Page 47 of Heartbreaker

Strolling side by side we walk across the road towards Apperley Road.

“So, tell me about your reservations with Alex?” I ask.

Lindy is quiet for a beat and then she speaks. “When I was younger, I was quite a looker you know,” she starts, and I stay silent, but wonder where this is going. “My sister met a man, he was handsome and kind. He had a good job as an antique salesman. Our parents loved him, she loved him, but I never could. There was something about the way he looked at my sister when nobody else was looking, it gave me the creeps. It was his eyes they were cold. Nobody could see it, everyone thought I was weird, but I wouldn’t let myself be alone with him. I tried to tell her, but she thought I was jealous. About six months after they married, she came to a family dinner and she had a bruise on her cheek. When I asked what it was she waved it off as nothing. Anyway to cut to the chase he was beating her and after three years of awful abuse that she would only defend and deny he killed her. He served ten years in prison and then got out and moved away.”

Lindy stopped and turned to me and I could see the tears in her eyes. I sling my arm around her and hug her to me. “I’m sorry Lindy, I had no idea,”

“I didn’t tell you to make you all soppy,” she says and shrugs out of my hold.

I laugh because I know it’s what she needs. “Okay you old crone, but what does that have to do with Alex?” I ask as we carry on walking and near the shop.

“He has the exact same look and I have the exact same feeling about him. I know it’s not science or proof, but I promised I would never ignore it again.” I hold the door for her as we go into the Diner. “Just please be careful, Jackson, I know you’re a pain in my ass, but I do love my job and I can’t be looking for work at my age,”

“I will be I promise and if it is any consolation, I have a friend who is in the security business run a check on him.” I see her relax slightly and know she feels better having got that off her chest.

Lindy means a lot to me and although she is abrasive and harsh, she has a heart of gold and I know she cares deeply when she lets you in. I am in, she just tries to remain aloof and act like she doesn’t care, and I reciprocate by calling her names like old crone. It’s affection in the only form she will allow. As we eat our Brie and Bacon wraps and sip our coffee’s I think about what she has said. I don’t get that vibe from Alex, but I would never discount Lindy. I vow to keep a very tight leash on him and watch him very carefully over the coming weeks. I can also ask Brian my friend in security to run a check on him and while he is at it I’ll ask him to review Tinkerbell’s security system.

“What is the smile for? It’s that girl isn't it? The one from Sweet Heaven!” I feel a grin tug at my mouth at just the mention of her.

I proceeded to tell Lindy about her on the way back to the office. She just opened herself to me and I am happy to do the same. I leave out my feelings because honestly, I’m not sure what they are yet, but I have an inkling that it could be something big.

*~*~*

I arrive at Ashley’s place and the front door to her flat opens as I do. She runs towards the car, with a big smile on her gorgeous face. She’s wearing a purple gypsy skirt and a white off the shoulder top that instantly makes me wonder if she has a bra on. I lean over as she slips into the seat, her mouth grazes mine and I inhale a deep breath, taking in her scent.

The smell instantly causes my dick to twitch in my jeans.

“Hey, Handsome,” she greets me, and I smile a satisfied grin.

“Hey, beautiful. How’s your day been?”

We chat about our days as I drive to the Sailor and Wench pub on Broad Street. I leave out the bit about the deep and meaningful Lindy and I had. I’ll talk to her about it as I would appreciate her input. But not right now, I don’t want the crap of work to intrude on our time together.

We pull up outside the pub and I turn into the car park at the back. I set the handbrake and get out of the car, crossing around the bonnet and taking Ashley’s hand in mine. It’s crazy how right it feels to have her beside me. We are like chalk and cheese in so many ways, I’m wearing dark jeans and a dark blue polo shirt, she is hippie chic in her gypsy skirt. But we work in so many ways, not least of which is in bed. But it’s not that, she is sweet and clever and kind and so damn brave that it makes my heart twist.

When we walk in the pub, we stop to look around before we spot Taylor in the corner with Corey. She waves, and we make our way over to them. The pub is what you would call a classic British pub. The floor is dark wood, as is the bar. There are hundreds and hundreds of beer mats displayed around the top of the bar and around the top of the architrave on every wall. Dried hops are woven along the top header of the bar and the brass on the optics is shining. It’s crowded and noisy and I love it.

“Hey Jackson,” Corey says and holds out a hand to me, I shake it and greet him.

Taylor moves in for a kiss on the cheek from both Ashley and I. I have noticed that she is very demonstrative, but not in a bad way.

“What’s everyone drinking?” I ask

Everyone places their drink order and I go to the bar, “Wait up, I’ll help.” I hear, and Corey joins me leaving Taylor and Ashley talking.

We shoulder our way to the bar and wait as the harried barmaid finishes with the guy next to us.

“So, Jackson, any news on this weird stalker?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s so frustrating and I hate that she is scared. I’m trying to stay with her as much as I can.” I go to tell him about my mate Brian, but I catch a glimpse of someone familiar and a big grin crosses my face.

“Jake,” I call out and my brother twists around. He and Sadie are at the other end of the bar. They both wave and I see them making their way over to me.

“Hey, Jackson,” Sade says and kisses my cheek.

“Hey, bro,” Jake says and punches me on the arm, “what you doing in here? Where is Ashley?”

“We’re here with her friends Taylor and her fella, Corey,” I say as I turn to Corey.