due to leave was a little rough and hard to
swallow especially when I'd put so much effort in. I fell back onto the bed and
racked my brain whether to respond to his text or not. I would've much preferred
a phone call to explain which also made the whole situation odd, as James had
manners and I would've thought that was more his style.
I decided to not respond, I'd only end up being spiteful and I wanted to at
least hear him out if he was prepared to explain at a later date but the whole
situation got my mind working overtime.
Why would a man cancel a date and at
the very last minute? Was he possibly having second thoughts?
No that couldn't
be the reason otherwise he wouldn't have said he'll make it up to me but then
again was he stringing me along?
There were so many possibilities but the
one thing that kept playing on my mind was the possibility that he may have a
girlfriend. I hadn't thought of asking, when he reminded me who he was, I was
so taken aback that my excitement took hold and I just ran with it. I let out a
loud sigh and draped my arm over my face as I pondered what to do. There was no
way I was staying in when I was looking this hot and racked my brains for
somewhere to go and who I could possibly invite, then inspiration hit me.

"Hi babe, what you doing tonight?" I asked
Savannah as I locked up my flat and walked toward the taxi that was waiting for
me outside.
"I'm working until 9.00pm this evening. Why you asking I thought you were
out with James?" she shouted over the loud music in the background.
I huffed as I sat in the back seat of the taxi and held my hand over the
receiver, "I'm going to the Birdcage." I told the taxi driver as he
nodded. I placed the phone back to my ear," Yeah so did I but he's blown
me out."
"Really?" she shrieked surprised by what I'd just said.
"Really but I'm not wasting this dress. Wanna meet me for a drink after
your shift?" I asked hopefully.
"Okay I'll be there in a minute," Savannah shouted. "Babe I'm up
next, come to the club and we'll sort it out when you get here. I've gotta
go."
"I'm already on my way."
"Good, love ya!"
"Love you too!" The call ended and I placed my mobile in the breast
pocket of my jacket and sat back in the seat to get comfortable.
"If you were mine babe I'd never blow you off." I glanced at the taxi
driver as he leered at me in the rear view mirror.
"I'd never blow you off either," I sneered.
What a cheeky bastard
listening to my phone call.
I folded my arms across my chest and looked out of the window during the short
journey to Waltham Abbey, as I contemplated my evening and how differently it
could've turned out. I was so disappointed with the situation and not only that
but for also opening myself up to someone so easily.

We pulled up outside the club and I quickly handed the
driver a note before he spoke to me, "Keep the change." I stated as I
shimmed across the seat to open the door. The breeze blew up my skirt and gave
me goosebumps but it wasn't going to sway my good mood although I looked like I
was dressed more for summer. I slowly walked across the gravel until I met the
path directly in front of the club and breathed in the smell of cigarette
smoke.

"You want one?"
I turned to see Jacob hold out his box of fags and turned up my nose slightly,
"I'm so tempted but I shouldn't."
"Well the offer's there babe." Jacob shook the box and went to return
them to his pocket but I made a quick grab for them.
"You shouldn't be encouraging me." I said pulling a fag from the box
and handing them back to him. I placed the fag in my mouth and stepped forward
cupping around it with my hands as Jacob moved the naked flame closer to the
end of my cigarette.
I let out a loud sigh as I exhaled the smoke, "That feels good." I
placed the butt back into my mouth but the enjoyment was short lived as the fag
was ripped from my lips.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Savannah shouted. "And I suppose
you had something to do with this Skinner?" she asked turning her
attention to Jacob.
He held up his hands in a defensive stance, "Oh come on Savannah she's a
grown woman."
Savannah flicked her long hair over her shoulders before she stepped directly
in front of him, I saw him swallow hard and his eyes widen at her close
proximity.
"She's on a downer this evening and needs cheering up not lung
cancer!" She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him, I sniggered
at the stand off in front of me. They had it bad for each other but would never
admit a thing and it was amusing to see the cat and mouse act to try and hide
the fact that they so badly needed to fuck.
"I think we can safely say that you're overreacting just a little." Jacob
placed his thumb and index finger about an inch apart indicating how much she
was overreacting which didn't go down too well by the look on her face.
I watched in slow motion as Savannah grabbed the beer bottle from the wall and
poured it directly over Jacobs head without him even flinching, "Oh
really?" she said dryly before turning on her heels and heading back into
the club, "Are you coming Amy?" she shouted.
I glanced at Jacob as he wiped the beer from his eyes, as an excited wry smile
filled his face at the attention he'd just received.
"I'm coming," I shouted back but she was already in the club.
"Sorry for getting you in trouble."
"Oh don't worry about it babe, I like getting into trouble with Savannah."
Jacob gave me a cheeky wink and passed me his fag so that I could take a couple
of drags before it was dead.
I sniggered to myself before I leaned over and stubbed the butt in the ashtray
resting on the wall, when I stepped back I was surprised to see Jacob hold out
his arm so I could be escorted into the club.

"What do you want to drink Amy?"
"Something very wet and very strong," I replied as I weaved my way
through the crowd in the direction of the bar. I was mindful of how short my
dress was, I perched on the stool so I wasn't showing anyone my modesty and
swivelled around when I recognized the intro to 'Kiss it better'. Savannah
looked amazing as she strutted onto the stage with not a hair out of place but
I could see that she was clearly pissed off as she danced around the poll.

"You usually drink vodka and orange don't you?" Jacob
asked grabbing my attention.
I nodded my head, "I am so fine with that, just keep them coming." Jacob
drew his brows together looking at me concerned, and I rolled my eyes.
"Look, I've been stood up this evening and I just want to have a couple of
drinks with Savannah and vent my frustration."
Jacob held his hands up in defence, "That's fine with me babe but you know
your brother will have a fit if you get wasted and I haven't called it
in."
I nodded my head understanding his predicament, "I promise I'm not getting
wasted tonight. You can even supervise if you want to."
"You're a big girl Amy, just look after yourself." Jacob stood and
threw some money onto the bar.
"Aren't you staying?" I asked confused that he was leaving so soon.
He glanced over his shoulder to look up at Savannah dancing provocatively on
the stage, "Nah, I've gotta get out of here babe before I do something I
may regret." Returning his attention back to me he gave a small smile that
didn't quite meet his eyes and turned to stroll towards the exit, I watched as
he said goodbye to a few people before he left the building.

"So where's he gone then?" I turned my head to the
direction of the voice to see Savannah patting down her skin with a lightweight
towel as she joined me at the bar.
"He had an appointment or something." I lied hoping that she wouldn't
see straight through me.
Savannah looked confused but gestured for Natasha to come over. "Iced
water please when you're ready." Natasha smiled and turned to walk further
down the bar to get Savannah's drink.
"Okay," she said thoughtfully. "Just seems a little strange as
he hasn't been here long."
"So do you usually keep tabs on when he's in or not?" I asked trying
to get a reaction from her.
She shook her head, "No, it's just that he's a regular."
"I bet he is!" I muttered under my breath.
"Sorry what was that?" Savannah asked clearly not hearing what I'd
said the first time.
"Oh nothing." I sang sweetly picking up my drink to take a swig as Savannah
looked at me through narrowed eyes. "Are you finished for the night?"
I asked changing the subject looking at her attire.
"Yeah I was allowed to knock off as my friend needed company."
Savannah took her drink from Natasha as she handed it to her over the bar with
a sad smile on her face taking the piss.
"Oh please, I've only been stood up and feeling a little sorry for myself
it's nothing serious." I said with a huff. Savannah and Natasha giggled
simultaneously as I folded my arms across my chest waiting for them to finish
laughing at my expense. "When you're ready ladies!" I stated
sarcastically.
"Oh come on Amy, 'It's nothing serious'," Savannah air quoted to
another bout of giggles from Natasha. "You've got a face like a slapped
arse so let's get you out of this mood."
"How are we going to do that?" I asked sticking out my bottom lip to
indicate I was sulking.
Savannah smirked, "You're going to vent all of your frustrations, and
myself and Natasha are going to listen and offer advice that only good friends
can do." I smiled, "See, its working already."
"Okay, well it's the fact that he seemed so into me and has just let me
down at the last minute."
"Did he say what cropped up?"
"No, he just said that he had to cancel and he promises to make it up to
me."
Savannah rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "Well if he wasn't interested he
wouldn't promise to make it up to you babe, he'd just give you the flick."
"See I thought that and then I remembered that he's going to be working
for the club." Both women looked at me confused. "Well Mitchell sort
of warned him to treat me well."
Savannah rolled her eyes knowing full well what Mitchell was like. "That
man needs to fucking chill, he's always getting involved in other people's shit
when he wants to worry about his own."
Now it was my turn to stare at Savannah. "Well that man annoys me
sometimes as he needs to be a little more compassionate where you and I are concerned
as we do a lot for him." I nodded my head in agreement as she was right. Mitchell
didn't have an old lady, so Savannah and I were his sounding boards, which was
okay but sometimes he then treated us like we were his old ladies. He bossed us
around and told us what to do at every opportunity. I knew he was just trying
to look out for us both but there should be a little give and take on both
sides.
"But my mind has also been working overtime thinking that he may have a wife
or girlfriend, or that he's had second thoughts."
"You think too much, that's your problem." Natasha said leaning on
the bar.
"He's probably still at work, been busy all day and wants to go home and
chill. He can't tell you all this as you'll think he's boring so he'd rather
blow you off and then make it up to you at a more convenient time."
Savannah rested her hand on my knee reassuringly.
"Do you think it's as easy as that?" I asked.
"Hell yeah. Look Amy, you're beautiful babe. Any man would be out of his
mind to not want to date you." I rolled my eyes at Savannahs comment.
"No seriously Amy. You're not only beautiful, you're intelligent,
articulate, quick witted and have such a loving heart. If he's getting shitty
which I very much doubt he is, then fuck him off and move on because there are
plenty of other blokes out there who'd want to get with you."
"Ah babe, you're going to make me all emotional."
"Well you need to get it together, don't get emotional and sulk until you
know the full story. In fact you surprise me Amy, you never act like this over
a bloke." I pursed my lips trying to refrain from saying anything but Savannah
was right, the last person to make my heart flutter was Blake and that was five
years ago, and even then I didn't go spouting my mouth off about the situation
as it was in difficult circumstances.
"Ah I get it now babe you really like him, don't you?" Savannah moved
her hand from my knee and rested it on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze
as I simply nodded my head.
I did like him, he was different to every bloke I'd dated and I wondered if I
needed a change because past relationships hadn't turned out good. He was good
looking without sounding shallow, he had a good job, was educated and most
importantly had a great personality and made me laugh. These qualities were
special and I think that's why I was holding a torch for him so quickly and was
upset that I may not get the opportunity to explore these feelings.

Savannah reached for her glass, "Well don't do anything
rash and I'm afraid you're just going to have to wait until he makes contact
and explains."
"And under no circumstance are you to make contact with him first." I
drew my brows confused by Natasha's comment but was distracted by Savannah's
giggles. "I'm right, you make contact first and he'll see it like your
chasing him. You need to make him squirm a little and play hard to get."
I rolled my eyes at her comment, "Regardless of how much I like him, I'm
certainly not calling him because I don't chase." I picked up my glass and
swigged the remainder of the contents before sliding it in the direction of
Natasha. "Fill it up babe, I need to get drunk."
"I don't want to be a party pooper but you have work tomorrow and Diesel
and Duke will have a shit attack if you're caught here shit faced!"
Savannah made a very good point but I was yearning inside just to get wasted
and forget about all of my insecurities and imperfections. I groaned, "Why
are you so bloody right all the time?"
She giggled, "Not right, just pointing out the obvious."
"And I've been told not to serve you more than three drinks." Natasha
laughed as she took my empty glass from the bar.
My mouth fell open with shock at her comment and they laughed in unison.
"Are you for real? You've actually been told not to serve me?"
Natasha nodded her head. "They are unreal. I'm twenty-six not
sixteen!"
"And you've had a hard time and they're just looking out for you."
I let out a sigh, "I'm going to take myself home." Their comments
were a buzz kill and thoughts of James and the disappointment I felt when he
cancelled this evenings date came flooding back.
Why would he blow me out?
The
question continued ringing in my mind and I knew I wouldn't be able to
concentrate until I was given answers.