CHAPTER NINE
Brick
Iexit thedowntown bar my brothers dragged me into, more than ready to escape the crowd. After sucking down a couple of beers and winning two hundred dollars playing pool, I need fresh air and the open road. Shreveport is a tolerable place for the most part. It’s a strange mixture of old and new, plantation mansions nestled between high rises. The best place is along the riverfront, where the city has invested in refurbishing the parks. I’ve always had an affinity for water—ocean or rivers, doesn’t matter.
That’s where I’ll ride tonight…
A woman catches my attention across the street. She’s wearing a silky black dress with cowboy boots. My gaze wanders up her body, catching her profile and hair—that fiery red hair. Better than hitting a jackpot at one of the casinos, I watch Starlet as she stops to talk to a group of admirers. Not sure if she’s on a date or just being friendly, not that I’m the jealous type. I’d be a liar if I said it wouldn’t bother me if she left with one of those assholes ogling her like a piece of meat.
There’s another woman with her, and I’m hoping she’s out with her. I reach inside my vest pocket and pull out a cigarette, light it, and take a deep drag. One of the assholes grabs Starlet’s hand, but she shakes him off. Judging by her reaction, he’s a stranger. He tries to touch her again, but this time, the other woman steps between them.
Finally, the men leave. Starlet and her friend talk animatedly for a couple of minutes, and then part ways. I wait until the other woman disappears around the corner of the restaurant, then cross the street to intercept Starlet.
It’s been a week since I’ve slept with her, her scent and taste still fresh on my mind. And that ass… It sways hypnotically as I fall in step behind her, giving her some room so I don’t startle her. I’m not a stalker, but I’ll go after what I want. And my body is already screaming for another chance with Starlet Vega.
We turn left at the next block and she stops abruptly. So do I.
“Go away, Charlie,” she says without turning around. “I already told you I’m unavailable.”
I smile at her words, wondering why. Did I have something to do with that?
“You have a funny way of showing it,” I say.
She whips around, her eyes keenly focused on my face.
A moment of shock and awe passes between us, our gazes locked.
“Nice to see you again, baby,” I say, stepping closer.
“Go away,” she says.
“What kind of a happy reunion greeting is that?” I ask. “Didn’t you miss me, Starlet?”
“Starlet?” she asks, eyeing me like I’m crazy. “Who’s Starlet?”
I take another drag off my cigarette, then throw it in the nearby ash tray provided by the bar we’re standing outside of. “No games,” I growl, wondering why she’s fucking with me.
She retreats a few steps. “If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll scream.”
I cross my arms over my chest, intrigued by her threat. It wouldn’t be the first time a woman screamed at me, or the last. “Never thought we’d run into each other so soon.”
“I think you have me confused with another woman,” she whispers. “My name isn’t Starlet, and I’ve never seen you before.”
How can she stand there and bold-face lie? All of my suspicions are confirmed. She’s definitely on the run. “That isn’t going to work, sweetheart. If you need help…”
“No,” she cuts me off. “J-just stay away, okay?” her tone softens. “No strings, remember?”
For the first time in my life a woman has left me speechless—desperate to know more about her. I don’t like games, but suddenly I’m ready to play whatever shitty game this is. “You don’t need to run away.” I reach for her hand, but Starlet panics and backs away, her gaze zigzagging in every direction.
“Forget about me.”
Can’t do it.“I can help you.”
“No, you can’t.”
Before I can respond, she rushes across the street and hails a cab, waving both of her arms wildly. The vehicle screeches to a halt in front of her and she jumps in the back.
Son of a bitch.
