Page 6 of Healing His Darkness
“He was keeping me from falling when I tripped. Now you can let me go so I can get back to work. Everyone is staring at me.” I whisper yell at him.
“I’m sure it’s nothing Clay, Darryl here was just keeping her from falling on her ass. Ain’t that right boy?” Sawyer asks, slapping his hand down on Roosters shoulder. Rooster gives me a sheepish look before nodding at his dad.
“There, see no harm no foul. Now can you kindly go back to your cock party while I finish cleaning up.” Rooster and Sawyer both choke down laughter as my father gives me a shocked look.
“Georgia May Crenshaw, what the hell are you going on about?” He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“You know like a hen party is a group of women who get together and gossip, well the opposite of that would be a cock party.” I shrug my shoulder like that explains everything. Rooster looks like he’s close to losing it. His glacier eyes are sparkling with mirth, so much so I can’t help but start laughing. My laughter sets off his own, and the sound of his laughter gives me tingles all over. This man is dangerous to me on so many levels, but definitely my heart.
“Good lord girl where do you come up with this shit.” He shakes his head laughing.
“Well, it seemed logical in my head.” Rooster’s shoulders are still shaking with laughter and I can’t help but smile at him.
“Why don’t you go ahead and head out. I’ll finish closing up. I know seeing ‘him’ today was hard.” Dad mentioning Rodney reminds to ask him about whatever deal he made with the douchebag, because whatever it is, it can’t be good.
“Are you sure? Rooster and his dad are here to hang out with you, I don’t want to take you away from that.” The truth is my feet are killing, and I’d love to go home early.
“Yeah, I’ll have Cole and Brody help me close up. Go home and enjoy the next few days. You deserve it; you’ve been working yourself to death here lately. We need to change that. I think we need to hire you some help.” Shock runs through me; we can barely afford to pay ourselves to work here. How the hell is he planning on hiring someone?
There’s something he’s not telling me and deep in my bones I know it has something to do with Rodney. A feeling of dread crawls over me, and I want to demand he tell me what deal Rodney mentioned. But I know his stubborn ass won’t tell me shit, which means I’ll have to confront Rodney myself. He must see something in my eyes, or he just knows me well enough by now.
“Whatever you’re thinking about doing, don't. I told you I’ve got everything handled.” Rooster and Sawyer are watching us, both with puzzled looks on their faces.
“Fine, but if you don’t tell me what’s going on soon, I’m going to find out on my own. He’s a dangerous man Dad, don’t make any more deals with him. I can’t lose you.” I can feel the dread welling up inside me, tears forming in my eyes as I plead with him.
“I can’t lose you.” Sniffling I hug him tight.
“Awe baby girl you’re not gonna lose me. I’m a tough old bastard, I aint’ going nowhere.” He kisses the top of my head, giving me another squeeze. Sawyer and Rooster seem to be communicating without words, just some nods and eye gestures. Whatever decision they come to both seem to be in agreement with each other as they turn back towards us.
“Now off with you. Me and boys will close up. Go home and do whatever it is women do these days to relax.” I have no idea what other women do to relax but a couple of rounds with my battery-operated boyfriend usually does the trick. No way am I telling my dad that though. However, when I look over at Rooster it’s like he can read my mind and his lips spread in knowing smirk.
I can’t help the blush that steals over my entire body. My dad doesn’t seem to notice as I grab my purse and keys dashing out of the bar. I make a beeline for my car, but when I turn over the key, nothing happens. I slam my hand against the steering wheel in frustration.
“Fuck! I needed you to last a little longer you asshole.” I scream at my car, because it’s just one more thing in the shit-show that is my life currently. I lean my forehead against the steering wheel dreading going back in the bar to tell dad my car won’t start. Jumping at the sound of the knock on my window, I look out to see Rooster standing outside.
“Car trouble?” He asks as I get out of my car.
“Nope, just like to scream at my car before I crank it up. It’s like our secret love language.” I know I’m being a little bit of a bitch, but I know what kind of danger he is to my heart. No way am I letting that shit happen again.
“Okay I deserve that. It was kind of a stupid question.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I notice his eyes narrow watching my movements. I think I hear a low growl emanate from him, but he shakes his head slightly before giving me a panty-melting smile. I’m so fucked.
“You think?” He puts his hands in the pockets of his jeans, balancing on the heels of his feet.
“Sorry, it’s just bad timing is all. I can’t really afford to have work done right now. Guess I’m going to be bumming rides off my brothers for a few weeks.”
“You know I could take a look at it. I’m not a great mechanic, but I have a friend back home that’s the best. I could look and then consult him, maybe fix it cheaper for you. If you need a ride home, I can give you lift.” I should say no, I should walk back into the bar and just wait until my dad goes home, but I don’t.
“Alright, if you’re sure.” His eyes pin me with a look that I can’t decipher, and I swear I hear a low growl coming from him again.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” He sounds resolved, like he’s signing his own death warrant or something.
5
ROOSTER
Ipull out my phone to send a quick text to my dad letting him know I’m taking George home, and to tell her dad I’ll look at her car tomorrow. Just as I’m putting my phone back in my pocket George stands there with her hands on her hips. If she had any idea how fucking sexy she looks right now and how badly I want to bend her over the hood of her car, she’d run.
“Gee sound happy about taking me home why don’t you. I mean I can go back inside and just wait for my dad. I wouldn’t want to put you out.” What the hell is this woman rambling on about? I’m about to ask her what she’s talking about when he speaks up again.
